turkey hunting is my passion and i enjoy it more then any other hunting season or game animal around. have killed my last few with flintlock but now for the ultimate challenge! i will kill my next one with long bow or i will never kill another lol. i plan on hunting them with bow until i get it done no pop up blind either will be using natural blind and cover. very excited to get after them in May! getting everything ready now as far as gear already have the 2 places picked out i think i can get this done wish me luck!
Good luck.. I'm the same way, but I'm probably not as driven as you are, my hot button is whitetails, but with turkeys , it's without a blind and with a tradbow or nothing , I've killed a few with a shotgun but won't go back. Ive come close, cutting feathers but haven't gotten it done. Our turkey population is dismal at best but I'll keep trying and love being in the woods chasing them. Post pics when ya get it done !
I'm with you, no blinds. Not my cup of tea. I've got a rancho safari longboat. Works great. Good luck, I will say a decoy is often needed.
i will use a decoy in one area i hunt the other 2 are big woods i do not want the extra weight and in the ridges 9 times out of 10 they never saw the deke.
I went all in trying to kill a Bird with Traditional equipment for 20 years. No blind, no decoys, just a stool to sit on. I would guess in those years I called in way over 100 Gobblers, missed a few and put a arrow through the breast of a nice Gobbler. In all those years I never filled a tag.I had a lot of luck calling birds in during fall season missing a lot of birds by shooting over their backs.
After shooting that nice Gobler through the chest and not finding him I started hunting with a shotgun. I went on a killing spree and getting a bird was easier. Now I'm deaf in my left ear and almost deaf in my right ear. It's not much fun Turkey hunting when you can't hear the birds.
I liked to hunt where there were large trees. When the bird would go behind a tree I'd get my bow ready and take the shot when he stepped out. Most Turkeys will freeze when they see something just long enough to get off a shot if your bow is lined up on the bird.
GOOD LUCK!.. i have been trying for quite awhile now. close misses, nothing but feathers .
it will drive you NUTS :knothead:
Quite a few years ago I killed a spring gobbler with my shotgun 10 minutes into the season. I said it was too easy and decided to hunt only with my bow. 20+ years later I have not killed one yet. Although I've had seasons where I only got out 1 time. I've got 4 grandkids with birthdays during turkey season so that takes up a lot of time plus work. I'm fixing to retire in a few months so maybe then I'll get more time. I did miss one a couple years ago at 8 yards when my arrow clipped a cedar branch.
Never killed a turkey with gun or bow but I am all in with trying to kill one with my bow, I been close a couple of times and fixing to retire so I should have more time to hunt them.
i have killed more then my share with shotgun, 5 with caplock muzzleloader and last 2 with flintlock both of which were about 7 yards away if i never kill another one while carrying bow so be it its the game i really enjoy!
Missed one this pass hunting season with stick bow,... I won't miss again! LOL I was just glad to get a shot off.
I've killed quite a few with a bow, but I do use a blind. Much harder to kill one without a blind. I hunted without a blind for a number of years without killing a bird. I could get them close, yes, but very difficult to get drawn on them. The few times I did, I think I was so surprised that I rushed the shot and missed the bird.
In general, just saw fewer turkeys while hunting without a blind as well. I think that's because they saw me move and slinked off long before I ever knew they were in the area, and sometimes even when I did know they were nearby. It's pretty easy to sit relatively motionless the first hour or two after fly down, but if one doesn't make contact with a bird then, it can turn into a long sit. That's when my movement increases, and I'm sure a lot of birds saw me and stayed out of sight during those situations.
Don't think I'll go back to hunting without a blind. I like to eat turkey too much, but I admire your determination and wish you good luck.
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I have found turkeys to be a very worthy opponent with a bow in hand. I have got my far share of them but most the time they make me look foolish.
I do change my arrow set up and build arrows specifically for turkey hunting. I like big wide 2 blade heads with a light arrow.
I also like using a bow that I can draw and hold if need be for long periods of time. I normally shoot a swing draw with a quick shot that can be handy with turkey but I think under some circumstances holding and waiting for them to step into a shooting lane can make a big difference in success. Drawing on turkeys can be very difficult without a blind.
I practice both shooting methods from my knees in cover prior to the season to make sure I'm ready for anything.
How much does a turkey decoy weigh?
dekes don't weigh much but i do not care for them either when hunting in the ridges.
Yes I switched to long bow or nothing a few years ago. Killed my share with a shotgun so don't care if I get another or not unless it's with a longbow. Killed one nice gobbler with a compound and missed 2 with trad gear. Mostly go with out blind as I don't trust leaving a blind in my spots so really just to lazy to carry one. Lol.
Been my gear for last few. Leafy coat and a Waldrop to stay still. And one decoy sometimes.
