Archery hunting for turkyeys?

[Young Gun]

I didn't get drawn this year so I am going with my bow the last 2 seasons. My season is May 16-29th. If anyone has hunted this season can you give me some strategies and tips to help me bag a gobbler with my bow, Thanks.

[gurkster]

YG - I wish I could help more. I am in the same boat. I have shot 5 Turkeys with my gun and I am now after them with my bow. I was busted the last 2 years while trying to turn and draw. I think I am going to get a good blind this year and try and get one that way. In the past I have used "natural blinds" like windfalls, etc to setup in. For Archery, I think, if you have some of the basic turkey hunting skills the most important thing is concealment. You have to be able to move more with a bow than gun, and also need a good shooting lane, getting both without a blind was hard for me. That is what I would concentrate on, and am going to myself.

As for season - I think there are pros and cons to all, early to late. If those are the dates that you are going I wouldn't sweat it. Turkeys will be in the woods, a little more educated than before, the hens may be nesting then though and a Tom may be more likely to venture out after that "lovesick hen". If you are on private land or know the hunting area and can pattern them - all the better. Good Luck!

[DonBo]

I'll have to second the use of a good ground blind. The rest depends on how skilled a turkey hunter you are.

I would try decoys. If the area you are hunting has not been pressured too much, decoys may be just the thing to get them close. Place the decoys at 10 yards, set up in a spot where they can be seen from a ways away. If that spot is in a place the turkeys use daily anyway, so much the better.

You may find the birds to be shy of the decoys, in that case you'll be better off without them. Again set up in a spot the turkeys use frequently. You can put a blind in the middle of a field if you want, the turkeys don't care.

As for the equipment, anything used for deer will work. I think a large expandable is the ticket for turkeys, but any broadhead put through the vitals should drop him quickly. If shooting expandables from a blind, remove the screen.

Good luck!

[Tipup101]

Take two days to scout. Pattern your birds then AMBUSH! Best tactic late in the season. You need to be under them at sunrise. You need to know where they strut between 10-12. You got know what feild the feed in early afternoon. And where they will roost that given night. Thats what I do and it works. You have to be two steps ahead. Calling late in the season is tuff. If you put in your time and scout them you well have a great shot at getting one. Speaking of that I better go and start my self.

[Scott M]

Try listening to the podcast on the front page for a few pointers.

2 of 2 Turkey Podcast

[Tippman]

Make sure you know where to aim at them! Vitals are only about as big as a softball and are further back on the bird than it seems they should be. I studdied this for my first time with the bow last year and still got all excited aiming for the middle of the bird and didn't get him. It was very disappointing.

[gurkster]

Here are a few notes that I have on the subject - still after my first bird with a bow - some use at your own risk .

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The problem is the Turkey vitals are very small, and angled strangely along the backbone. A wide cutting broadhead shot from the back at the heart/lung/spine is a good shot. Broadside shoot at the hips. Draw, run the pins up the leg to the middle of the body, release. This does not kill them, but they cannot run, and they cannot fly because they cannot run or jump up.

I have yet to kill a bird with the bow but have always been told by other bowhunters who have to shoot at them like this:

1. Facing away strutting. Aim at the old A-hole.

2. Broad side. Shoot for the wing base where it would connect to the body.

3. Facing you. Shoot for the base of the beard or just above.