1. Set up against a stump, tree or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head.
2. Never wear or carry the colors red, white, blue or black when turkey hunting. This includes handkerchiefs, socks and underwear. These are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler.
3. Set up in open timber rather than thick brush. Eliminating movement is the key to success, not concealment.
4. Be discreet when imitating the sound of a gobbling turkey.
5. Be alert. A good woodsman can always detect movement in the forest by watching other game or listening for the alarm cries of blue jays, crows, squirrels or woodpeckers. Be a defensive hunter.
6. When songbirds, crows or your turkey shut up, look out. There's a good chance another hunter is moving in on your bird.
7. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence. Remain still and call out in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence and be sure the other hunter acknowledges your presence before moving.
1. Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler.
2. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.
3. Camouflage your gun.
4. Keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.
5. Select a spot that is in the open timber rather than thick brush: wearing camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is more critical to success than hiding in heavy cover.
6. When using a camouflage blind or netting, maintain a clear field of view.
Rules to Dress for Success:
The Best Offense is a Good Defense:
Proper Use of Decoys:
1. A decoy should never be visible while being transported. Never carry an uncovered (identifiable) decoy any distance.
2. Always set-up against a tree that is wider than your shoulders and taller than your head.
3. Establish a clear line of vision for at least 100 yards and then set your decoy(s) approximately 20 yards from your position at a right angle to the line.
4. Should you see another hunter (especially if he/she is close to your “line of sight”), call out to them in a loud, clear voice. Their presence has already compromised your location and a “soft” call may only confuse them, rather than alerting them to your presence.
5. If you are calling over decoys and then elect to move to a new location, check carefully to ensure that no one is stalking your decoys. Check before leaving your “stand” tree. Should you see someone in the area, rule 4 applies.
Unless the use of decoys is prohibited by law, the following guidelines apply
Safety Tips
“The Hunt” from Eye on the Wild Turkey: Ray Eye Sound of Spring. All Rights Reserved
Responsible hunters are not only positive of the target before firing, but hunt defensively to protect themselves from the mistakes of others. Always follow the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Defensive Turkey Hunting Tactics when pursuing America’s largest game bird. Information courtesy of the NWTF