Turkey Hunting??

[Willow]

Hey guys,
 I was going to go hog hunting but my dad says no way, its too dangerous (I was gonna do it from the ground). So now I want to go turkey hunting. I was wondering what all I need. Decoys, portable blind, etc. Any suggestions would be great. Also, what broadheads work. Can I use a normal two blade? Can you stalk turkeys?

Thanks

[**DONOTDELETE**]

check state law on stalking turkeys

Use the same set-up that you would for deer.

any kind of blind will work, You'll also need some calls...

GET OUT THERE & HUNT THEM HOGS TOO....

[bloodyarrow]

yes you can use 2 bladed bh's, stalking turks is pretty hard they have much better eyes than must other game, but it can be done. calling and a good blind is about the best way, and yes use a decoy.  

[twosheds]

Try to find out where the turkeys in your area are roosting.  Go in the night before you plan on hunting, and listen to where they roost. Usually the tom's will start gobbling when they get into roost. Be sure to stay at least 100yds away so you don't spook any other birds.  Get into the area well before light, and set up your blind.  I like to set up anywhere from 50 to 100 yds away from the roosted bird.  Start off calling real soft when the sun starts to rise. Hopefully he will hit the ground and come in to your decoys for a stickin.  Hopefully this helps. It is your job not to do what your parents tell you to do. HUNT THE HOGS!!!!  Just kidding, always listen to your parents. I wish I would have. hehe.

[thetroutguy]

I agree with twosheds on the turkeys.  Find the roost and sneak in EARLY in the morning.

As for hog hunting.  I would say listen to your parents.  You could explain how and why you think hog hunting is a good idea, and how safe you would be, etc. and see what they say.  Invite your dad along so he can see that you are a responsible hunter with a keen sense of safety.  You may make ground there, you may not.  The final decision will be his and if you go against it, you just may not be turkey hunting either. Don't ruin a year or two of good hunting for one "illegal" hog hunt.  Not worth it.  Prove you can be trusted and enjoy the rewards.

Incidentally, how old are you?

[Willow]

Im 16. Anyhow, I probably cant get the to WMA before the first day of hunting as I have a track meet. However, the biologist told me about a special area. He said Im the only one he has told. He justified this by his statement about my recurve "you've already handicapped yourself".

[Willow]

Quick question.... can you turkey hunt with one of those portable blinds that is only 30 in tall??? or do you need an enclosure?

[wislnwings]

I killed a merriams last year out of my Double Bull blind by setting near the roost at a know early morning stutting area.  I've also hunted them using one of those portable blinds that's about 2 foot tall and stakes out in front of you.  I tend to use the Double Bull when I'm hunting somewhere that I'm familiar with the turkey's habits.  When I hunt somewhere new I tend to cover more ground trying to find birds so I usually take the smaller blind.

[alligatordond]

Willow, There are no hard and fast rules about hunting turkeys other than they see very well. If you think something might work, try it.

You will probably end up hunting mostly off the ground so practice shooting from a seated position. Be aware of your bow tips. They stick way out and the turkey will make them out when you think he can't see you. The mornings are great classic hunts but gobblers often move more during midday and late afternoon trying to find more ladyfriends I presume. If you can, hunt the late times as well. At times I use camo fabric and tie wraps to make a quick blind in the brush but mostly I use the abundant palmetto fronds we have in Fla. Listen to the hens as they start making noise and mimic what they do. They are the best callers! Most importantly , have fun and don't let them frustrate you. Never mind, they will frustrate you so just have fun.

As for the hogs, do as your folks say but understand that they are more fun than dangerous. I sneak up to them and poke em with my bow tip for kicks.

Also Joey Buchanan has an article in Traditional Bowhunter this month with some very good tips. He's as good as they get.