Turkey hunting arrow set up?

[TRACY F]

I am looking to tap into the vast knowledge of Tradgang members that turkey hunt with bow and arrow. What is the best set up for turkeys when choosing broadhead type and with or without any stopper behind it? I have read in the various magazines and books where some people would prefer the arrow to stay in the bird and others that would not. I plan on hunting with my selfbow this spring using a sharp two-blade on cedar. Thanks for any and all feedback, Tracy

[woodchucker]

Use the same arrow/broadhead combination that you would use for deer hunting. (no stopper)

Some of "The Gang" prefer a BIG 3 blade Snuffer broadhead.

A string tracker is highly advisable.

A good strong pair of legs to run them down after you hit them!!!!!    

Good Luck!!!!!

[mark land]

I have taken several birds with my recurve and learned the hard way on the 1st one to not use a stopper with trad bows.  The stopper stopped the broadhead much to quickly on that bird and I did not get enough penetration, although the shock of hitting him knocked him silly for a moment long enough to jump up and get another arrow in him.  I use a Muzzy 4bl 125gr head and in every situation the arrow was either halfway thru or hanging by the fletch on every bird I have shot with my recurves.  Good luck and remember to keep your shots low and back, just above and forward of the hips and he will go down quickly.  Mark

[jeff / sc]

I've had good results using both  snuffers and woodsman.  I've been using the woodsman last couple of years. Same setup I use for deer and hogs. Don't use any kind of stopper.  Mark's recommendation on shot placement is sound.

[Orion]

I've used 5/16 two-blade Zwickey eskimos and Magnus with good results.  I think it's probably easier to pass through a deer than a turkey.  Much more likely to hit a large wing or leg bone on a turkey.  On a broadside shot, I once had a Magnus lodge in the breastbone of a nice tom.  Enough of the blade got inside the body cavity to slit the heart.  Only went 10 yards.  Had to eat the turkey before I could get my broadhead back.  For no particular reason, I'm going to give Woodsmens and perhaps 4-blade eskimos a try this year.

[The BushMaster]

While I don't want to hijack the thread, I think it is relevant to aske here about experiences with the string trackers.  Anyone?

[Guru]

No stopper  needed,it's very hard to shoot thru a turkey....Big multi blade heads are best to maximize damage(I've killed a bunch with Snuffer 160's)....use a string tracker to help recovery with a less than perfect hit.....Mark's info on shot placement is right on!!!

[Guru]

String trackers work great,use the 30# string,not the 17# that comes with the Game Tracker unit.

Won't effect arrow flight at turkey killin' range.

Use one,they work!!

[flatlander37]

Where do you go about getting a string tracker, and do they mount to your bow, or what?

[birddogdoc]

Guru, How do those string trackers work?  I plan to use Sitka shafts from Alaska with Wooodsman broadheads.  Can't wait!

[Charlie Lamb]

Curt has as good a track record with turkeys as anyone I know, so when he talks I listen.

Maybe it's time to bring back your string tracker thread, bud.  

[Roger Norris]

I was giving this considerable thought the last couple days. Listening to more experience turkey bowhunters told me that lots of cutting surface was the most important thing...I was all set to use Woodsmans, but I was concerned about sharpening them. I now, some of you guys do great with them, I just can't get them sharp enough.

And then I discovered in my box an unopened pack of the Magnus I with bleeder blade slots....I use the big wide Magnus on deer as a 2 blade all the time.

I put some bleeders in, and WOW. Thats a big wide head with lots of cutting surface. That will be my choice this spring.

[Mike Bolin]

Vapor 4000 with a 100 gr. brass insert and a 125 gr. Snuffer with a 25 gr. broadhead insert. I shoot 3, 5.5" gray, right wing, high back shield cuts. 55#@28" Widow PLII longbow. Still trying it without a blind, but I may go with the stringtracker this spring....where did I put the gadget adapter?    Mike

[TRACY F]

Thanks for all of the great info! I also want to thank Woodchucker and Guru for suggesting the string tracker idea. Mentally, it seems like a hindrance, but I will keep an open mind and experiment with it before season. Thanks again and good luck this spring to everyone!

[Glenn29]

String tracker works great on my bow. I used the gadget adapter and attached the string to the srrow like Guru recommended.

Flies just find out to 20 yards, past that I did not try.

This year I bought a Kodiak Super Mag and hope the shorter bow will help when using a natural blind.

[wifishkiller]

Ive had good luck shooting them looking away.  And again a big snuffer fan