How to Turkey Hunt for Beginners: A Guide

Turkey hunting is less about tracking and more about understanding turkey behavior. 

Turkeys have sharp eyesight and acute hearing to detect predators, so you need to be ready to strike. Plan on hunting with good gear and have a flexible strategy to outsmart these wily birds. 

Let's look at some tips on how to turkey hunt for beginners, from locating and calling to what you need in the field.

Understanding Turkey Behavior

Wild turkeys are hyper-vigilant animals with behaviors that change depending on the season. 

In the spring, turkeys are in their breeding season, which means gobblers are actively seeking hens and responding to calls. This is when you can call them in, and male turkeys often come in aggressively.

However, fall hunting requires a different approach. The birds are mainly staying put and feeding in flocks. 

Turkeys use vocalizations to communicate. Gobbles, clucks, yelps, and purrs each serve a distinct purpose, so get on YouTube and learn them.

What's the Essential Gear for Turkey Hunting?

One of the first things new hunters ask is, "What do you need for turkey hunting?"

Camouflage matters, as turkeys have excellent vision. You'll need full camo, including gloves and a face mask, to remain undetected. Many turkey hunters also use a special vest, but it's not a requirement.

Turkey calls are another essential tool, with different types serving different purposes. Box calls are great for beginners, while slate calls provide a softer, more controlled sound. Mouth calls allow hands-free operation but take a lot of practice to use.

Decoys can enhance the hunt by drawing turkeys closer. In open areas, hen, jake, or gobbler decoys can create a realistic setup that attracts curious birds. Strategic placement is key to making the setup appear natural.

If you hunt with a firearm, you'll want a 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun with a turkey choke. Most people opt for #4-6 shot. I prefer Super Mag 3.5" rounds. 

Bowhunters should use broadheads designed for turkeys.

How to Scout for the Perfect Hunt Location

Finding the right location is just as important as having the right gear. You'll need to know where turkeys are roosting, feeding, and traveling. Early morning and late evening are ideal for listening to gobbles and evening roosting activity.

Areas near food sources, water, or open fields provide natural gathering spots for turkeys. Positioning in a concealed spot with a clear shooting lane allows for a better shot.

Digital tools like HuntWise can provide an advantage when scouting turkey hunting locations. You can identify prime turkey habitats and plan hunts accordingly, as described in this guide to finding turkey hunting land.

Turkey Calling and Communication

Mastering turkey calls is the most effective way to bring gobblers within range. Start with soft calls like clucks and purrs to gauge the turkey's interest before increasing intensity.

Hen calls attract gobblers, but overcalling will make turkeys suspicious and hesitant to approach. Turkeys don't call each other every 10 minutes, so remember that less is more.

Put Safety First

Safety is a top priority when hunting, especially when multiple hunters may be in the same area.

Proper target identification is important when everyone in the woods is in full camo. Only take a shot when you have a clear view of a legal bird, such as a bearded turkey. Some hunters use jake calls or even gobble themselves, so be extra sure before firing or letting your arrow fly.

While camouflage is necessary for concealment, wearing blaze orange when moving through the woods can help prevent walking up a hunter. Other hunters in the area might mistake your movement in the brush, so make yourself visible when you're changing locations.

Above all, communication with other hunters can help prevent any dangerous situations. Always assume that another hunter may be nearby. 

Additional Tips for Success

Patience is crucial when turkey hunting.

Unlike big game hunting, where animals may wander into shooting range, turkeys often require a hunter to stay put and wait for the right moment. Sitting still and remaining quiet increases the chances of a gobbler approaching a call or decoy.

Weather conditions also play a role in movement. Turkeys tend to stay near open areas when it's raining, but windy conditions make them less vocal and hard to locate. Learn the patterns and adjust on the fly if weather hits.

Timing is also essential. Turkeys are most active at dawn, making early mornings the prime hunting window. Late afternoon can also be productive as birds return to their roosting sites, but it's usually a morning activity in the eyes of most turkey hunters.

Handling Your Turkey After a Successful Hunt

After a successful hunt, properly handling the bird is the next step. Following state regulations for tagging and reporting the harvest ensures compliance with hunting laws. Know the rules for transport in your area.

Field dressing a turkey is pretty easy. Removing feathers, cleaning the bird, and storing the meat properly help preserve freshness and flavor. Many hunters take pride in preparing their turkey for the table with a delicious recipe, whether roasting, frying, or using it in stews and soups.

Try to remember that the experience is an important part of the hunt. Not every trip results in a tagged bird, but just connecting with nature makes turkey hunting worthwhile.

Stay Safe When Learning How to Turkey Hunt for Beginners 

To a lot of hunters, turkey hunting is the most exciting form of hunting there is. Turkey hunting is humbling, fun, and peaceful. It takes time to learn turkey behavior, scouting, and calling techniques — but the end result is worth it.

The process never stops when learning how to hunt turkey for beginners. Every time you go out is a chance to learn something new, to refine existing techniques, and spend a little time in the woods. One of the best ways to kickstart your learning (and put safety first) is to take a hunter safety course! It's a valuable step for those looking to improve their skills and stay informed about ever-changing regulations. 

Hunter-Ed makes it easy to learn safety essentials for hunting, along with basic hunting tips, shooting and survival skills, and how to be a responsible and ethical hunter. Plus, our courses help you meet your state's requirements for hunter education.

As you get ready for your first turkey hunt, choose the course for your state and start learning with our free study guides!

We highlighted HuntWise as an excellent tool to help you learn about turkey movement and find the best spot to set up for a successful hunt. 

Enjoy a 30-day Free Trial of HuntWise after completing your Hunter-Ed course and passing the final exam!

Then, use it to plan around the weather for your hunt, scout and mark potential turkey bedding areas, roosts, and travel paths, and ultimately give you an edge for a successful turkey hunt.

To claim your free trial, visit your Hunter-Ed student dashboard.