Equipment Preparation:
Arrow Weight: Heavy arrows are not needed for full penetration on a turkey. A lighter arrow shoots faster and flatter, which is crucial for hitting a turkey’s small kill zone.
Broadhead Selection: Choose broadheads specifically designed for turkeys. Large, fixed heads that fly consistently, large diameter mechanicals and particularly hybrid heads like the Grim Reaper Micro Hybrid offer advantages of each.
Blind Concealment: Use a ground blind for ultimate concealment. Turkeys are not like deer and will often ignore a blind even if in the middle of a field.
Locating Gobblers
Drive country roads in the mornings and evenings, glassing open fields. Look for mature gobblers. Turkeys often move into open fields on a rainy day and frequently will chase grasshoppers in early afternoon. These are great times to scout open fields.
Shot Placement
Divide the bird into thirds from top to bottom. Aim for the top third of the turkey’s body.
When a tom is upright (not strutting) and faces directly away, aim dead center on its back.
The vent is a deadly shot on a bird facing directly away.
Patience and Timing
Be patient and wait for the right moment to draw your bow. If a gobbler is in strut, draw when he turns and faces away.
Decoys help distract the bird and give you an accurate estimate of range. Fifteen yards is optimal.
Practice and Proficiency:
Practice drawing your bow with minimal movement. Position your decoys where the bird will approach behind cover.
Timing your draw is crucial. Wait until the gobbler turns its fan toward you.
Remember, bowhunting turkeys requires precision and adaptability. With these skills, you’ll increase your chances of a successful spring gobbler harvest! Best of Luck.