ATA Show 2018: Hunting Gear for All of Us

Turkey Blog with Steve Hickoff

ATA Show 2018: Hunting Gear for All of Us

Posted 2018-01-17T23:49:00Z

Gear for Turkey Hunting and Other Game

Okay, if you ask me, and many of my friends, we identify as turkey hunters. Growing up in north-central Pennsylvania, guys my age now used to whisper in hushed tones: "Oh, yeah, he's a turkey hunter." It was a badge of honor to be called that. And I'm honored when folks say it to me.

But yeah, I hunt other game. In the off-season. Likely you do, too.

Some turkey hunters target predators, with nesting hens and hatched poults in mind.

Some bowhunt small game. Some need an upgrade in camouflage apparel.

Some of us, it's true, have different hunting styles . . .

As for you turkey hunters, some of you do it from a blind with a bow and that's cool. Others prefer to be on the move, locating turkeys as they slide across ridges like a spring morning's fog.

Here's some gear I saw at the ATA Show in Indianapolis, much of it in the new Realtree EDGE camo.

Go here for more Realtree turkey hunting. Follow us on Facebook.

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Realtree EDGE
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Realtree EDGE
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Without question, the announcement of the new Realtree EDGE camouflage was a major story coming out of the ATA Show. As one outdoor industry veteran said to me: "Realtree is back in a big way." Surely many turkey hunters will be wearing EDGE this spring, and using gear with this new Realtree pattern on it. Click through this post to see more from our visit to Indianapolis.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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Arctic Shield
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Arctic Shield
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I've hunted turkeys in all sorts of cold: big Nebraska flocks as snow slanted sideways in the blowing wind, a Wyoming strutter that shock gobbled to thunder snow (which led to its eventual demise), Texas Rios in the bitter chill of unseasonable ice and snow, and, well, I do a lot of gobbler chasing in Maine.

That said, I'm truly impressed with Arctic Shield apparel. It's well made, durable and will help you hunt turkeys and other game better and longer in the cold.

And yes, it's available in the new Realtree EDGE.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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Browning Ground Blinds and Chairs
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Browning Ground Blinds and Chairs
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If you bowhunt patterned turkeys with decoys, blind sitting in a comfortable chair is a modern approach to getting a gobbler by the feet. A clean, ethical kill is the aim.

Browning ground blinds and chairs in Realtree EDGE will be available this year, transitioning from the proven options in Realtree Xtra.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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Tenzing Turkey Recliner
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Tenzing Turkey Recliner
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The new Tenzing Turkey Recliner caught the eye of turkey hunters at the ATA Show.

Here's my full review of this product.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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3-D Coyote
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3-D Coyote
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Wild turkey predation is a big topic of discussion in many hunting camps.

If you're a bowhunter who targets spring gobblers, predator encounters are fairly common, as coyotes are known to slink in to your turkey yelping, looking for the next meal.

Practice on this 3-D coyote archery target from BIGShot Targets and change those plans. (The bobcat target sneaking out of my photo is also available from this company.)

Don't Miss: ATA Show 2018: 3-D Turkey Hunting Archery Targets

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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NOMAD
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NOMAD
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The folks at Marolina Outdoor and NOMAD have a brand-new lineup of Realtree EDGE apparel scheduled for this year.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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Knight & Hale Turkey Vest
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Knight & Hale Turkey Vest
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Knight & Hale's new turkey vest available in Realtree EDGE for this coming season.

Read my review of it here.

Spoiler alert: pockets, lots of 'em, and a pretty darn good seat cushion.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)

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ALPS Hunting Packs
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ALPS Hunting Packs
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ALPS hunting packs are well-made and can carry a lot of gear.

Look for their products this year in Realtree EDGE camo.

What do you think of this photo blog lineup? Comment below.

(© Steve Hickoff photo)