If you're a female going after your first gobbler, these are the turkey hunting gear and tips to focus on.
Women are flocking to the turkey hunting blinds like never before. The sole token woman hunting with the guys used to be an anomaly a decade ago, but now it's becoming commonplace. Women are finding their way in the turkey woods, and helping fellow females get their own introduction to it as well.
If you're just getting started, there are some important things to know before heading out into the wilderness in search of a turkey to harvest.
We'll go through some of the basics, but know this: turkey hunting can be a difficult endeavor. No one is expected to toss on a facemask and some camo hunting clothes and kill the first Tom they see during spring turkey season.
What to Know Before You Go
Turkeys are smart creatures with laser sharp eyesight, which makes up for their dull sense of smell. Turkeys can detect even the slightest amount of movement, so hunting them can be a challenge.
For this reason, many beginners (and even advanced turkey hunters) choose to hunt from a ground blind, a portable structure with mesh walls that hunters sit in while hunting. It obstructs the view for the turkey while allowing the hunter to be able to see out.
With a ground blind, proper camouflage becomes less important. If you plan to hunt without a blind, then hunting jackets, hunting pants, face gaiters, and hats with the right camo patterns will be a necessity if you want to conceal yourself well.
Turkey ID
Learning how to distinguish between adult toms and younger jakes, as well as knowing the difference between male and female turkeys, sounds simple but it is super important. It can be surprising how similar those turkeys can look from a distance and while afield.
According to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), adult male turkeys are typically larger in size and more colorful than their female counterparts, with colors of red, white, and blue being noticeable on their head and neck.
A male turkey's feathers also will be closer to black and have a more vibrant sheen, while a hen turkey's feathers will generally be more brown in appearance. Do not assume a bird is a male if it has a beard - about 10 percent of hens can also have beards.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before actually going hunting, it is crucial that you practice with your weapon, whether that be a shotgun or a bow. Safety is the most important thing, followed by consistency. Put in plenty of range time prior to opening day. In the woods while hunting is NOT the time to hone your archery or shooting skills. That should have been done ahead of the hunt.
Also, be sure to check local regulations of the place you will be hunting, another procedure that needs to be done BEFORE you head out on opening day of the season. The line "I didn't know" won't work if a game warden is questioning you.
The Right Gear
Beyond doing the research and knowing the basics, it is crucial to select the right gear or you'll face an uncomfortable turkey hunt. There is so much gear on the market - some good, some bad - it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices.
We've selected some gear that we know works, so we can help beginners cut through the clutter.
Hunting Jacket
Prois
The Prois Olann Merino Lightweight Jacket will keep ladies comfortable while calling in the gobblers. The jacket is naturally antimicrobial, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, offers UV protection, is naturally static resistant, and the fibers are much finer than traditional wool. The jacket retails at $229.99, and could double as a whitetail or other big game hunting setup for ladies looking to stretch their gear with multiple purposes.
Hunting Pants
Prois
The Prois Tintri Pant is the perfect outerwear for early to mid-season turkey hunting. Retailing at $129.99, the Tintri Pant features a newly improved design, with a water-resistant finish. The waistband is designed to sit true to the natural waist of woman with a hidden elastic waistband with Velcro fasteners. The pants have spacious front, back, and thigh zippered pockets. They also feature an athletic cut with articulated knees for easy maneuverability.
Turkey Hunting Vest
Alps Outdoorz
The ALPS OutdoorZ NWTF Grand Slam Turkey vest has everything a turkey hunter would want in a vest. It is the ultimate turkey hunting tool. Available in Mossy Oak Obsession, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Realtree Timber, the features of this vest are top-notch and thoroughly thought through.
The vest includes a "sit-anywhere" kickstand frame and thick padded foldaway seat, a smartphone sleeve that gives the user the ability to use the phone while it's still in the pack and a removable diaphragm call pocket. Other features include shell loops, H2O compatibility, side compression straps, two water bottle pockets, detachable shoulder straps and a protective and silent box call pocket. It retails at $239.99.
A few other things to remember are hunting boots (snake boots are preferred if you're in serpent territory), camo gloves, a camo hat, and a beginner turkey call (we'd recommend a box or pot call for newbies).
More Inspiration
Being a female turkey hunter is something to celebrate, no matter what experience level you've reached. Plus, there are several female hunting influencers on Instagram to provide even more inspiration. Women like Katie Van Slyke-Mabry (@katievanslyke), Bianca Burnett (@herhumblehunt), Priscilla Magana (@outdoorpris), Allie D'Andrea (@outdoors_allie), and Melissa Bachman Bearshield (@melissa_bachman).
Above all, just remember that being a beginner turkey hunter only lasts so long. Learn fast, take advice, and apply your own skills and decision making to your hunting, and it will prove to be one of the best things you do.
