Hey TURKEY guys....

[TIM B]

Question for you guys that have shot a bunch of turkeys w your bow.  Now I've shot a bunch of turkeys but I've only shot one with my bow....and it didn't go far. 

A lot of talk about string trackers lately and I wonder maybe some turkeys travel a good way after they are hit....are most of ya using the string trackers? 

Just some thoughts on them.....and thanks
Tim B

[GCook]

Tim I've only shot one as well but it did go a ways.  We spread out and found it about 100 yards or so away.  It was shot during a deer hunt but if I'm turkey hunting I'll have my string tracker on and tied on.

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[huntmaster70]

I wouldn't hunt turkeys without one, they work great!

[John Krause]

Don't know about a bunch but I've killed four spring gobblers and a smaller fall hen. A string tracker wouldn't have made a difference on any of these. The only bird I lost was hit directly in the wing butt and I didn't get a good full draw on it. Arrow came out as bird was flying away and no doubts he made it.

All but the fall hen were from a blind and 5 yds tops. That being said will try a string tracker this year.

[Yooper-traveler]

I use one.  Some turkeys will drop in under 20 yards but I’ve had many go much further before expiring.  That and sparse blood trails makes me appreciate a tracker. My newest one is from Chad on here.  Never had arrow flight issues out to 25 yards.

[TIM B]

Good info boys....

So...after the shot do you take off running like a wild injun after it?  Not w intent to tackle it and get cut up w a broadhead....more to keep it in sight and maybe a follow up shot if necessary - or maybe be better just not push it and let it expire?
Tim B

[Orion]

I've killed a half dozen or so.  Haven't used a string tracker.  On a good hit, they usually die within sight.  Did lose one bird that i thought I hit well that a string tracker might have helped me recover. 

I've tried to use a string tracker.  Have mounted one on my bow (on the accessory hole below the grip on my Bear A mag riser) and have tried a couple of different spools of thread.  In both cases, shooting multiple arrows, most times, the thread comes out in bunches and disrupts the arrow flight.  This happens when the spools are close to full as well as half used.  If I had been shooting at birds, that would definitely cause a miss or poor hit.

I'll keep trying to find something that works, but so far it's a no go.

Addendum:  OK.  I just went down to my basement target and tried it one more time with the half-spool of string I still have left.  Paid out perfectly.  Hmmm.  Perhaps I didn't have enough string pulled out of the spool before I started shooting it previously.  Think I'll buy some more string and do a couple of practice sessions/tests. 

[John Krause]

All mine died in sight except one which just went through a tree line. Will def do the practice shot thing with the tracker and make a decision.

[Friend]

Have never used a string tracker....have harvested numerous birds with a wide variety of broadheads...all produced fine results with a good mark. Note: There have been many failures along this wonderful journey as I to continue stumble. Perhaps I have learned some and have made appropriate adjustments to reduce repeated errors.

Utilizing a 2" Treeshark has, by far, provided me the upmost confidence over the past many years.


Quickened immobilization is key.

[TIM B]

Treesharks are my go-to head right now and plan to use them- thank ya friend
Tim B

[mnbwhtr]

I always use one when shooting regular broadheads(160 snuffers). I start with a bullhead on the string and a snuffer in the front spot in my bowquiver. If a shot doesn't present itself or I miss(heaven forbid) I pull out the snuffer for a second shot. Like has been said many times they drop in sight but I hunt in bluff country and many times they fly off and glide forever, that's when the string really shines. All I've shot with bullheads drop on the spot. I always use a string when bear hunting also.

[John Krause]

Tracker arrived. Here it is attached with a gadget adapter on a Martin Hatfield.

[Over&Under]

I’ve shot 8 with traditional gear, three blades, two blades, four blades...none went over 100 yds...all but one died in sight.
Have never saw the need for one, except on marginal hit, but that would mean I would have a tracker on my bow at all times during every season.

[Bisch]

I wouldn't hunt turkeys without one, they work great!

Same here! A string tracker for turkeys is a must!!!!!

Bisch


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[OkKeith]

I tried them many, many years ago and they seem to work fine from a blind, but I always managed to tangle the thread in EVERYTHING when we are "running and gunning" or spot and stalking them out west. I just make a mess of it and end up with string draped over sagebrush and cedar trees for miles.

I don't use them anymore. Been fortunate with shot placement and short tracking jobs.

OkKeith

[pavan]

When the first string trackers came out, we had a box of spools to play with that was supplied.  We found that they were quite limiting for taking cross wind shots past 20 yards if there was anything close to the arrow travel line for the string to snag on, be it a twig or a weed. Maybe they are better now.  My turkey heads are four blade HERTERS, a few guys use bludgeons for turkeys.  One of those has gotten a number of turkey, the last time I talked to him, he said he was still using them for turkeys.  With my shorter draw and slower arrow speed, I think I will stick to the Herters.  My hunting tactics are too variable to run around with the strings.  And even though it is a bit embarrassing, to quote John Schulz, "that second arrow and the ability to get it out of the quiver and onto the string will pay off in bowhunting."   Nope, I did not get a second shot at the ones I missed, but twice, the slower and not to quick on the draw buddy that was tagging along got nailed with the Herters.  No time to tie up a second arrow in those cases. So far, I have not had a turkey that I hit go very far.