Best Gifts for Turkey Hunters: Beginners or Experts
My deer hunter is hard to shop for! He’s very picky about his gear and typically orders things before I even know he wants a new accessory. Father’s Day, birthdays, and the holiday season are all great times to start thinking about gifts for your turkey hunter. It’s never too early to plan your Christmas list!
Spring turkey season is a great time to plan a Father’s Day gift idea. I picked my husband’s brain and put together this list of ideas. There are two sections. The first are practical gifts that Scott said most turkey hunters would appreciate. The second section has more personal or handmade gift ideas from Etsy that Scott approved!
15 gift ideas for turkey hunters
One of our local stores for hunters is Cabela’s. We spent an afternoon looking around for the best gifts for turkey hunters. What would Scott approve? What would a new hunter need? And what kinds of things could a hunter need more of? So let’s dive into the best gift ideas we recommend:
Turkey Hunting Vest with Seat
Price: $109
This turkey vest in camo patterns has a built-in seat. It’s one of the best hunter gifts you can get for your avid hunter. It’s packed with practical features that make hunting more comfortable and organized. The kickstand with a padded seat lets you set up and sit comfortably anywhere in seconds. The large game bag and multifunctional pockets mean you’ll have easy access to all your gear. Plus, the adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit for anyone from XS to XXL.
One hunter raved, “Carrying my shotgun, vest, and chair was discouraging when you added a large bird. This vest is literally a game changer.” Another added, “I love this vest… lots of pockets… holds all the turkey calls you could ever need.”
The ergonomic design features a padded back with breathable mesh, and the adjustable frame with a 3-inch cushion means you can sit comfortably anywhere. “Seat folds up when walking to stay out of your way and the padding on the back is comfortable. Love the fold out legs if you don’t find a tree to rest against,” said another satisfied hunter. This vest ensures extra comfort for long hunting sessions.
Compact Binoculars
Price: $160-220
Turkey hunting requires scouting from a distance, so scopes and binoculars are a great option. If you’d like to splurge on something that is more expensive, consider the Vortex Diamondback HD Compact Binoculars. With a 5-star product rating on Cabela’s website, it appears others agree with us. We are impressed with the clarity and performance in low-light situations. They might be a little heavier than other compact binoculars, but the trade-off is worth it. They are less grainy at dawn and sunset for those key hunting moments. These binoculars provide peace of mind knowing you’ll have easy access to those distant birds.
Portable heaters
Price range: $80-150
As every turkey hunter knows, the best time to hunt is often in the early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler. Enter a portable heater! Our go-to brand is Mr. Heater. It’s a great size to take with you as long as you have a free hand. If your hunter has ever mentioned he was cold, this might be the perfect gift idea. And it’s also great for guys who work outside, drafty cabins, and more. The lightweight design ensures extra comfort during those chilly hunts.
Havalon Knife
Price: $50-70
Every hunter needs a good knife. Our hunting family prefers Havalon. The replaceable blades are great for quick changing because you don’t need a multitool. The design of the knife also reduces the fear of cutting yourself. Some hunters recommend one blade per animal for keeping a sharp knife. This is one of the necessary tools every hunter should have.
Turkey decoys
Price for set of three: $35
We chose the Pursuit Featherweight Flock. They are lightweight and very packable. One can easily fit 6 of them into a hunting backpack if you are hiking out to your turkey spot. These decoys are alo very realistic and have fooled many turkeys (and hunters). When it’s windy, they move just the right amount to behave like a real turkey moving in various ways. One hunter said “Love these, much better than my inflatable ones. Money well spent”. These decoys can make for great calls during your hunt.
Thermacell Mosquito Repellent
Price: $27-35
Being outdoors means you’re dealing with mosquitos a lot of the time. My hunter loves his thermacell and has used them for years! You’ll need to purchase a repeller first. If your hunter already owns a thermacell, then consider refill cartridges. This gift is also versatile for camping and hiking. This is a useful tool for any outdoor life enthusiast.
Power Bank
Price: $40-80
Let’s face it, technology is advancing and there are so many phone apps available to advance a hunter’s success. Plus, keeping that phone charged can help signal to someone in the event of an emergency. That’s where a power bank comes in. Sitting in the woods, with sometimes low-signal, can drain a phone quickly. Some models even come with an LED light. There are so many sizes and shapes, but Scott’s favorite is the BioLite Charge PD USB-C Powerbank. It has a good grip and light, compact, rugged design. But most importantly, it holds its charge for a long time so you can charge your phone or other devices multiple times.
“Pheasant, Quail and Cottontail” by Hank Shaw
Price: $26.00
Looking for the perfect gift for the avid hunter in your life? Consider “Pheasant, Quail and Cottontail” by Hank Shaw, the ultimate game cookbook. This comprehensive guide is filled with lush illustrations and mouthwatering recipes for upland birds and small game, both wild and domesticated. From savory roast grouse to tender braises and confits, this cookbook offers a range of flavors that will elevate any cold weather meal. With detailed instructions on obtaining, cleaning, and cooking game birds like quail, pheasant, and turkey, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to add a wild twist to their everyday cooking. Winner of the International Association of Culinary Professionals for Best Self-Published Book in 2019, this cookbook is not only a great gift but also a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Turkey Call Gift Ideas
Calls might creep into the area of your hunter having a specific favorite or preference because there are so many different kinds. If your hunter is enjoying turkey seasons consider adding a type that they don’t have. The three basic categories are box, pot, and mouth calls. Learn more about turkey hunting, how to use different turkey calls and why binoculars are a must-have accessory.
