On the Hunt

Calling remains the essence of turkey hunting, and those lessons hold true from the Grand Nationals stage to spring woods and fields.

The story of how a small hunting camp led to big things for the wild turkey.

If you write a little, and hunt turkeys a lot, you will eventually intersect with the word capricious. It’s inevitable, because the definition is so apt in terms of the wild turkey and its pursuit.

Pop-up blinds have become integral tools for many turkey hunting situations, including Grand Slam and Super Slam pursuits. Here’s how Slam king Jeff Budz uses them.

Some folks opine that Missouri might never again see the incredible turkey hunting it offered in its heyday. A spring 2019 trip suggested otherwise.

From sitting in a stand for 13 hours thinking, “I’m getting one today,” only to see a couple squirrels, to missing a shot that was closer than you would like to admit, we have all had our letdowns on a hunt.

Hunting public lands is a privilege we have and in order to ensure public lands are increasingly accessible for generations to come, we must be responsible and considerate.

This spring season, whether you’re deep in the turkey woods or just hanging out in your backyard with your friends, most likely you’ve got your cellphone and are taking many photos to share on social media.

Getting outdoors is one of the best ways to practice #socialdistancing, as long as it is done responsibly.

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.

Various non-turkey calls can elicit shock-gobbles from longbeards. The key is knowing how and when to use them.

I was having real trouble conveying my love of turkey hunting to my buddy, Josh Kline.

The spring 2020 turkey season is just a week away for some and not too much longer for the rest of us, and with that comes the opportunity to start anew.

For the last three years, Arkansas NWTF Chapters have collaborated with other organization to give disabled veterans a weekend spent in the great outdoors.

NWTF Convention and Sport Show attendees were enthralled when they learned that Will Primos, Jimmy Primos, Troy Ruiz and the rest of Outdoor Channel’s beloved “The Truth About Hunting” cast were giving a seminar about how to bag more gobblers this spring; although, what the gang of hunter-slash-comedians really provided was a seminar with video evidence of what not to do.

It’s a cold hard fact that some of the best hunting opportunities occur during the most miserable weather conditions.

When Jim Spencer was loaned a mule-kicking, turkey-stomping 835 Mossberg from Bill Jordan, founder of Realtree to hunt turkeys in Texas, he had no idea he would be loaning it to generations of turkey hunters to come.

Traveling turkey hunters sometimes risk driving while fatigued. Here’s how the author stays alert behind the wheel during long trips.

Craft a realistic, common-sense multi-year plan to take your Slam. The pursuit can be arduous, but the results are worthwhile.

When turkeys don’t want to talk, you might not be able to make them. However, being patient and mixing things up can sometimes produce results.

Vocalizations are an important part of the wild turkey sensory world. Turkeys communicate a lot by sound.

The traditional turkey setup of leaning against a tree and calling a turkey to your location is convenient, but for pastureland birds your setup may have to be prone.

The term locavore is relatively new, and its popularity amongst adults has skyrocketed.

“The biggest thing for me is that I don’t want my kids growing up in front of a TV screen or with a phone in their hands,” said Steph. “I want them to see and do things in real life, you know?”

Have you ever wanted to hunt the largest wild turkey subspecies? In Arizona, you may have to wait at least a decade for a Gould’s turkey tag, especially if you are a nonresident.

Many hunters ask, “Is it even okay to shoot hens?” The answer, simply, is yes, where it is legal, of course.

Despite being in his 90s, Kenny Haas is still an avid turkey hunter and angler

If you were born after the 1980’s, you might not know how good you have it as a turkey hunter.

When Christopher Giummo of Sarasota, Florida, entered a sweepstakes for a guided Wisconsin turkey hunt as he downloaded the GoWild hunting app, he was taking a leap into the unknown.

It was not until I adopted the philosophy of “bust now, ask questions later about the makeup of a gang, did I consistently tag turkeys.

I was on private property holding a large fall flock of adult hens, female poults and a few jakes hatched the previous spring. The adult toms were in separate smaller flocks.

While I’m a good shot and have bow-killed gobblers at distances well beyond 20 yards, I prefer in-my-lap shots because I believe it’s my ethical responsibility to orchestrate the highest-percentage opportunities possible.

Thanks to the NWTF’s adult mentored hunt, I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on dove hunting.

While fall-turkey hunting doesn’t exactly have the same allure of spring gobbling action, autumn is a great time to explore the turkey woods.

Come autumn, many turkey hunters traditionally frequent woodlots and fields in their search for birds. However, Chris Kirby, president of Quaker Boy Calls, believes other places rate a look as well.

Fall approaches, and with it comes opportunity in the field.

Hunting Gould’s and Ocellated gobblers is half the battle. Getting a south-of-the-border bird back home requires some assistance. Here are a few tips and tricks to ease the process.

