Gear Up

Whether you are ready for it or not, summer is waning and fall hunting seasons are nearly upon us. In just a few short weeks, some hunters will be hitting the trees for the onset of deer season. So, if you haven’t started evaluating your equipment for the fall, now is the time to do it.

Whether you’re going on a backcountry hunt or simply headed down the road to your secret spot, you should always have appropriate first aid supplies while in the woods.

YETI’s innovation also has continued to churn out a variety of versatile, “grizzly-proof” products over the past few years, and 2020 is no different. Here is a quick rundown of some of the highlights we tested out this spring.

Having been in the market for a new shotgun, I was more than willing to take on the task of reviewing Benelli’s M2 Turkey Performance Shop 20-gauge shotgun.

If you’re looking for a practical yet stylish warm-weather shirt for summer days on the water or in the woods, look no further than Drake’s Flyweight Wingshooter shirt.

The turkey hunter’s 12 or 20 gauge, shooting today’s high-powered slug loads, can become a top feral hog gun with few modifications.

NWTF member and retired agricultural science teacher, Paul Heasley, has found an educational way to integrate turkey calling into the classroom, and, through his students’ research.

With the advancement of hunting ammunition and firearms, state wildlife agencies have changed hunting regulation language, but a few states are holding firm on smaller shot size and subgauge restrictions.

You may believe your vehicle is invincible to the surrounding environment with big tires and a flashy grill guard. These items help,but you need recovery gear in addition to those oversized tires

Dedicated turkey vests often have plenty of pockets for friction calls and mouth diaphragms, as do modern-day camo cargo pants. Fill them.

Prepare. Pattern. Practice. before you hit the woods this spring.

Our staff decided to share some of their favorite turkey hunting products for Spring 2020. Check it out!

Here is a sneak preview of what turkey hunters will see in the 2020 gun and ammo catalogs.

Ever considered hitting the back country to chase gobblers? For all you adventure hunting seekers, here are some useful tips that will prepare you for a multi-day turkey hunt in the back country.

Is it turkey season yet? While we aren’t quite there, it is a week for some, and longer for others, before seasons kick off.

Taking a turkey with a .410 has become all the rage over the past couple seasons, and it started when manufactured loads began hitting the market two seasons ago.

We showed you some of the guns and ammo that is new for 2020, but now we showcase the rest of the things we found that can enhance your trips to the turkey woods.

The 2020 SHOT Show is filled with countless new items for recreational shooters and avid outdoorsmen and women, but we did our best to try to narrow down some of the items we found to things that are applicable to you, the turkey hunter.

If you are in the market for a quality semi-auto turkey gun that doesn't break the bank, the TriStar Viper G2 is worth a look.

While you might be sold on your current knife, you may want to consider Sarge’s “Tribe” outdoor knife.

Put a little yelping in your holiday with these great turkey hunting gift ideas from Primos, Zink and others.

If you have any extra turkey fans around your house, give the Turkey Hooker a look and I believe you’ll be pleased with the outcome.

As hunters, we always are on the lookout for solid gear to aid us in our outdoor pursuits. Here are a few of the items featured in our November/December 2019 issue of Turkey Country magazine.

Most hunters will tell you that aside from the firearm or bow in their hand, the most valuable piece of hunting equipment is probably the boots on their feet.

Many factors can shut down your bowhunt. Weather, hunting pressure and even your physical stamina can stop a hunt cold. Don’t add bow equipment failure to the list. With some foresight and planning, you can turn an equipment disaster into just a bump in the road. Be prepared with the right tools and backup parts to get right back into the hunt.

Since we know turkey hunters enjoy more than just spring pursuits, we want to help make sure you know about some of the new gear out there during the fall season. Whether you planning on chasing deer, sitting in a duck blind or even hitting the back country of the West, these are some of the products that piqued our interest and we think are worth a quick look.

Despite what some might say, there is no universal “best” optic; instead, the best optic for a turkey gun is one the shooter finds most comfortable, easiest to use and most productive. 

