{"id":641,"date":"2024-04-30T01:45:36","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T01:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/?p=641"},"modified":"2024-05-26T18:53:50","modified_gmt":"2024-05-26T18:53:50","slug":"turkey-bow-hunting-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/turkey-bow-hunting-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkey Bow Hunting Tips for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deer season is over and the spring season has arrived. You might be itching for your next hunting adventure. Maybe you are a shotgun hunter ready for a challenge. Or you have driven by a field of turkeys and wondered what it would be like? I love the Michigan outdoors and find ways to keep my skills and passion alive by sharing bow-hunting tips. Springtime is a great season to try hunting turkeys for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve been successful many times hunting on public land, as well as private land. I even set my sights on a specific Tom turkey to complete my Michigan Grand Slam with a bow. However, I wanted to interview my longtime friend, and turkey-hunting mentor, Doug. He has shown me everything I know about turkeys.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Doug-and-Scott-Turkey-Hunters-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Doug-and-Scott-Turkey-Hunters-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Doug-and-Scott-Turkey-Hunters-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Doug-and-Scott-Turkey-Hunters-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Doug-and-Scott-Turkey-Hunters-jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Scott and Doug, Michigan turkey hunters.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug has experience hunting all over the United States for turkeys, but he loves his home state of Michigan. His first hunt dates back to 1994 and he\u2019s harvested at least 30 turkeys, but he\u2019s lost count! The walls in his home prove it. His advice is full of great tips for the best way to hunt a turkey. We hope you\u2019re excited to try turkey hunting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Michigan turkey history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The eastern wild turkey was reintroduced to Michigan in the 1950s and became more prevalent here in Ottawa County in the late 1990s. Doug said Wildlife management offices had \u201ctried introducing different domestic birds but they had too many diseases.\u201d The birds from lower Michigan have also migrated north, but the winters are tougher. So they are attracted to food resources and farmers can help their survival by offering extra feeding options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI hunted the very first season and took a bird in the very first hour. I was really close to being the first one who shot a bird in Ottawa County. It\u2019s mounted right up there on my wall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-first-turkey-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Turkey mount in cabin\" class=\"wp-image-643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-first-turkey-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-first-turkey-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-first-turkey-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-first-turkey-jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doug&#8217;s first turkey in Ottawa County, taken during the inaugural season in Michigan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turkey eyesight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are familiar with deer hunting, then you know you can often stay undetected from a deer if you remain still. Deer will try to get you to move by bobbing its head and looking away. If you move it will look back at you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deer can also smell you if you are downwind. But turkeys are different, they don\u2019t have a strong sense of smell.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug shared, \u201cA turkey is the prime food source for the coyotes all winter. They have no questions and they have very good eyesight. If they see any amount of movement, and it&#8217;s not another turkey, they&#8217;re gone. They don&#8217;t hang around and question what they see. They&#8217;re out of there because their buddies have been dinner for prey too many times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn the springtime, you listen for them and you try to call them in. And in a lot of states in the fall, they can use the dog,\u201d says Doug. \u201cThe dog will go in there and scatter them. And then the dog comes back and you put them under a camouflage blanket.\u201d Some guys will hunt this way and wait for the birds to come back to the group to shoot them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turkey bow hunting tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scouting and planning your turkey hunt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug\u2019s best turkey bow hunting tip is to \u201cget up in the morning before the season and go out and listen. They usually start gobbling in the tree where they sleep in the middle of March.\u201d This is about the same time you might hear other songbirds starting to chirp in spring.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen it starts to get a little warmer, like this year, you might hear them talking in early March,\u201d Doug added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He advised being aware of your noise. Being stealthy and quiet in your scouting will prevent the birds from getting spooked. You don\u2019t want to pressure them or have them disappear from the area you are scouting. Doug also recommends scouting long-range. If you&#8217;d like to invest more time or money in your turkey hunt, then consider a trail camera.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Glassing for turkey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to the amazing eyesight of turkeys, binoculars or a spotting scope are a key piece of equipment for scouting and hunting. You\u2019ll want to preview locations from a distant vantage point to survey the land. Glassing (looking through binoculars) will allow you to search large areas and increase your chance of spotting turkeys without spooking them. The last thing you want is to find a great location and then scare them away. