first time

[James Bosley]

me and my brothers are going turkey hunting soon and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for me anything would be great

thanks

James

[huntnphool]

I would suggest reading through all the turkey threads, it should answer most of your questions

[yelp]

Read as much as you can.  Read and being new to hunting try and learn how to hunt turkeys properly.  I would also suggest going to seminars or joining a NWTF chapter.  Many individuals learn to hunt from some adult..parent etc..Most hunters in our state learned to deer grouse duck hunt...but turkey is relatively new...as is a hunting channel to show turkey hunting 24/7.  The computer is another valuable tool...to learn how to hunt properly.  I stress this because so many hunters I run into are doing it wrong in my opinion.  They get frustrated and anxious and want to kill a turkey so bad they revert to their core skill set..spotting and stalking or flushing.  Not only is this dangerous but I have had my decoys shot, have had inexperienced hunters walk in on my set up ruining my hunt.  The biggest complaint I have is hunters not knowing where they are.  Know who owns the land and where the boundaries are.  There are tons of computer data bases to look up property boundaries.

Ethics also come into play...If you see a pickup near an area you saw turkeys they are probably hunting that flock...move on and find some other areas.  Come back later and check..The one thing you should know is not  to panic..there are lots of turkeys available for everyone.  Some public land can recieve a lot of pressure..if you can go midweek that is better.  Also everyone wears camo and is calling like a hen.  Just be aware that hunters could be around a corner and to be careful and not brush hunt..Do it right. If on public land use gobble calls sparingly or not at all. 

Turkey hunting safety is number one..please learn the proper way to hunt turkeys.  Spot and stalk can be done but it isn't the safest way to hunt, especially on public land.  I wish you all of the best on your first hunt..have fun, but also be safe. 

Since you are hunting with your brothers you will probably have a great time.  I do when I hunt with my brothers.  Also start a tradition...shot of whiskey, whatever for the first kill.  Measure beards, weigh turkeys, spurs..keep a log keep track from year to year.  Take lots of photos and start an album you take to camp. Learn as much country as you can.  Talk to landowners.  When out in the woods pay attention to sign, feathers, roost trees, strutting areas, etc... Good Luck and happy hunting.  Let us know if successful.

[James Bosley]

thank you i will post pictures ya we are hunting Private land in Westport i think is it right that you try and shoot the turkey in the head??



thanks much

James 

[yelp]

thank you i will post pictures ya we are hunting Private land in Westport i think is it right that you try and shoot the turkey in the head??



thanks much

James 

I hope you are kidding...if not Yes the ultimate kill shot on a gobbler is a head shot.  It is quick and it keeps your pattern away from that tasty meat.  Here is a link to some valuable information

http://www.nwtf.org/for_hunters/hunting_tactics.html

[Wacenturion]

Take aim at the center of the neck if streched upward.  That way half your pattern hits mid neck up to the head area, and the bottom half hits the mid neck down to the bottom of the neck.  If you aim at the head, half your pattern may go over the target.  of course that depends on distance to the bird, choke you are shooting, turkey's head being erect...you get my drift.  In the perfect situation, that approach gives you the most pellets in the vital areas....neck and head.

[yelp]

Oh yeah did you say you were going to westport to turkey hunt?  Ocean shores turkeys...Longbeach longbeards?? 

[Aneoakleaf]

It will be hard to sit still so a pop-up blind is a good choice. DO NOT stalk turkeys.  :dunno:You may hear another hunter and shoot at his or her decoy if you try stalking them. Don't let this hunt go bad, don't stalk Turkeys. If you see someone stalking your set up DO NOT move or wave your hand at them. Yell HAY I"M HUNTING HERE. You may chaise off your bird but you also may save your own life!
 ANNIE

[Intruder]

Read all you can.  Get a strong feel for the history and ethics of the sport.
Put in your time in the woods.
Learn the basics of calling and setting up.
Be safe.  Don't stalk a gobbling bird... could get you or someone else shot.  High probability of screwing up another hunter's setup.
Call em close and shoot em in the head.

[turkey slayer]

Are you kidding me turkeys in westport.

[yelp]

 I smell another cast and blast opportunity...