I've taken several here in Michigan using a tent blind. I was able to take this Rio Grande 2 weeks ago, hunting in Mexico without a blind. Just tucked back in the cactus waiting for a Javelina, when the turkey strolled by and presented an opportunity.
No pop up blind for me, I use natural brush blinds or for on the move a camo treestand umbrella as a blind or burlap material on a cord. Always bring a hen decoy to catch their attention and call lightly. Taken a few this way and missed or busted a few with my Recurve.
Like Orion, I too have killed several while using a blind. The first few years we only had a 5 day season so I'd bowhunt 4 days and take a shotgun and kill one the 5th day. A friend borrowed me his blind and I bow killed my first one and I was hooked. About the same time the state started a youth hunt in a park only 5 miles away and I was asked to be a mentor. Talk about a great time, I mentored for 15 years and got many young boys and girls their first birds. We always used blinds on those hunts and I just got used to using them and I still do.
The best way to get into close bow range of fall turkeys is to not have a turkey tag in your pocket. They seemed to have no fear of me at all. Not the same bird in the spring. I use two collapsible decoys, a Nifty Seat, a clipper, and a shroud of convenient small cedars. I cut a pocket into the cedar thickets, a very effective natural blind.
Many years ago I read a statement accredited to Fred Bear that turkey is one animal best suited to the shotgun. I'm beginning to believe it.
I've only killed 6 birds...4 with wheels years ago. I've taken 2 after I switched back to recurve only, but there was a 7 year gap between them. Crazy challenging with sticks and no blind. Bird from last year...
https://youtu.be/MvsRpfXQsTU
thank you all for the encouragement! as i said its the love of the game if i get one with my bow well thats the icing on my turkey hunting cake! cant wait for opening day i have the first 2 weeks of May off!
I have never claimed to be a good turkey hunter, but I have been a pretty good turkey killer!
Most of my birds have been taken with a blind, but in the past, I wasn't against run and gun using just a leaning tree seat. In need of a new hip and back, I'm likely not going to do well in compromising positions for long periods of time so the blind will have to do.
Last year I finished my slam but have taken several easterns as well. All of my birds were taken with a trad bow except my very first .. it was almost my last as it did very little for me.
When asked, I advise guys to use the biggest broadhead that they can get to fly, and when possible, shoot them in the hips!
A bird that can't run, can't fly... and he also can't run! The only bird of mine that went over 10 yards was shot through the back.. missing his spine. He went about 60 yards and tucked in to a brush pile to die.
The other secret is... Don't miss!
I'm going to try for another slam, but all done in 1 year. Just an excuse to get out more. It's nice having customers/friends with opportunities!
Good luck Ken, BigJim
Been a long time since I shot a gobbler with a shotgun. Using the recurve has been very challenging but I'm glad the grocery store isn't very far. I don't use a blind either and have had some very close misses / blown chances. Couple of years ago I'm in my leafy jacket with three hens pecking near my feet and the gobbler struts behind the tree I'm against. Can't get'm any closer and NOT shoot!
Hate em. Hunted them for a long time killing dozens with shotguns (Texas and Missouri) then realized how much I hate cleaning and eating them. Wanted to kill one with a bow. Tried for years without blinds using a compound with no luck.
Killed two with a recurve from a blind. Although I'm an opportunist killer I've let a lot of them walk (our place is over run with them) the last few years. But every now and again I can't help myself and . . .
Quote from: Sam McMichael on January 28, 2022, 12:48:56 PM
Many years ago I read a statement accredited to Fred Bear that turkey is one animal best suited to the shotgun. I'm beginning to believe it.
There's def some truth to that. So many variables w any bow. If someone had lots time, lots of birds and lots of opportunity it's doable no question. In the 80s my state made you chose whether you were using bow or gun. I always chose bow. Wasn't nearly as successful as when I hunted other states or even my own state using a gun. From that time til now I've prob avg 3 birds a year. Some years better but add to that by early 2000 I had helped others to 50 plus birds, not sure what I'm at now. Two were bow shot. Guess I ain't that good, don't have the needed time or opportunity. Awesome trick when done on purpose especially when not a blind/decoy set. If that's the direction it'll way up the odds. Most around here are dumb luck fall birds walk under guys tree stand hunting deer but in the spring the pressure is heavy. Very noble animal and great hunt no matter how that animal is taken except long range type shooting
I was skunked in spring, very few birds near me and little time. I did get lucky for our fall season. I was stumping where a swamp transitions into some pine and eventually oaks. I had sat down to lace a boot and was watching a deer trail for a bit when I caught sight of a several hens poking about.
I was able to stand between two pines and grab my broad-head tipped arrow. I got lucky as I had scrub pine behind and around me so it made a great spot. I never thought they would get within range but the ladies were interested in scratching in some pine needles. Eventually I could hear them talking as they walked right by me. There I was wearing a yellow and black checkered carhartt and no face mask. I believe the only reason I got off a shot was because these were young hens. The lead hen was probably mother to most of her flock. I was able to draw and release just as the lead hen started to cluck in alarm.
