Yes, you can absolutely turkey hunt with a bow! In fact, bowhunting turkeys can be an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. It requires a unique blend of skill, patience, and knowledge, making it a perfect pursuit for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
While shotguns are often the go-to choice for turkey hunting, bowhunting offers a distinct advantage: the ability to get closer to your quarry. This allows for a more intimate and exciting experience, as you witness the intricate behaviors of these magnificent birds firsthand.
But before you head out into the woods with your bow there are a few things you need to know. This guide will provide you with the essential information you need to get started with bowhunting turkeys, from choosing the right equipment to mastering the art of calling and concealment.
Why Choose Bowhunting for Turkeys?
There are several reasons why bowhunting turkeys is an attractive option:
- Increased challenge: Bowhunting requires a higher level of skill and precision than shotgun hunting. This makes it a more rewarding experience for those who enjoy the challenge.
- Closer encounters: With a bow, you can get much closer to your target, allowing for a more intimate and exciting hunt.
- Stealth: Bows are much quieter than shotguns, making it easier to approach turkeys without spooking them.
- Unique experience: Bowhunting turkeys offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is unlike any other type of hunting.
Essential Equipment for Bowhunting Turkeys
To get started with bowhunting turkeys, you will need the following equipment:
- Bow: A compound bow with a draw weight of at least 50 pounds is recommended.
- Arrows: Choose arrows specifically designed for turkey hunting. These arrows should be heavy enough to penetrate a turkey’s tough feathers and body.
- Broadheads: Mechanical broadheads are a popular choice for turkey hunting, as they offer a larger cutting diameter and more tissue damage.
- Release aid: A release aid can help you achieve a more consistent and accurate shot.
- Camouflage clothing: Wear camouflage clothing that blends in with your surroundings.
- Face mask: A face mask will help you conceal your face from the turkey’s keen eyesight.
- Decoys: Decoys can be used to attract turkeys into your shooting range.
- Ground blind or pop-up blind: A blind will help you stay concealed from the turkey’s view.
- Turkey calls: Learn how to use turkey calls to attract turkeys into your shooting range.
Mastering the Art of Calling and Concealment
Calling and concealment are two of the most important aspects of bowhunting turkeys.
Calling: Turkeys are highly vocal birds, and they communicate with each other using a variety of calls Learning how to use turkey calls effectively will help you attract turkeys into your shooting range There are many different types of turkey calls available, so it is important to choose the right call for the situation.
Concealment: Turkeys have excellent eyesight, so it is important to stay concealed from their view. This can be done by using a ground blind or pop-up blind, or by wearing camouflage clothing and staying behind cover.
Tips for Successful Bowhunting Turkeys
Here are a few additional tips to help you increase your chances of success when bowhunting turkeys:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice shooting your bow and calling turkeys, the more confident you will be in the field.
- Scout your hunting area: Before you go hunting, take some time to scout your hunting area and identify potential turkey hotspots.
- Be patient: Turkey hunting can be a waiting game, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a turkey right away.
- Stay safe: Always follow safe hunting practices and wear blaze orange during turkey season.
Bowhunting turkeys can be an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. By following the tips in this guide you can increase your chances of success and enjoy the thrill of this unique and exciting type of hunting.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about bowhunting turkeys:
Q: What is the best time of year to bowhunt turkeys?
A: The best time of year to bowhunt turkeys varies depending on your location. In general, the spring turkey season is the most popular time to hunt.
Q: What is the best type of bow to use for turkey hunting?
A: A compound bow with a draw weight of at least 50 pounds is recommended for turkey hunting.
Q: What is the best type of arrow to use for turkey hunting?
A: Choose arrows specifically designed for turkey hunting. These arrows should be heavy enough to penetrate a turkey’s tough feathers and body.
Q: What is the best type of broadhead to use for turkey hunting?
A: Mechanical broadheads are a popular choice for turkey hunting, as they offer a larger cutting diameter and more tissue damage.
Q: Do I need to use a release aid when bowhunting turkeys?
A: A release aid can help you achieve a more consistent and accurate shot, but it is not required.
Q: Do I need to use a ground blind or pop-up blind when bowhunting turkeys?
A: A blind can help you stay concealed from the turkey’s view, but it is not always necessary.
Q: Do I need to use turkey calls when bowhunting turkeys?
A: Learning how to use turkey calls effectively can help you attract turkeys into your shooting range, but it is not always necessary.
Q: How do I stay safe when bowhunting turkeys?
A: Always follow safe hunting practices and wear blaze orange during turkey season.
When Bowhunting is Most Effective
I advise novices to bowhunt turkeys from a ground blind since it will conceal the motion required to draw back your bow. That motion is what truly separates bowhunting from shotgun hunting. The other difference is that you must pull the bird in closer. Generally, the majority of the gobblers I’ve arrowed have been at 10 yards or less. I don’t often shoot turkeys farther than 20 yards. That should be your goal, both for the in-your-face experience and slam-dunk shot.
In agricultural fields where birds are feeding and strutting in the mornings and afternoons, bowhunting conditions are frequently ideal. If you dont have such a location, jump in your vehicle and go prospecting. I own zero hunting properties, yet I easily obtain permission to hunt turkeys on agricultural fields every spring.
Usually, when I set up in a field, I pitch my blind at the highest point in the middle of the field. I do this so my decoys are visible from various locations. Ground blinds are ignored by turkeys unless they are under extreme pressure, especially if you have a few lifelike decoys out. Compared to a field-edge setup, you have more setup options and better visibility when you place a blind in the middle of a field.
Are you ready to put your shotgun down and try to tag a spring gobbler with your bow?
Several toms were sounding off from the roost as I positioned my blind and decoys. I was expecting something certain, but as the morning wore on, they held up in the 150-yard-distance timber. I decided to hike across the property to see if I could find a more cooperative gobbler after two hours because I was getting impatient. I knew there had to be a lone tom somewhere because it was the last week of the season.
After hiking to the highest point at the opposite end of the field, I called loudly. A tom roared back, gobbling three times in a row. I set my hen and Jake decoys quickly, hurried to the edge of the field, bent down in the grass, and nocked an arrow. There wasnt much cover, but I had an Ultimate Predator bow-mounted decoy, and hoped it would be enough.
In the turkey woods, curiosity kills the cat a lot of times, so I remained silent when the tom returned my calls from almost the same spot. Soon, he was marching right toward my decoys at 25 yards and closing. I easily drew undetected, and when he postured next to my jake decoy, I nailed him. Thump!.
When bowhunting for turkeys, success is never guaranteed, but capturing a gobbler with a bow is an incredible thrill. Plus, a few states offer special archery-only seasons that precede regular turkey seasons. That means bowhunters can get the first crack at birds before theyre pressured.
Regardless of the reasons why you want to bowhunt turkeys, these tips will improve your odds of success.