Unlocking Success: Essential Gear for Spring Turkey

Spring means gobbler season and time to get outside and shake off the winter doldrums. To help you put a bird in the bag this year, we’ve selected a few products you might want to consider in your pursuit of the longbeards…

by the Shoot On staff

As the spring turkey season approaches, seasoned hunters and newcomers alike eagerly anticipate the thrill of the chase. To ensure a successful season and increase your chances of bagging that gobbler, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right gear. Follow along as we explore what’s new and rediscover the timeless essentials that contribute to a winning turkey season.

The Right Shotgun

The cornerstone of any successful turkey hunt is a reliable shotgun, whether it’s a 12 gauge, 20 gauge, or a .410 (assuming you’re using TSS loads). The new Mossberg 500 Turkey is a great option. Dressed in Mossy Oak Greenleaf, this 6.75 pounds and 41.25 inches long not only looks cool, the 500 is a proven platform that has been bringing down gobblers for over six decades.

The Right Camo

Turkeys have remarkable eyesight, which is why full camo attire is a must. Mossy Oak Bottomland is a timeless, classic camo pattern that is making a comeback. It is a great choice for turkey hunters in any region of the country. Here are some great options to check out: jacket, pants, facemask, gloves.

Top Turkey Loads

Selecting an accurate, tight-patterning ammunition for turkeys is paramount for a successful hunt. Popular choices include 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells with high-density shot. We’ve had great luck over the years with Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 3-inch, Winchester Longbeard XR 3-inch and Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 3-inch.

Pattern Your Gun!

Take the time to experiment with different loads, shot sizes, and chokes to ensure you are able to deliver high pellet count at the expected distances. By patterning your shotgun, you can be confident that you’ll get plenty of shot on target. For patterning, 40 yards is the standard distance, and we can recommend no better patterning target for this than the TRUGLO Tru-See Targets.

Comfort and Concealment Essentials

Enhance your hunting experience by investing in a comfortable turkey hunting seat or a ground blind. Whether you prefer to remain stationary or want the flexibility to “run-and-gun,” there are many great options on the market. Check out the ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam combo turkey vest and seat, the ALPS OutdoorZ Ambush sling pack, and the Rhino 180 See-Through Blind.

Master the Call

You should always have several turkey calls on hand. Most turkey hunters will carry a combination of diaphragm calls, box calls, and slate calls to mimic a range of turkey sounds. Brands like Primos, Quaker Boy, and Woodhaven produce high-quality calls that can make the difference between a successful hunt and an uneventful day in the field.

Equipping yourself with the right turkey gear and knowing how to use it is important. With the selections presented here, the odds of getting the drop on a big tom will certainly move in your favor.