Budget Turkey Hunting: How to Chase Gobblers Without Breaking the Bank

One of the biggest hurdles that keeps people from picking up any new hobby — turkey hunting included — is the price tag. But the good news? Getting started in turkey hunting is much more affordable than most folks think. 

The Essentials: What You Really Need 

At a minimum, you’ll need these things to hunt turkeys this season: 

1. Hunting license, turkey tags, permits, stamps, etc. (everything to keep you legal in the woods). 

2. A reliable shotgun or bow and the ability to use it safely and effectively. 

3. Ammo, arrows, broadheads, etc. 

4. A turkey call. 

5. Sturdy shoes. 

6. Camo or neutral colored clothing. 

That’s it. The rest? Odds are, you either already own it or can find it without breaking the bank. 

Camo on a Dime 

Turkeys are notorious for their sharp eyesight, so blending in is important — but that doesn’t mean you need to drop a ton of cash. First, raid your closet. Neutral tones like greens, browns and grays can work. Think layers that match the spring woods in your area. 

For your face and hands, which often give hunters away, a simple neck gaiter, pair of lightweight gloves and a hat are solid investments. These are easy to find at your local sporting goods store, often for a low cost. Second-hand clothing stores are often a great place to look for quality camo on a budget too.

Additionally, once you’re out there, tuck yourself into natural cover — fallen logs, brush and trees can all help conceal you even better.  

While we hear stories of our grandparents’ generation turkey hunting in blue jeans, turkeys are extremely wary and have keen eyesight, so having a camo pattern that hides you exceptionally well only increases your chances of not getting busted. 

The Turkey Vest 

Turkey vests are handy. With their variety of pockets, built-in seats and other bells and whistles they can make things a lot more convenient, but they aren’t a necessity. A neutral-colored backpack you already own will get the job done for carrying calls, snacks, water and other essentials. If you are concerned about visibility, use natural materials from your surroundings like leaves and brush to camouflage your bag once you've set up your spot. 

A main feature of many turkey vests — built in seats — are likely going to be something you want, as sitting still is paramount in turkey hunting. A solution to adding a comfortable seat to your setup on a budget can be found at many sporting goods stores, like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Portable hunting seat cushions are cheap and widely available and easy to strap one to your pack or clip it to your belt loop with a carabiner, and you’ve got a mobile turkey seat ready to go. 

Go Full DIY: Turkey Camp 

Another way to keep your hunt budget-friendly (and add some adventure) is to skip the lodge or hotel and set up your own turkey camp. If you have basic camping gear or can sleep in your vehicle, you’ll not only save money but also get to soak up more time outdoors and deepen your connection with nature. Obviously, only camp out where permitted. 

Hunt for Deals  

When it comes to specialized gear such as decoys, calls and binoculars, buying used is one of the smartest ways to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality. As turkey season approaches, hunters are often looking to offload last year’s gear to make room (and cash) for upgrades. 

Check online marketplaces, pawn shops or even turkey hunting Facebook groups for things like calls, vests and optics. It’s likely you’ll find just about everything for a fraction of the retail price. You don’t have to sacrifice quality either; you just need to hunt a little harder for those deals. 

Public Lands = Free Access 

Finally, don’t overlook public lands. While it’s great to have access to private ground, public lands offer endless opportunities without the cost. Yes, they can get busy, especially on weekends, but midweek hunts and hiking deeper into the woods can lead you to less-pressured birds. A detailed map and a willingness to walk a little farther than the next hunter can make all the difference. 

The Bottom Line 

You don’t need to spend an entire paycheck to be successful in the turkey woods. With a few essentials, some creativity and a bit of sweat equity, you can hit the field this season without emptying your wallet — and still come home with a gobbler over your shoulder.