Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics

So you want to be a better turkey hunter? We want to help! The National Wild Turkey Federation is working hard to make sure that hunting, especially turkey hunting, continues to be a tradition in this country.

To that end, we've created lists of tips and tactics to help new hunters get started and to help experienced hunters keep their tradition alive. This list grows all the time, so check back frequently to find the latest tips and tactics that will help make you into a better turkey hunter!

We start with some safety tips . . .

Safety First!

• Turkey Hunting: Success and Safety
• Turkey Hunting: One of the Safest Outdoor Activities
• Safety Task Force Report
• Fall Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
• Defensive Turkey Hunting
• Code of Conduct
• Dress for Success Rules
• Decoy Safety
• Proper Firearm Handling

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Tactics by Species and Subspecies

• The Osceola Wild Turkey
• The Gould's Wild Turkey
• The Merriam's Wild Turkey

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Preseason Preparation:

Get the Right Gear

• Turkey Hunters Checklist
• Picking the Right Shotgun
• What you Need For Muzzleloading
• Keep your Camo from Fading

Other Preseason Tips

• Find Public Land to Hunt
• Make Sure to Thank the Landowner
• Getting a Child Ready for Turkey Hunting

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Spring Hunting Tips:

Locating Gobblers

• Why Did He Do That?
• Picking Out the Dominant Gobbler

Setting Up

• Find the Open Places
• Stumps Make Natural Blinds

Using Decoys:

• Decoy Safety

Calling:

• Calling Tips

Shooting:

• Sight in Your Shotgun
• Learn to Judge Distances
• Range Estimation Made Easy

Scoring your bird:

• How to Score a Turkey

Cleaning and Cooking Your Bird

• How to Clean a Turkey
• Wild Turkey Recipes

Preserving your trophy

• Make a Turkey Cape
• Mounting Your Turkey's Fan
• Make a Spur Necklace

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Fall Hunting Tips:

• Quick Targets for Fall
• Scout Deer While Fall Turkey Hunting
• Records Help To Figure Out the Difference Between Spring and Fall Tactics