Thankfully I made a good shot and caught the last hen above her legs. As l peeked around the tree I was surprised to see that the hens hadn't scattered but were watching the arrowed bird. They stayed with her until I moved out from the pines. It all happened so fast I was a bit surprised how it worked out.
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Turkey hunting without a blind is extremely difficult and a supreme challenge. I know guys that have been trying it for a decade without success. Hats off to those that give it a go.
Quote from: Jerry Russell on January 30, 2022, 01:31:50 PM
Turkey hunting without a blind is extremely difficult and a supreme challenge. I know guys that have been trying it for a decade without success. Hats off to those that give it a go.
This^^^
I have taken exactly one Tom without a blind . But I haven't had to pack many out, all the fun and none of the work!! :goldtooth:
You know the mountain, Brother!!
Find yourself a strut-zone on a ridge... If you find it, they will come :archer:
Have never taken one with a firearm....
Have only taken one gob without a blind after several years of trying back in the late 80's and early 90's...
I depend on natural, permanent and popup ground blinds. Will be attempting to harvest number 36 this season.
A Turkey is my one and only recurve trophy,,,,so far
Quote from: GCook on January 29, 2022, 09:22:03 PM
Hate em. Hunted them for a long time killing dozens with shotguns (Texas and Missouri) then realized how much I hate cleaning and eating them. Wanted to kill one with a bow. Tried for years without blinds using a compound with no luck.
Killed two with a recurve from a blind. Although I'm an opportunist killer I've let a lot of them walk (our place is over run with them) the last few years. But every now and again I can't help myself and . . .
How can you hate eating them? One of the best meats. How are you cooking it?
I've killed lots turkeys, not even tried with a styk. I'm typically spending lots of the season mentoring kids, filming hunts, etc. I wish you well and wish we had more birds cause I'd try I believe.
Anyhow, to the dekes. Guys there are differing ways to use dekes. One is as a primary draw. In the big woods as stated I don't see how turkeys can't see them. Almost impossible early season with some though as to placement. The other is to help your shot materialize where you need it to. Turkey will respond to them and put them exactly where you want. I'm not selling anyone on the decoy thing, I understand someone not wanting to use blinds or decoys. I understand the self limitation and accomplishment thing. Just don't want anyone reading to think it won't help. Some here said they haven't killed a bird yet. It'll help.
Myself I hunted many years with no dekes. I use them now as I'm deaf in one ear. Can't tell direction and it gives me a place to look cause really often they wind up right at them.
I remember last year I was hunting near my house. I was filming from a blind. I don't preset anything. So I was filming a hen and she walked off. I put camera down. Looked back into blind window it was black. Nothing but turkey feathers. Two longbeards at 4 yards going at my decoys. Only one walked away but even gobbling I'd never know where they were since I can't triangulate sound. Decoys help put them where you want
Quote from: Bowguy67 on February 01, 2022, 04:26:38 AM
Quote from: GCook on January 29, 2022, 09:22:03 PM
Hate em. Hunted them for a long time killing dozens with shotguns (Texas and Missouri) then realized how much I hate cleaning and eating them. Wanted to kill one with a bow. Tried for years without blinds using a compound with no luck.
Killed two with a recurve from a blind. Although I'm an opportunist killer I've let a lot of them walk (our place is over run with them) the last few years. But every now and again I can't help myself and . . .
How can you hate eating them? One of the best meats. How are you cooking it?
:biglaugh:
I don't even like turkey sandwiches. We used to cut the bread into strips and chicken fry it. That was decent but after 4 cardiac incidents andb5 stents I don't do chicken fried much anymore.
Turkey salad sandwich isn't too bad I guess but I give them to my pastor if I kill one.
I've only killed one spring Eastern with a bow and it was the same year I killed a moose with a bow. Of the two, the turkey was the bigger trophy to me!
I was lucky enough to arrow an Ocellated in Mexico in 2020 and I'm going back to Mexico this year to hunt Gould's. I'm thinking about changing up my broadheads for that hunt. What fixed blade heads do you all recommend? Looking at the Abowyer Whitetail head for the cutting diameter.
Darren
Make your own dekes and blinds from handmade and natural materials, then I don't see why that wouldn't still fit into a traditional approach.
Quote from: GCook on February 01, 2022, 09:12:38 AM
Quote from: Bowguy67 on February 01, 2022, 04:26:38 AM
Quote from: GCook on January 29, 2022, 09:22:03 PM
Hate em. Hunted them for a long time killing dozens with shotguns (Texas and Missouri) then realized how much I hate cleaning and eating them. Wanted to kill one with a bow. Tried for years without blinds using a compound with no luck.