The customization capability of this firearm is unparalleled. The flexibility in fit is ideal for a young person looking for a gun to grow with, or anyone who doesn’t fit the “standard” mold.

While normally a sportsman’s chair would get a workout in the spring turkey woods, the Bolderton Elite Sportsman’s Chairs got a different kind of trial this summer.

Summer is the perfect time to stock up on gear for next season!

Ol’ Tom Technical Turkey Gear’s line of lightweight technical apparel covers the run-and-gun gobbler getter and the early deer season bowhunter.

Before you hit the woods, check out this great gear!

While some turkey hunters prefer to hit the field each spring toting a scattergun, there are hunters like me who enjoy taking a spring gobbler with archery equipment. Just as shotshells have evolved year after year, so too have broadheads. A new batch of broadheads featuring updated blade configurations, mechanics and designs can only mean one thing … it is broadhead testing time.

Just in time for countless April 1 openings of spring turkey seasons across the country, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Avian-X Decoys are partnering to bring turkey hunters the GBGH (Go Big or Go Home) party pack of decoys. With an MSRP of just $3,500, the GBGH flock of fakes is a steal for hardcore hunters.

The new jake decoy, the first product in the new HDR line, truly is a striking decoy. While HDR stands for Heavy-Duty Realism, it also could stand for high-definition realism due to the extreme detail in the hard-bodied decoy.

Welcome to south Florida, land of sharp spurs, hog heaven, overgrown lizards and fishing galore.

With advanced high density tungsten shot, greatly improved wads and hi-tech shot column fillers, we now have some of the best turkey loads ever!

Let’s discuss a major piece of equipment in today’s turkey hunter’s bag of tricks – decoys.

After making a few calls with your box call you realize that it does not sound like it once did. It might be time for a tune-up. Do not get carried away with the tuning as this might ruin the call. A little will go far in the tuning process.

At the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, calling champion and Avian-X spokesperson Matt Morrett gave his favorite tips and tricks for calling turkeys and using turkey decoys in the spring during the “Turkey Decoy and Calling Tactics” seminar.

For turkey addicts, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show is a chance to check out some of the hottest new products for the upcoming spring season. So we hit the show floor seeking out one of the most used turkey hunting products: the turkey decoy. While there were several companies to launch full decoy lines, the theme for 2019 seemed be male turkey decoys.

Billy Yargus and Preston Pittman explain how to choose the best-sounding calls and keep them running from hunt to hunt.

SHOT Show 2019 is underway here in Las Vegas, Nevada, and that means buyers and media are getting first looks at countless new hunting and shooting sports products hitting the market this year.

This year, the package is a diverse collection bringing together traditional and contemporary items to suit even the most discerning tastes.

Testing the Henry Single-Shot 20-gauge for an unconventional use.

Step up your game, and look to Bloodsport Archery to get set up for bowhunting.

Still in pursuit of that perfect gift for the hunter on your list? Check out our holiday wish list for 2018!

If you’re looking to buy your first shotgun and want a good all-around-use gun, there are a few things you need to consider before buying. NWTF Hunting Heritage and Habitat Manager Travis Sumner shared a few tips on buying a shotgun that will make a good all-around hunting gun.

Handling Henry’s single-shot in the woods feels like tradition. Smooth American walnut, sharp-cut checkering and a fine fit and finish give this shotgun a great feel and elegant look.

Each year, onX Hunt maps add new layers and features, and this year onX worked with the NWTF to add the NWTF turkey records layer. OnX went further with its upgrades and added the ability to share waypoints as well.

We’ve taken the following gear into the woods, onto the range and even into the water to give you an idea of how it performed for us. How is your new gear performing this season?

Bring on the fairly new (debuted in 2016) Weatherby Element Synthetic — an inertia-driven, semi-auto shotgun that won’t break the bank.

A fall turkey hunter’s ultimate quarry, of course, is a mature gobbler which are extremely difficult to kill.

Even today, whenever I pick up a .410, whether to hunt squirrels or rabbits or to watch over one of my sons as they kill a turkey, there’s a brief nostalgic moment as I reflect back on those times of learning to be responsible.