When the mercury spikes, gobbling decreases, but you can still wrap your hands around a longbeard’s legs when temperatures rise.

Obviously, the quarry itself is drastically different, but the spring pursuits are similar in more ways than one might think.

A California hunter gets an assist from hunter education instructors and mentors to start a hunting heritage legacy.

Entering the 2019 turkey season with the added weight of my grandfather’s legacy in the form of his hand-me-down hunting knife, I had high hopes of punching a tag.

“I cannot prove that God is from Arkansas, but I know for sure that He has family there.”— Jimmy Peacock

Think outside the box as you begin your attempt to secure hunting property. 

Gobblers with girlfriends won’t rush to the gun. Many days, you must think on the run to outwit these challenging turkeys.

As you pass by junk take pause. That vestige of yesteryear has the possibility to be your next, best hunting blind ever.

Whether you are trying to complete a World Slam or simply wanting a unique adventure, know you’ll also be smack in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula, have the opportunity to see Mayan ruins, enjoy incredible local cuisine and possibly check out other local tourist attractions.

Whether it’s your own child or a mentored youth, companies, state agencies and private organizations are helping to recruit more hunters.

So you spooked a gobbler. Don’t panic.

Why is scent control important when hunting a bird that can’t smell? The answer is simple and often overlooked.

Avoid following the crowds during your Slam quests. Go against the grain to boost your odds of success.

Sometimes, one hunter isn’t enough. A two-man approach can often lure stubborn gobblers within range.

If you’re going to chase the Grand Slam, don’t rush it and don’t pressure yourself. Give yourself plenty of time to research each bird and familiarize yourself with the areas you are going to hunt.

Many Southeastern gobblers act in frustrating fashion and seem downright ornery. But experienced hunters know you can kill turkeys south of the Mason-Dixon line. Here’s how.

Tag a tom in virtually any weather.

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

A rise in tick-borne illnesses is the result of a convergence of factors that one insect group calls the “perfect storm,” leading to more ticks in more places.

These easy-to-master friction yelpers can help newcomers find their calling chops.

Very few stories deal with a counter tactic – how to be “nice” to the hen, luring her in with soft sounds… hopefully with her suitors.

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.

Whether you’re looking for a new subspecies of wild turkey to hunt or you’re researching a new state to test your turkey hunting acumen, the 2019 Spring Hunt Guide is here to help.

In Arizona, strategic partnerships have been key to the success of the statewide hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation model.

The science community is taking a closer look at the impact of West Nile virus on wildlife.

Competition callers started as hunters, and they translate turkey vocabulary smarts learned afield to the GNCC limelight and back to the woods.

The hunt was the realization of a dream for me, and a memory that neither Douglas nor I will ever forget.  I hope someday I’m around to watch Douglas take his son hunting and continue the legacy that my dad introduced to me. 

As the late, great gun writer Aaron Fraser Pass once wrote of wind drift, “Like the weather, shooters must learn to live with the wind, and “wind doping” in the field is a learned and arcane art form, rather than a science.” This is a case where “practice makes perfect” really applies.

Whether its birdwatching, handgun shooting or turkey hunting, we all need a start in the outdoors. Amy McKenzie helps make the introduction in Ohio

For turkey hunters, hearing that first gobble is likely the start to a lifelong obsession, at least it seems to have for our NWTF headquarter staff. Below are the responses from several staff on what interests them most about turkey hunting.

More people are beginning to see the joy in hunting them, which leads to even more people assisting with the conservation efforts surrounding these incredible animals.

Pass on the turkey hunting tradition this autumn by mentoring a new hunter. Here’s how to do it.

There are some gobblers with multiple beards, and occasionally we encounter a gobbler that is beardless.

Turkey nuggets taste good in the fall, too. Get all the fall turkey tips, season dates, public land recommendations, gear and guide info you’ll need in the 2018 Fall Hunt Guide. Remember to check your state’s regulations for full details on hunting seasons.

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

“By mentoring friends, not only do they get the Learn to Hunt experience, but they also may have a future hunting partner for years to come,” she said of the program’s young mentors.

I interviewed two young hunters who had their hardships this season; close calls, long sits, bugs, boredom, and the dreaded whiff.

Our volunteers work to pull together partners, other volunteers and private landowners for these one-of-a-kind events in the hopes those experiences will spark a life-long passion for the outdoors and our hunting heritage.

You want your kids or even your grandkids to embrace the outdoors, right? Unfortunately, countless distractions seize their attention. If you want to compete and forward the goals above consider implementing these 10 activities to hook kids on the outdoors.

Our staff is like every other hunter across the country. Some grew up in a hunting family, learning hunting skills from their family elders. Others came to the sport as adults.