Killed two with a recurve from a blind. Although I'm an opportunist killer I've let a lot of them walk (our place is over run with them) the last few years. But every now and again I can't help myself and . . .
How can you hate eating them? One of the best meats. How are you cooking it?
:biglaugh:
I don't even like turkey sandwiches. We used to cut the bread into strips and chicken fry it. That was decent but after 4 cardiac incidents andb5 stents I don't do chicken fried much anymore.
Turkey salad sandwich isn't too bad I guess but I give them to my pastor if I kill one.
Gotcha can't help ya there than. Was gonna offer an idea or so
Quote from: Elsecaller on February 01, 2022, 09:40:09 AM
Make your own dekes and blinds from handmade and natural materials, then I don't see why that wouldn't still fit into a traditional approach.
Indians used tons of decoy techniques. It's plenty traditional. Imo that shouldn't be a giant concern against any
Gcook, my buddy has a similar dislike for mergansers but came up w a recipe he can live with. He breasts the bird, puts it in foil, salt, pepper, a little olive oil. Wraps it and bakes it at 350 I think 20 minutes or something.
He than takes it out to cool, removes breast from foil. Throws out breast and eats foil. Maybe that'll help you
Quote from: Bowguy67 on February 01, 2022, 10:02:30 AM
Quote from: Elsecaller on February 01, 2022, 09:40:09 AM
Make your own dekes and blinds from handmade and natural materials, then I don't see why that wouldn't still fit into a traditional approach.
Indians used tons of decoy techniques. It's plenty traditional. Imo that shouldn't be a giant concern against any
Exactly.
Dhaverstick
Simmons shark with a V cut into the tip. This insures the arrow goes straight. It prevents the arrow from glancing. It eliminates any stiff quill from throwing the arrow off impact.
I've killed three gobblers.
I've only released three arrows at gobblers.
If that helps.
And for others getting started
I love using two decoys one hen and one jake, and I fresh bright paint the red and white on the jake and the light blue on the hen every year. Wouldn't waste time hunting without them.
I've called in dozens but I only take a shot at 5 yards, or less
I always shoot center of mass.
Quote from: Bowguy67 on February 01, 2022, 10:12:11 AM
Gcook, my buddy has a similar dislike for mergansers but came up w a recipe he can live with. He breasts the bird, puts it in foil, salt, pepper, a little olive oil. Wraps it and bakes it at 350 I think 20 minutes or something.
He than takes it out to cool, removes breast from foil. Throws out breast and eats foil. Maybe that'll help you
🤣😂🤣 Like the cedar plank recipe for salmon. Once cooked eat the plank and discard the salmon!
[attachment=2,msg2990566][attachment=1,msg2990566]I have a love-hate relationship with turkeys. I love to hunt them with a bow but killing them....well, that's a whole different matter. I killed my first one without a blind after about 10 years of trying. I was still a real young fellow back then. I killed the second one about 25 years after that with a blind so I can't really say I took advantage of him:)
I harvested a fall Merriam but it was rather easy. I won't say killing a Merriam is as easy as hitting them in the head with a shovel; but compared to an Eastern there isn't any comparison in my limited experience.
I should have had another one last year, but I....missed. Given I get a shot about every 25 years, I guess I will be 89 by the next shot I get if my 'luck' holds up. I still love it and its a great way to spend some splendid spring days.
15 years ago, I made the decision to just use longbow to take Turkeys. It is not for the new or faint hearted. It can be done, took 9 with bow so far (Spring/Fall). It is challenging but a whole lot of fun. Never been one to use pop up blinds. I will usually get a bird working, then use woodsmanship to set up in front of direction of travel then ambush them.
If they are as smart as our mountain birds its gonna be tough. Plus the turkey population here is really dropping.
As far as decoys and traditional go I'd say your ok. They found some waterfowl decoys in a cave in Nevada in the 20's and they were constructed of reeds and clay etc, and they estimated them to be 2,400 years old.
Tim B
I've been using an ASAT 3D suit with GREAT RESULTS
It is a challenge. I had the same goal in mind and was able to pull it off so I know you will do it. I made an A-frame out of sticks though and brushed it in, I was having trouble with the birds detecting me as I was drawing. What worked for me was waiting until the bird turned and was full strut, allowing me to get the butt shot.
Using the sun so its always on your back helps too, they have a hard time seeing just like we do when the sun is directly at our face.
Have fun this year.
Here is some inspiration lol
https://youtu.be/5mus0umgpBM (https://youtu.be/5mus0umgpBM)
Down in central Iowa for a few days, there are a lot more turkeys here than back home. The biologists told me that blackhead disease took out one our biggest flocks and that predators like skunks, possums and other egg eaters are responsible for the generally low numbers where I use to hunt them. I got a few weeks to think about it, maybe the crappies are calling me.