So, I just got started shooting and am planning on going after some turkeys this spring for the first time. I am trying to decide between a few options for tips on my arrows. I was thinking of using a combo point with an adder head. Will this do it?
Being my first time going after turkeys, I don't even know if I will be able to hit them. I am still working on my shooting skills.
Turkey hunting is a passion of mine :^) I too am new to Trad archery. I just got a new bow and working on getting some arrows. With that being said I'm going to pass on hunting them this Spring with a bow, and take the shotgun. Fall season I'm going to give her a whirl..
I have a lot to learn about Trad archery and want to develop good shooting practices. I owe it to myself and the Wild Turkey I hunt. :campfire:
If you don't know if you can hit them....then PLEASE.....use a shotgun.
People that hunt turkeys with traditional equipment KNOW that they can hit a softball size target out to 15-20 yards...(and closer is preferable).
A turkey is unbelievably difficult to kill.
From the bottom of my heart...if you want traditional hunting to become a lifelong pursuit...then please...start out with something else other than turkeys.
I understand everyones concern. I think I worded my statement wrong. I can definitely hit a softball out to 20 yards. I am not worried about hitting them. It is more a problem of staying still long enough to get them close enough. I am sure the adrenaline will be lighting me up inside.
Goodness I hope by "combo point" you sure don't mean a field point!!!
You need a broadhead, and a nice big SHARP one, and maybe a penetration-limiter behind it, but that is optional.
I'll be using Snuffers...
And as stated, practice practice practice....before poking at the critter...!
Take Care,
Marc
If you decide to pursue turkeys, skip the adder point. Turkeys are tough and you will find that they are tough to blow through with most set ups. A well placed shot in the vitals with a big broadhead should be the goal. If you are concerned about the arrow exiting the opposite side, then a string tracker may help. Guru has an article in this month's Traditional Bowhunter Magazine that will help with that. I don't use a tracker, but most of my turkeys have gone down within site. Visit some old threads on turkey hunting to get some more information on where exactly to hit them. If you are off more than a few inches you will have a tough time with recovery. Keep you shots CLOSE. A blind is a good idea if you are just getting started as it will cover a lot of mistakes. Best wishes, Brady
Okay, here is the unanswerable question. Which broadhead should I get? What diameter cutting area? What about the guillotine?
What are you shooting for a bow? Turkeys lungs are set-up differently than a deers and it takes a lot more damage to the lungs to kill them. A big blade that does a lot of cutting is a very good idea. 3 or 4 blade is what a lot of folks use. Use what flies the best from your set-up. The gobbler guillotine takes a very well placed shot to be effective and some good KE, I don't recommend them for trad equipment but some here do.
Put on a nice Wensle Woodsman BH and go nail one. Good luck. I say go for it. You know you can hit it. Do it.
I am shooting a 55# Chek-mate Attila. Thanks for the recommendation.
Also, blind recommendations. A ground blind? I don't have tree stand, so that is my option.
Double Bull Recurve seems to be the favorite for turkeys and more around these parts. I mostly make do with blowdowns and such where I hunt. But have been keeping my eye out for a DB.
Okay, as a new hunter, give me some pointers in scouting out good areas. Should I be at the edge of an opening? Open country? How far from water? Etc..
One thing I learned going on 20 yrs hunting turkeys (gun). Just when you thought you have them figured out, they will do the complete opposite.
New hunter, new Trad shooter (like myself) you have your hands full. New hunter this puts a different spin on things. When does your season open ?
I'm setting up some wensel woodsmans on my arrows. I'll be shooting bemans classics 400 with the 100 grain brass insert, then the 125 grain steel adapter with a 125 grain WW on that, out of my 57# Morrison. Basically the same setup I'd use on deer and pigs.
I also have a double bull (standard size) blind. I shoot a 54" recurve and I'm a small guy so the standard size double bull fits me fine.
There is also a thread on here somewhere that has where to shoot the birds with a bow if you're not good at head shots.
Season opens on April 15 through May 31. I know my hands are full. Believe me when I say, I don't expect to bring home dinner my first time out. I think the learning curve is too big and these turkeys have more knowledge about hunters than I have about hunting them :knothead:
Here's some reading for you
Scouting
The easiest way is to start with the big picture, locating general areas of turkey habitat, then gradually narrow it down to a certain area, then a certain piece of property, Field scouting begins after you have identified several possible hunting spots. Get a good map of the area you plan to hunt. Drive the back roads during the first couple of hours after dawn, stopping along ridges, high points, power lines, open creek and river bottoms to listen for gobbling.
Use a locator call, such as an owl hooter or crow call, to try to get a response. When you hear a gobbler, mark the location on a map.
Finally, scout your best locations on foot. Check for signs of scratching where birds have been feeding. Droppings and feathers can also provide you with information about turkeys in the area. Gobbler droppings tend to be J shaped, while hen droppings have a corkscrew appearance. A gobbler's body feathers are black tipped, while hen feathers are buff colored. Check along creek banks and around mud holes for tracks. In the evenings listen for birds flying up to roost. If you are able to roost birds, come back the next morning and listen for gobbling.
Make as many trips to the area as possible before the season starts. Learn the terrain features: creeks, log roads, fencerows, pastures, etc. This will help later when you are maneuvering during an actual hunt. Hopefully, by opening day you will know the location of several gobblers.
Always remember: controlling movement is most important regardless of how well you are camouflaged.
Thank you treeyelpr. Kind of confirms what I thought. I will probably get out his coming weekend to do some scouting.
Do not use a penetrating inhibitor. Turkeys are tough and if ya can get a pass-thru than that is great. I would and do use a string tracker. A Double Bull is awesome and I have a Matrix coming inthe recurve model. I am gonna be using a 54" rer Arroyo at 54#s and 125 grain snuffer, total arrow weight right around 500 grains. Shawn
My bow does not have a screw in mount. Is there a string tracker that attaches without screw-in threads?
If I kneel in the blind will the T2 double bull work with my 60" recurve? Anyone had experience with these blinds?
John III
Turkey tips from my dad: "Wise Old Man Tips"
1) #1 strategy for hunting turks- there are no #1 strategies- try everything and be creative.
2) Best turkey call in the woods- almost 100% effective: BWHAAAAM!
3) My own 25 year tip and 40 birds later: If you think you finally figured them out- expect it to rarely work as planned. So- just have fun and know they usually win! :banghead: :)
OK, a softball consistantly at 30 yards, not gonna happen with me. A tennis ball at 15 yards, yes. I agree a broadside shot on a turkey is tough and needs a good broadhead, good placement, and power. But I highly recommend a good head shot. If you pick your opportunity (not in full strut) a head shot is likely to be a dead on the spot hit, or a complete clean miss.
I have never had to track a head shot turkey. He is always next to my arrow.