Turkey Hunting Gear Checklist

What To Wear Turkey Hunting

When prepping for the hunt, making sure you have the right turkey hunting clothing is very important to keep you protected and comfortable in the field.

• Camo Clothing: Spring weather is unpredictable, so opt for effective camouflage patterns that blend with fresh, green foliage to significantly enhance your concealment.

• Layers: Be prepared for sudden showers or cold snaps by wearing the proper layering system, allowing you to easily adjust your insulation to changing conditions.

• Proper Footwear: Invest in comfortable, durable hunting boots designed for various terrains to provide support and protection.

• Face Mask: Turkeys have great eyesight, making a face mask an essential to keep you hidden and increase your chances of success. It is smart to pack an extra mask just in case your primary one gets wet or lost.

• Gloves: Pack gloves to protect your hands and keep them concealed, using fingerless options for warmer hunts.

Turkey Hunting Gear List

Regardless of where or when you are hunting, Conrad highlights specific gear you should carry for a successful hunt.

Turkey Calls

Effective communication is key to bringing birds into range. You’ll want to have a variety of different types of calls, whether it a combination of box calls, mouth calls, or slate calls, so you can adapt to how the turkey responds.

Expert Tip | If using a pot style calls, always pack multiple extra strikers, as they are easy to lose in the woods. You should also carry a conditioner kit with sandpaper and chalk to resurface the call and produce the best possible sound.

The Pack: Vests vs. Tool Belts

To carry your gear, a traditional turkey hunting vest serves as a great tool organizer that keeps everything close at hand. However, if you prefer a "run and gun" style, consider a turkey tool belt. A tool belt is highly efficient, fits everything you need, and frees up your shoulders to give you more room for a bino harness or carrying blinds and decoys.

Firearm & Archery Accessories

• Shotgun or Bow

• Ammunition & Sub-Gauges: Always pack extra shotgun shells. For a lighter gun and less recoil, consider hunting with a sub-gauge shotgun (like a 28 gauge) paired with modern TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads.

• Shotgun Essentials: Bring a turkey choke tube to shape your pellet spread, a shotgun sling to free your hands, and a buttstock shell holder for quick reloading.

• Archery Gear: If you’re bowhunting, pack a broadhead case with extra standard broadheads.

Decoys & Blinds

• The Jake and Hen Decoy Setup: For a consistently effective setup, utilize a Jake and Hen decoy combination. Positioning them to make a tom jealous of a Jake stealing one of his hens is a proven tactic across different subspecies and seasons.

• Extra Decoy Stakes: Keep extras on hand to stabilize decoys in case any break or get lost.

• Blinds & Chairs: Blinds offer concealment to keep wary turkeys at ease, while compact blind chairs provide the comfort and stability needed for long sits

Extra Turkey Gear Essentials

Learning from experience, Conrad recommend these practical tools to make your hunt more enjoyable.

• Bug Protection: Mosquitoes can completely ruin a hunt, especially later into May. Pack a Thermacell with extra wicks to keep bugs away so you can stay focused on the bird.

• Turkey Tote: Carry a turkey tote to easily transport your harvested bird out of the woods and get the heavy weight off your shoulders.

• Headlamp: Essential for early morning setups or navigating in the dark evening hours.

• Binoculars/Rangefinder

• Hunting License & Tags: Make sure to always follow state and local regulations. Some of our SCHEELS stores can help you get your hunting license.

Expert Prep—See What Conrad is Using This season

Conrad covers what he’s bringing on his spring turkey hunts this season.

With the right gear properly packed and maintained, you're now ready for a successful turkey hunting season. If you have any more questions about what you need for turkey hunting, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak to a Hunting Expert!