Turkey Hunting Equipment
Shotgun selection is the first concern of most new turkey hunters. Most turkey hunters use a 12-gauge shotgun. Few hunters use a smaller gauge because it may increase the chance of crippling. Some hunters use 10-gauge shotguns because more pellets are delivered at a higher velocity. However, added weight and recoil prevent many hunters from using 10-gauge shotguns. Using a 10-gauge to ensure a cleaner kill is okay, but it's a mistake to think you can substantially increase your range. Shooting at a turkey at more than 40 yards is not recommended.
Your choice of choke may make the difference between a clean kill and a crippled bird. The most popular is the full choke, which gives the tightest patter. A tight patter is important in order to strike the vital head-and-neck area (see gobbler silhouette). Research has shown that the length of the gun barrel (after 18 inches) does not affect shot pattern. Therefore, many hunters now use shorter-barrelled shotguns. These are lighter and easier to maneuver in brush. The most common shot sizes are No. 6 and No. 4. Pattern your gun with both sizes and select the load and shot size that pattern best. Missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size larger than No. 4 for turkey hunting.
Another method of hunting turkeys in Missouri is with a bow. Few hunters are successful because of the difficulty involved, but with practice you can bag a turkey. When aiming at a turkey with a bow, you should focus on the junction of neck and body. An accurate hit will break the backbone. To improve the killing efficiency of the arrow, you want the sharpest arrow possible that will remain in the body of the turkey. An arrow that is inhibited from full penetration will generate more impact and will kill a turkey more quickly.
Another important piece of equipment that you will need is a turkey call. There are a variety of calls on the market but basically they fall into two categories--friction calls and air operated.
Friction calls are probably the easiest to use. Two surfaces are rubbed together, creating friction that produces sound. Box and slate calls are examples of friction call. Air-operated calls create sound when air is passed through or over the call. The three basic air-operated calls are the yelper, tube call, and diaphragm call.
All of these calls require practice to become proficient. There are a number of cassette tapes available commercially that demonstrate the various calls of the wild turkey. These tapes can be of assistance to the beginner; however, learning from an experienced caller and from the turkey are the best methods.
Other equipment you may need for the hunt includes: a knife, compass, topographic maps, rope, first-aid kit, insect repellent, rain gear, camera, and your turkey tag. Camouflage clothing is a must, including hat, gloves, face paint or mask, and coveralls. A blaze orange vest is recommended when moving into the woods, and another vest or orange sash is suggested for wrapping your turkey when carrying it out of the woods.
Equipment can make a difference between an enjoyable or miserable hunt. Take plenty of time planning your hunt. A good idea is to develop a checklist, especially if you are traveling a great distance to hunt. Be prepared for the unexpected.
One other important consideration before the hunt is--yourself. Missouri turkey hunting can be physically demanding. Prepare yourself for the long walks, steep hills, and weather. Pre-hunt scouting will help you prepare.
Scouting For Turkey
An important component of successful turkey hunting is being familiar with the area you choose to hunt. After deciding where you will hunt, you will want to know the lay of the land and where turkeys are located.
Visit the area a couple of weeks before the season. Locate property boundaries, fence lines, thickets or swamps, or any other barriers that may deter an approaching turkey. In addition, make not of where you will enter the woods. The forest looks very different in darkness. Topographic maps are helpful in locating landmarks and can be used to mark areas where you locate turkeys.
Look for turkey tracks along roads, trails, plowed fields and creek bottoms. Also look for droppings, dusting areas, scratchings, roosts and feathers. A heavy concentration of droppings under trees can indicate roosting areas. Scratching also will help you to determine if birds are in the area. If leaves are turned over and the ground is moist, birds are using the area. Leaves will be piled directly behind a scratching turkey, indicating the direction of travel.
It's a good idea to scout multiple areas. Other hunters, weather, or some other factor may require you to abandon your first choice. Probably the biggest factor for success is having alternatives.
Cleaning and Cooking Your Turkey