TURKEY HUNTING WITH A BOW
Killing a turkey with a bow can be extremely challenging. The eyes of turkeys are hard to outsmart; a turkey is afraid of everything that moves and turkeys are rarely alone. As a result, getting spotted by a turkey when you are trying to come to full draw can be extremely difficult. Below are a few tips to help you pull off a shot on a big spring gobbler.
USE DECOYS
Always use decoys; preferably two or three decoys. Most hardcore turkey hunters who hunt with a bow usually put out a strutter with a real fan and a couple hens. Joel Maxfield from Mathews Archery says he really enjoys using a strutter decoy. “A strutter decoy with a real fan looks extremely realistic and does a great job of pulling in mature toms. As they approach my set-up, they are so focused on the strutter that it allows me to get my bow drawn,” Maxfield advised.
DECOY PLACEMENT
When setting up the decoys before the hunt, place the tom decoy so it is facing you. Doing this when a real tom approaches causes him to walk around the decoy to face off with him. This will give you a great opportunity to take a shot because his head will be facing the decoy and not looking at you.
Make sure the hen decoys are far enough from the tom decoy to allow the real tom to move freely around the tom decoy. One mistake many hunters make is placing the decoys close together, which makes it more difficult for the real tom to easily approach the tom decoy.
USE A BLIND
Many bowhunters love using pop-up blinds. They offer many advantages but are tough to lug around in the woods. In the last couple years, several blind companies have started making extremely lightweight, portable 3-sided blinds that offer shooting windows and see-through mesh that work well for bowhunting turkeys and only weigh a few pounds. If you want to use a pop-up blind, consider purchasing one one these style of blinds. They are lightweight, open up quickly, and can keep you hidden so you can easily draw a bow.
SHOT PLACEMENT
When shooting a turkey with a bow, aim for the area right above the drumsticks. This will take out the chest cavity and their legs, eliminating the possibility of the turkey running off.
BROADHEADS
When bowhunting turkeys, use a large expandable broadhead that offers a 2-inch cutting diameter. The vitals on a turkey are about the size of a softball. The larger the broadhead you are using, the better odds you have of going home with turkey dinner.
Killing a turkey with a bow can be extremely difficult but with the right gear and the right setup, you can greatly increase the odds of success.
Sidebar:
Remember to practice with your bow before season opens and consider shooting from a seated position when practicing. When bowhunting from a blind, you will likely be on your knees or sitting in a chair.