Inherently simple in design and so solid upon lockup that they are considered precision rifles, they are cherished by small woodlot hunters to bean-field marksmen, alike.

It’s the time of year to thank all dads for the lasting impact they have on our lives. While he might have more hunting gear than he needs, here are a few outdoorsy suggestions that will show dad just how much you appreciate all he does for you.

Whether you are for or against crossbows and their use for archery hunting, there is no denying their existence dates back more than 2,500 years, and they are here to stay. There also is no denying Barnett has been in the crossbow game for nearly 60 years, pioneering many of the innovations and features seen across today’s models.

For the outdoor moms, there are countless gift opportunities she is sure to love. From a new turkey vest to a concealed carry purse, mom can sport her new gear and be the talk of her friends.

Although hunting territory certainly influences what hunters bring to the field, personal preferences play a significant role in what we pack for a hunt.

Great breakover with deep lows creates a dirty rasp like a longtime singer in a smoke-filled blues bar...

We had so much fun doing it last year that we thought we would bring back the broadhead testing.

One of the hardest things for a new hunter can be figuring out what gear to buy and bring into the turkey woods.

From the wall to the woods and back again, the chest-mount display is more compact than a full-size strutter and much lighter. Without the fan, it even fits in your vest.

Scope mounting is a multi-faceted process, with all parts being critical to consistent hits on long-range bullseyes.

Current .410 bore shotguns might need some help entering the turkey woods.

Weatherby’s SA-459 Turkey Xtra Green semi-auto is a serious firearm for serious turkey hunters.

Check your checklist to ensure you have everything to make your hunt a success.

We received a sneak preview of what turkey hunters will see in the 2018 gun and ammo catalogs. Here are some of the new products to expect.

We're taking it back to the basics with the ABC's of turkey hunting.

SHOT Show may be closed to the general public, but that doesn’t mean we can'tt share the neat things we see while here in Vegas.

All of us — call makers and hunters alike — have benefited from Gibson’s invention

The weather outside may be frightful but the NWTF gift guide is sure to warm the hearts of the hunters and outdoor folks on your shopping list this Christmas.

Whether your turkey season is cold or warm, this vest has you covered.

Whether you just want to protect your home’s security while you’re at work or need a watchful eye on a hunting cabin or camper, you don’t need to be armed to the teeth — although that never hurts

We’ve checked the Black Friday circulars and found some great deals for all the hunters on your Christmas list

RAM’s commitment to their customer is apparent, as is their commitment to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

While some hunters really do not care which camo they shrug on, many are passionate about which camo they wear

The calls of autumn vary considerably depending on the scenario. Try these yelpers for specific turkeys and situations.

The Ghost Stryke uses binaural sound, which allows you to hear what you might have missed and determine the direction from which the sound came, which was just what I needed on this trip.

We've reviewed some of this fall's top hunting products so you don't have to!

The following gear is designed for women. It’s pro-tested and women-approved gear.

Help make today the day someone looks up the NWTF to see what we have to offer.

The newest version of the onX Hunt software adds more features for the hunter, angler and outdoorsman or woman.

Mossy Oak has unveiled Eclipse, a nearly all black camo specifically designed to keep hunters concealed while hunting out of a ground blind.

For the final suggestions on this two-part series, I reached out to a Vista Outdoor representative, a freelance turkey-hunting writer and combed through hunter tips to find out how to clean and store the final pieces of my hunting gear.

In Texas, everything’s bigger, so when hunting the Lone Star State’s numerous large ranches, getting from camp to roost takes more than just a few minutes’ hike through the scrub.

In part one of this two-part series, I turned to our official NWTF call company, Zink Calls and Matt Morrett, for the 4-1-1 on keeping my calls clean and in good working order until next season.

With Father's Day fast approaching, you're likely scoping out a sweet surprise for the dad in your life. Have no fear, we've compiled a list of 13 outdoorsy items sure to please any man.

For ease of calling, sheer numbers, and all-day strutting action, here is where you need to set your bead for next year's turkey season...