Late-season longbeards can be difficult, but the author’s years of experience reveal that patience, perseverance and special tactics pay off

Seeing the smile on a successful hunter's face is what hunting is all about.

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

About 30 of us gathered in the social area at Dismal River Club near Mullen, Nebraska. The conversation was deep, but flowing, as we discussed a solemn topic: the loss of hunters across the country.

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.

Experience an unforgettable first turkey hunt through the eyes of a mentor and beginner.

As we prepare our gear for the season, it’s always a good idea to talk safety.

My initial thought was nothing more than “hmm that’s interesting,” but not long afterwards several hens with a gobbler in tow calmly walked into range.

If you make the commitment to self-film your hunts or the hunts of friends and family, you're going to need a few key pieces of equipment to get the job done right

When it comes to developing youth turkey hunters, begin the process early and take your time.

The 2018 Spring Hunt Guide provides you with all the useful information needed for turkey hunting in your state, plus public land recommendations from NWTF regional biologists. Each recommendation includes specifics on conservation-related work with wild turkeys, and other game animals, in mind.

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

The Slam King doesn’t get much sleep during spring, but that’s by design. Here’s how he formulates a sleep and wake-up schedule that puts him in great position every morning.

We asked seven hunters what, in their minds, were their toughest states to hunt and got some interesting answers.

Sharing the bond that comes with learning to hunt or sharing the hunting experience is truly special to most hunters

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

Sharing the passion of our hunting tradition is sure to spark a flame that can easily turn an interest into a lifestyle.

As if having two big toms down on a youth’s first hunt wasn’t grand enough, her first bird sported a double beard.

Pennsylvania youth gets redemption with a record-setting gobbler

We interrupt your current hunting season for an important consideration. Where are you hunting turkeys in the spring?

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

You are the face of hunting. Be prepared

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

The NWTF and state agencies examine what works and what doesn’t in hunter recruitment

Fall and winter seasons provide incredible turkey hunting opportunities across the country. Here’s an overview of the ever-shifting autumn scene

Navigating life in a wheelchair, with a walking cane or without sight can make everyday activities a challenge. Add in the desire to hunt, and those challenges rise.

Team up with the NWTF in 8 different ways!

Listen carefully and a decipher what turkey call a bird is vocalizing.

Hunter cheats death pursuing his passion

As the 2017 fall turkey hunting season nears, the NWTF offers up the annual Fall Hunt Guide as an overview of each state's up-coming wild turkey hunting season.

Hunting autumn turkeys is nothing like locating and calling gobblers in the spring.

Whether you’re looking for that second-chance tom or simply trying your hand at a flock of first-year birds, the tips that follow will help you have a great autumn experience.

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

No matter the reason, here are incentives for taking hunt camp back to the woods.

When an opportunity arose to attend a WITO turkey hunt, I packed my bags and took to the woods.

Turkey Hunting Q&A with former MLS All-Star Brad Davis

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.

When thinking of destinations for hunting Rio Grande wild turkeys, the states that often come to my mind are Kansas, Texas or even Nebraska, but never Oklahoma.

Earlier this turkey season, while filming an Osceola Hunt in Florida, we got a chance to sit down with country music artist Easton Corbin to learn more about his love for the outdoors.

An age group that so often receives a poor reputation showed enthusiasm that rivaled many of the seasoned turkey hunters I know.

Acorns and other tree mast attract turkeys and other wildlife year-round, especially in early fall as animals build their fat reserves leading up to winter.

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...

Cutting often indicates aggression from a hen. A bird that responds to your calling by cutting might be looking for a fight. Copy her vocalizations to bring her — and hopefully a gobbler — into range.

One writer’s turkey hunting adventure into the North Carolina woods provided entertainment, as well as opportunities to bring home the birds.

Making multiple sounds with multiple calls can bring the gobblers right to your gun.

As you age, your mission in the turkey woods changes and evolves. Nothing gives a senior hunter more pleasure than guiding youngsters to their first turkeys.

When standard calling doesn’t get the job done, employing nonverbal sounds and vocalizations not normally used may be just the thing to tip the scales in your favor.

If the author’s fly-down hunt blows up, he typically stays put until about 9:30 a.m. Then, he’ll start slowly covering ground to locate a lonely gobbler. Almost 80 percent of the birds he’s killed the past few years have come after the first two hours of daylight, and more than half of those were taken from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.

This Kansas longbeard never gobbled during his approach, but drumming from behind the hunter gave him away. Paying attention to nonverbal clues can spell the difference between a successful day and a blown opportunity.

Today it is easier than ever to keep a journal. Smartphone technology teamed with specialized apps gives you a publishing company in the palm of your hands. Sure, you can keep a journal the Lewis and Clark way with handwritten notes, but smartphone portability gives you the freedom to take your journal right into the field.

