Wild Turkey Hunting

You can't make turkeys gobble. And in spring—a time of year when we like to depend on noisy birds on the prowl for some loving—that can make hunting tough.

But that doesn't mean success is impossible when the gobblers go silent. You just have to change your approach and “go whitetail” on them in sneaky, silent ways.

It’s a gobbler ploy as old as the hills you’re hunting in: That bird is answering calls, but just won’t commit close enough for you to pound his red noggin with a load of No. 5s. "Hung up" is what we call it. "Frustrating" is what it is. So close, but yet so far.

Have you ever wondered what professional hunters use in the spring turkey woods? In this four-article series, we'll sit down with four full-time turkey hunters to get a look at the gear, gadgets and other accessories that they love to pack for any hunt. Check it out—you might just find something to add to your packing list.

Have you ever wondered what professional hunters use in the spring turkey woods? In this four-article series, we'll sit down with four full-time turkey hunters to get a look at the gear, gadgets and other accessories that they love to pack for any hunt. Check it out—you might just find something to add to your packing list.

Have you ever wondered what professional hunters use in the spring turkey woods? In this four-article series, we'll sit down with four full-time turkey hunters to get a look at the gear, gadgets and other accessories that they love to pack for any hunt. Check it out—you might just find something to add to your packing list.

When NAHC Life Member Gerald "Mule" Brand moved into a quaint country home, he had no idea what was lurking in the local flock.

When it comes to learning how to talk turkey, there's no better time to sign up for lessons than during the fall turkey hunting season.

Calling is only one part of the many skills that will make you a successful turkey hunter, but I believe it’s the easiest skill to improve. When I started hunting turkeys, I was like most hunters—I didn’t know much. I learned from others I hunted with, and over time I gained confidence in my calling by fooling toms.

I have often wondered if all the time and effort I spend scouting before turkey season is worth it, or if I should just stick to running and gunning. So, I decided to take a thorough look back at my hunting log books. I found that my preseason homework has definitely paid off.

You better have thick skin to pursue wild turkeys under a hot, west-Texas sun. NAH Managing Editor Dave Maas tells his story of a double-header hunt on a private Texas ranch.