Nothing fires up an old gobbler like an interloper invading his territory. Make the trespasser a juvenile tom, or a jake, and he just can’t stand it. Want him to completely blow his top? Add a cougar hen to the scenario, and you’ll hear whistles of steam scream from his ears and nose.

Whether your bird is on the 50-yard line or close enough to tackle, this one-and-done premium turkey cartridge covers the field.

In a loud and crowded marketplace, one sportsman’s cooler shines brighter than all the rest. You may never have heard of it, but that’s about to change…

If you take your turkey hunting as seriously as we do, you need to check out these NWTF-licensed vests. Your gobbler season will never be the same…

The gobblers are strutting and the game is on. Make sure you’re ready with these proven strategies.

Most turkey hunters never give this a second thought, but it could mean the difference between a bird in the bag or watching tail feathers disappear.

Turkey hunters have relied on this proven technology for years. Now things have become a whole lot better.

Just as gun hunters choose the loads they prefer, I was in search of broadheads that suited me best.

Each turkey season, there are a slew of new turkey calls to hit the market, and 2017 was no different.

2016 was a banner year for turkey hunting gear heads who are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gobbler-getting gadget. Manufacturers outdid themselves with the release of a plethora of new calls, turkey hunting ammunition, shotguns and other wizbangs.

2016 was a banner year for turkey hunting gear heads who are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gobbler-getting gadget. Manufacturers outdid themselves with the release of a plethora of new calls, turkey hunting ammunition, shotguns and other wizbangs.

2016 was a banner year for turkey hunting gear heads who are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gobbler-getting gadget. Manufacturers outdid themselves with the release of a plethora of new calls, turkey hunting ammunition, shotguns and other wizbangs.

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show has become one of the most popular consumer trade shows in the industry, just ask the exhibitors AND sport show attendees. Visitors to the show browse the hottest new turkey hunting products, such as decoys and calls.

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show has become one of the most popular consumer trade shows in the industry, just ask the exhibitors AND sport show attendees. It is a must-see event for all who are truly addicted to hunting and the outdoors.

A variety of hunting apps can help you map your property, explore new hunting opportunities, follow weather, learn vocalizations of your favorite game animal and much more.

More and more hunters and shooters are celebrating a milder version of the old big boom as sales for suppressors are continuing to grow.

What are you buying the outdoorsman or woman in your life this holiday season? Take a look at what everyone is asking Santa for this year.

"There is no doubt in my mind that I'll be toting the durable, spacious and comfortable Commander X for years to come."

Learn how to use your turkey hunting gear throughout the year.

Modern call makers offer a variety of signature reed cuts. Here's what you need to know. 

Whether you’re looking for a throwback firearm for plinking and chasing game or an ultra-compact survival tool, for when the stuff hits the fan, Henry Repeating Arms will not disappoint.

Use these tips to keep your box call like new.

Here are a few key things to consider when you are gear shopping and don’t know where to start.

How and what to shop for as a first-time hunter.

For 22 consecutive years (1991 to 2012), Terry Redlin contributed works of art to the NWTF core pack - helping raise countless dollars for wildlife conservation at thousands of NWTF events.

Don't leave home without these basic turkey hunting tools.

Take an inventory of your gadgets and use this list to help you pack your vest with the most essential turkey hunting gear.

Fall turkey hunting has a rich and storied history, and sporting dogs are very much a part of it. Join in on the tradition.

These boxes might be small, but they sound off in a big way.

Take an old turkey vest and make it into the ultimate camouflage vest for hunting.

Take these 3 apps with you for the most knowledgeable field-guide you've ever had.

Not having success with a hen call? Try using a gobble call instead, here's how!

Turkeys don’t always come sprinting in to your decoy setup. But when they do, it’s usually due to quality decoys.

Some combos are hot. Some combos are not. Get the scoop right here.

Don't go solo. Go with mouth call multipacks.

What are you waiting for? Put these calls in your vest now!

Equipment can make or break a hunt, consider packing these items for your turkey hunt.

These are the most useful items to take to the woods. You won't regret having them in your pack.

When the weather has you down, don't let your calls bring you down.