Like you, turkeys follow a daily schedule. Decipher this schedule and you could be one step closer to turkey success this spring. Begin your clockwork strategy with a dawn assault.

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

Hunting success can happen after bumping a bird.

Use these pro tips to overcome the human condition

Learn how to use terrain to conceal your movements and stay hidden from turkeys.

Placing decoys takes a little strategy but can boost success if done properly.

This event is all about the kids and their families and is meant to be an escape from their normal routine — a chance to do something they may never get to do otherwise.

As the 2017 spring turkey hunting season nears, the NWTF offers up the annual Spring Hunt Guide as an overview of each state's up-coming wild turkey hunting season.

Missouri holds special memories for this turkey hunter.

Calling legend Preston Pittman believes when you mentally become a turkey during the spring, you better understand what drives the birds and increase your chances of success.

This common-sense decoy setup presents a natural scene that puts gobblers right where you want them

Ohio’s NWTF State Chapter provides a unique hunting opportunity for statewide scholarship recipients.

Becoming one with your surroundings, understanding and reacting to turkey behavior and habits: these are just a taste of the skills needed to match the abilities of this turkey hunter.

I walked in darkness through a 20-year-old pine plantation. On the other side was a 3-acre pond and beyond it, my destination. The large steel building looming in the predawn light was where my friend Gary Ganas and his wife, Sandy, called home. No lights were visible.

From bushy-tails to white-tails, lessons learned hunting squirrels easily carry over into the deer stands and other hunting venues.

Learn how to turn lousy days into great ones when hunting for turkeys!

Learn how to give a gobbler what he wants to hear.

Use the following six rules to find a tree worthy of a long morning sit.

With a little luck, long-time NWTF member finds his fountain of youth.

If you locate hens, longbeards are sure to follow. Learn how.

Here are four ways to cope and compensate for missing a wild turkey.

Spend quality time out in the woods with a youth using these tips.

Learn how to adjust your approach to tag a bird in the afternoon.

Learn how to deal with unique situations in the turkey woods.

Make these three changes to adapt your early season strategy into a late season goldmine.

What it's like to hunt wild turkeys for the first time.

Use this list to help determine if you should, or shouldn't use a blind on your next hunt outing.

Adapt and overcome by switching your strategy. The results may surprise you.

Follow this four step plan to locate a roosted bird and set yourself up for success the next morning. Putting in the time after dark may just help you tag out at first light.

Use these high-impact preemptive tactics on hard to handle longbeards.

Boost your decoy game with fine-tuned approaches from the pros.

Get the lowdown on spring turkey hunting nationwide.

Improve your mouth calling game and make the birds come to you!

Produce a better, more realistic turkey call with these helpful hints.

Read about four "normal" hunting situations and how to adapt your calling techniques to get the bird.

Five tips to hunt both species without ruining your chances of success for the other.

Busting fall flocks sometimes goes wrong. Learn how to cope and turn it into success.

It's the most useful in fall, but you never know when an odd sound like that will work in your favor, even in spring.

Let decoys give you the advantage in the woods. They can act as a lure and serve as a distraction. Win-win.

Five tips to find and shoot your fall bird.

Are birds really call-shy?

There is no substitution for time spent in the woods, but these pointers will help you become a savvier, more successful fall hunter.

Find fall flocks by using specific gobbler or hen vocalizations. Learn these calls, use them and fool those turkeys into range.

Ultra-realistic, modern turkey decoys are the best ever produced. Use them properly to boost your chances of success.

Hunters often ignore this lowly single-note call, and that might be a mistake.

You may be making turkey sounds, but are you talking turkey?

Share our legacy and don't let hunters become extinct.

Are fencerows friend of fow?

Watch all three parts of this web series to learn insider knowledge on how you can harvest the birds you haven't been able to kill, until now.

Warm temperatures aren’t enjoyable for turkeys or hunters. By adjusting your tactics, however, you can still punch a tag when the mercury rises.

Stray away from traditional calls and sound off with a shock call to get a bird to gobble.

Don't let the hype of the hunt control your mind. Don't mistake a hunter for game. Learn how to avoid the mistake.

We break down the steps on how to make the most realistic turkey sounds with a mouth call.

Take it from the pros so you don't have to learn the lessons the hard way.

Learn these 11 calls and you'll have the upper hand in the woods this spring.

Learn how to properly set up your decoys to correspond to each phase of the breeding season.

Use these old school tricks that work in the woods!

Take a little pot that makes a lot of noise with you to the woods!

Employ these decoying strategies and let the deeks do the work.

Learn new hunting strategies for an old bird!

Don't know what to do in certain situations? Let the pros help!

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

What puts the hunting lifestyle in danger, find out the top 10 factors now.