Turkey Hunting Tactics: Bow Hunting Edition

Spring Turkey Archery Set-ups

A lot of thought can go into setting up your bow for any given hunt, and the options seem endless these days. With so many different bows and accessories on the market, it can leave many scratching their heads as to what to use and how to use it. But let’s dig a bit deeper and talk about spring turkey bow setups and what I use. Don’t get too excited, I think what you’re about to read may leave you wanting more deviation from what you currently use. Let’s take a look.

There are plenty of options out there for turkey hunting with a bow, different sights, arrows, broadheads, etc. Many of these choices, in my opinion, come with a lot of overthinking. Why fix what isn’t broken?

I’ve been asked many times about my spring turkey bow setup and what I use. I only deviate slightly from my regular big game setup that I use in the fall. Why? Because I like to use what works for me all season long. If it works well for big game, why wouldn’t it work for turkeys? I like to practice with consistent setups, and this allows me to learn everything I can about that setup with only minor adjustments.

There are options out there for large cutting-diameter broadheads designed for headshots, but I’ve never really gotten into that. I use the same broadheads for all my hunts and aim for the vitals, just as I would with big game. If I decide to take a headshot on a turkey, I’ll do so with the same head I use for big game. Although amusing to watch, those oversized “head-cutter” blades aren’t for me.

I prefer a hard-hitting arrow, as turkeys can be tough and their feathers can absorb more impact than you might think. Regardless of what broadhead you use, make sure it’s sharp, those feathers are no joke. My fletching also stays consistent across all my arrows. I like using SK2 vanes because they provide consistent broadhead flight.

Overall, having a setup you’re confident in, and can consistently send arrows downrange at your effective distance is a must. Practice at distances closer than 30 yards, as most turkeys I’ve taken were at 15 yards or less. Practice shooting from a seated position, whether in a blind or on the ground while using decoys. Study turkey anatomy and understand where the kill zone is. It varies greatly depending on whether the bird is in or out of strut. Knowing where to place your shot is critical. Small misses often result in nothing more than scattered feathers and a lost arrow.

Aim small, miss small.

What tactics work well with turkeys?

This can vary depending on what equipment you’re using. When bowhunting, I prefer using a ground blind to limit movement and allow me to draw my bow undetected. While hunting without a blind is absolutely possible, and exhilarating, I often bring my family along, so a blind is a must.

If you’re not using a blind, setting up with a good backdrop and natural cover can conceal you well enough to draw your bow unseen. Using shadows to your advantage can make a big difference. In both scenarios, I like to use decoys. My decoy spread varies depending on the time of season and bird behavior. More often than not, a jake with a laydown hen works well, but sometimes a strutter decoy is more effective, it just depends on the birds’ behavior.

If I’m hunting with a shotgun, I usually skip the blind but still use decoys on most hunts. You’ll still need good concealment and a solid backdrop, but you can get away with more movement since shooting a shotgun requires less motion than drawing a bow. Again, shadows can work in your favor. There are also times when not using decoys is effective, especially if birds are moving and you can get ahead of them and call them into range in thicker cover.

Reaping is another effective method with either weapon. Using a strutting decoy or a turkey fan while sneaking into range can trigger a dominant tom to charge in. It’s an adrenaline-filled tactic, but it comes with serious safety risks. Always be aware of your surroundings and whether other hunters are in the area. Nobody wants to be picking BBs out of their skin, or worse. Be sure to know your state’s rules and regulations.

At the end of the day, get out and chase turkeys. They’re an incredibly fun species to hunt, very vocal, interactive, and rewarding to pursue. Learning how to call and hunt them is a true experience.

Jared "J-Rod" Bloomgren 

Kryptek Legion