The Best Setup for Bowhunting Turkeys

Archery turkey hunters often find themselves in tight quarters while in the field: waiting for fly-down in the blind, tucking into a field edge while running and gunning, or sneaking across a pasture behind a fan. All of these scenarios are common, so a compact bow is ideal for the task at hand. Select a bow with an axle-to-axle length of 32 inches or less. That said, it’s still important to pay attention to how a bow is configured and the type of hunting you prefer. For example, a bow with large cams and a grip that sits well below the center of the riser can still be fairly long, and could hit the roof of a ground blind during the shot. On the flip side, a bow with a more centered grip position will have more riser below your hand, increasing the odds of running your bottom cam into the dirt if you like to hunt from the ground.

Sweet Shooters: New Bows and Crossbows from ATA 2020

Getting within bow range of a gobbler is difficult enough, but drawing without spooking the bird is often the bigger challenge. Sure, it’s possible to draw quickly if an approaching tom is alone and walks behind a tree, but those opportunities are few and far between. It’s far more common that you’ll need to draw extremely slowly, often having to pause during the draw cycle or hold at full draw until a shot presents itself. In such circumstances, a smooth draw cycle is irreplaceable. When selecting your turkey bow, practice drawing as slowly as you can with each model you test until you find the one that you can pull back in slow motion.

Getting an arrow inside the vital cavity of a turkey doesn’t require blistering speed or arrows packing a one-two punch of kinetic energy and momentum. Using the same high-poundage bow you use for big game will certainly do the trick, but isn’t necessary. Dropping your draw weight on a bow that already has a smooth cam system makes drawing undetected all the easier, and you can hold it longer at full draw. If you’re building your perfect turkey hunting bow from the ground up, look for something with a limb rating of 50 to 60 pounds. If you’re transitioning your whitetail rig for spring thunder, back off your limbs to a more comfortable weight.

When hunting from a ground blind or the concealment of thick cover, it can be easy to knock your arrow off the rest. Luckily the majority of hunting rests on the market today capture the arrow in some way. When selecting a rest for turkeys, be sure to choose one of these full-containment options, like a Whisker Biscuit or a QAD Ultrarest, if you prefer a drop-away. You can rest easy that at least one aspect of your hunt won’t fall victim to Murphy’s Law when a gobbler struts into range.

Tuned Up: New Bowhunting Accessories from ATA 2020

The same stealth and maneuverability that applies to the bow also applies to your accessories. A low-profile setup will be less likely to interfere with the shot when hunting from a blind or moving through cover. If you often use a fan to work into bow range, compact accessories are critical. Choose a relatively short stabilizer and sight. Use a quiver that mounts close to the bow and can be adjusted vertically so that the arrows aren’t sticking out beyond the cams of the bow.

Single-pin adjustable sights are popular among bowhunters, and for good reason. When it comes to turkey hunting, however, the added time and movement required to adjust a slider sight can make the difference between a successful hunt and a story about the one that got away. Instead, opt for a basic 4- or 5-pin sight that will allow you to have good range and be ready no matter where the longbeard shows up.

Keeping your bow handy is important when turkey hunting. There’s often little time to grab it and prepare for a shot. Using a bow stand that attaches to the bottom limb, like the Bow-Jack from TruGlo Archery, will keep your bow close while leaving your hands free to work calls, glass and check ranges. This type of stand keeps the bow in an upright position so there’s less movement required when a bird works into range.

Hunt Prep: New Stands, Blinds, Trail Cams and More from ATA 2020

The tried-and-true, wrist-strap release is still the most popular style in the bowhunting community. While these release aids will certainly do the job, they have some drawbacks for turkey hunting. A release attached to your hand can get in the way when you’re using a slate or box call, and they require the extra step of attaching to the D-loop. By using a handheld release that attaches to the bow ahead of time, you can grab and draw in one smooth motion without looking away from your target. Keeping the release fastened to the D-loop also lets you run calls without worrying about smacking your release into them.

Arrow technology has come a long way with newer, small-diameter shafts that are less susceptible to the wind and penetrate far better than larger-diameter arrows. Like we touched on earlier, however, penetration isn’t a big concern when bowhunting turkeys, and with typically short-range shots, wind shouldn’t be much of a factor. Choose a strong, dependable arrow that you trust, and you’ll be all set.

When it comes to broadheads the debate between hunters on the best type can be heated. Regardless of what you prefer for big game, large mechanicals are the best choice for turkeys. A turkey isn’t a big target to begin with. When you consider that their vital area is roughly the size of a softball and that they rarely stand still, a wide cutting broadhead will help with shots that are less than perfect.

Outfitted: New Bowhunting Clothes and Boots from ATA 2020

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