Easy Yelper Turkey Call
Price: $20-25
A turkey box call or yelper call is great for beginners. It produces a good sound and is easy to use. However, it’s best if your hunter keeps it away from moisture. It’s critical to keep the box chalked and dry to ensure it sounds good. We recommend gifting a small ziplock baggie with your yelper call. This can be the right gift for someone starting out.
Crystal (1/2 blasted) and copper 2 sided Turkey pot call
A pot call or slate call has a softer, subtle tone. Many hunters use this type when they know where the birds are. It’s not loud and is a good choice when hunting in a calm valley. Some hunters prefer the glass striker material and describe the sound as sweet and raspy. The more advanced hunter may prefer this type for the variety and challenge to produce soft clucks and purrs. Custom hunting accessories like these pot calls make a great hunting gift.
Handmade, custom gift ideas
Handmade Turkey Tote
For a rewarding treat after a successful hunt, this custom-made turkey tote is something Scott said he would like. Handmade from durable paracord, it keeps your hands free and your bird’s feathers intact. The unique gift has a game loop system that lets you easily adjust the length to fit your carry style and height perfectly. One customer raved, “Awesome addition to our turkey hunting equipment. I especially love the unique antler addition. I gave this to my better half for Christmas and he was thrilled.” The high-quality craftsmanship ensures this tote will last forever.
One friend who received this gift said: “I was very impressed. It was the best investment to have as a turkey hunter.” Another noted it’s “ideal for carrying your harvested bird.” A third review mentioned he bought several to give as turkey hunter youth prizes.
The shop owner responds promptly to messages, and shipping is very fast. This gift is both practical and stylish, making it perfect for any hunting enthusiast. A great addition to your hunting gear.
Leather turkey call case
Price: $53
This personalized leather turkey call case is perfect for holding traditional slate calls or pot calls. Compact and stylish, it makes an excellent gift for any turkey-hunting enthusiast. The case protects your calls and offers free laser engraving for personalization.
Crafted from vegetable-tanned, full-grain cow leather sourced from Italy’s Badalassi Carlo tannery, it combines durability with beauty. Each piece is unique and becomes even more attractive with age. Stitched with the strongest thread available, the seams are built to last as long as the leather itself. The craftsmanship is beautiful, shipping is fast, and the Etsy seller is very communicative.
Turkey Fan Mount
Cost: $122
This hand-crafted, custom Turkey Fan Mount is a perfect way to showcase your hunting achievements. The unique wood plaque, complete with its natural bark, beautifully holds your turkey tail and beard. Enhanced with a special varnish blend, the wood’s natural knots and rings add character to each piece, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Sized approximately 18-22″ long by 6-10″ wide, it’s an ideal display for any hunting enthusiast. A complete guide to display your wild game success.
Submit a high-resolution photo from your special hunt. Then the Etsy seller will create a treasured keepsake with a combination of color printing and laser engraving. One satisfied customer shared, “This is my second mount like this that I purchased from them. They do awesome work. I have never experienced this level of customer service with online ordering ever before.” The quick, personalized service ensures your unique trophy is perfect. This Turkey Fan Mount makes a memorable gift for your favorite hunter, promising a beautiful and lasting tribute to their success.
Turkey Feather Picture Frame
Price: $30
You will get a smile out of your turkey hunter when he opens a handmade gift with a personalized picture frame. You can send in your own feathers for extra special personal touch. My guy and his dog hunt wood ducks together and she was able to make my frames with those feathers. I got the biggest smile from him when he opened his gifts. This is a unique gift idea that adds a personal touch.
Compact Wooden Turkey Display
Price: $30
If you want a great way to remember multiple turkey hunts, I recommend this compact idea. It will take up less space on your wall as you grow your hunting success.
Laser engraved with your details (up to 5 lines) and available in three different wood choices: Maple (lighter), Cherry (medium), and Walnut (darker)
The kit includes everything you need to set up your display, except for your actual trophy beards and spurs. In the box, you’ll find a wood turkey feather display, a shell to cover the beard end, a cord for threading your trophy, a decorative wooden bead, and a fixture to attach the display to the wall. This can be part of a complete guide to showcasing your wild game trophies.
Happy Father’s Day or Merry Christmas!
As you search for the perfect gift for the hunter in your life, remember it’s the thought that counts. Whether it’s a practical accessory or a unique handmade treasure, your gesture will be appreciated. We hope this list has been helpful and one of our ideas brings joy to both the giver and recipient. Good luck as you shop for something to say Happy Father’s Day or Merry Christmas!