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to set up your hunting spot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn turkey patterns by scouting, glassing, and studying their behavior. Then you\u2019ll know where they are for an early morning hunt and find the right spot. Some birds will fly down from their tree and start eating in one field but then have patterns of following the hens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a good shot opportunity, set up where you know the turkeys are going to be moving to. Think about where they will end their walk, instead of where they start. You&#8217;ll also want to consider an effective range for a bow, which is 30 to 40 yards. Then park your car far away, walk around the field, and loop back to your spot. This way you can avoid spooking the birds<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Camouflage is key for turkey hunting&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou\u2019ll want to wear camo from head to toe, including a face mask. I like to head net because of my glasses,\u201d said Doug.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won\u2019t need hunter\u2019s safety orange for turkey season. Their eyesight will spot you right away. But Doug added, \u201cOnce you get a bird and you&#8217;re carrying it out, you can use little orange flags over the bird on your back, so you don&#8217;t get shot carrying your bird out of the field.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hunting turkey from a blind<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New and beginner turkey hunters may want to start with a pop-up blind. Turkeys \u201cpay absolutely no attention to ground blinds,\u201d says Doug. But ground blinds make more sense when you are hunting with a gun. \u201cI like a dark background for the blind. You\u2019ll want to wear your head and neck camo because a lot of times a turkey can look inside and your face just glows. You should set up a camouflage blind after you know where they are.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have a few seasons under your belt and you feel more comfortable, you can start hunting right from natural cover. Most experienced bow hunters will hunt without a blind and just sit up against a tree. Doug likes to hunt from the edges of fields.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-Turkey-Decoys-sm-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Turkey decoys laying on ground\" class=\"wp-image-642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-Turkey-Decoys-sm-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-Turkey-Decoys-sm-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-Turkey-Decoys-sm-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Dougs-Turkey-Decoys-sm.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doug&#8217;s collection of turkey decoys.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the basic archery gear for turkey hunting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/bow-hunting-checklist\/\">complete bow hunting checklist<\/a> but for spring turkey or a fall hunt, the right equipment includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Camo from head to toe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Binoculars or a spotting scope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Different turkey calls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Turkey-specific broadheads<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ground blind if you are a beginner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Turkey vest with seat cushion for the more experienced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Turkey decoys as you grow your gear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Thermacell or bug spray<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turkey calls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are many different styles of turkey calls including locators, box, friction, and mouth calls. Friction calls also have various materials like slate or glass. \u201cI just stick with the friction box. It&#8217;s louder and you can get them to react so you know where they are,\u201d shared Doug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-Slate-Call-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Hands holding a slate turkey call for a turkey bow hunting tip\" class=\"wp-image-644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-Slate-Call-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-Slate-Call-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-Slate-Call-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-Slate-Call-jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A hunter uses a slate turkey call<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI&#8217;ve always been loyal to Primos calls. I like the sound of them and I can usually get a turkey to do a full strut.\u201d This type of call would be good for a beginner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another tip is to learn the sounds that the hens make. If you can copy the sound of the loudest hen, you can make her angry and want to come find you. They are very territorial birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Box Call:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This type is a box-shaped wooden or synthetic material that makes turkey sounds when you slide or tap the lid against the sides. The goal is to mimic a hen yelp, clucks, purrs and gobbles of turkeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Slate Call:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another name for this is a pot call. It\u2019s circle-shaped and has a slate or glass surface in a pot-like base. You will strike or rub across the surface to create realistic turkey sounds. You can adjust the sound by changing the pressure or speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mouth Call:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are also known as a diaphragm call and are put in your mouth. It\u2019s a small latex or similar material and requires air pressure to make a wide range of vocalizations that sound like a turkey. You might prefer this type of call if you want your hands to be free.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Locator Calls:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tool can often be used to find turkeys at the beginning of your hunt so you know where to sit. It does not make turkey sounds, but rather sounds of other birds like owl hoots, hawk screams, or crow caws. These owl and crow call noises will draw out the male turkeys and reveal their location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bow broadheads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When hunting with a bow, there are different types of broadheads to consider. &nbsp;Most commonly used are expandable blades that have long razor blades that have a larger than normal cutting diameter. &nbsp;For consideration, bow hunters either aim for a headshot or a vital area shot when hunting turkey. &nbsp;Depending on what shot placement you prefer to take determines what type of broadhead to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turkey decoys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beginner hunters don\u2019t need to invest in decoys right away. Doug says \u201cYou can hunt without them, especially in the early season because the birds will come in easier. Later in the season, once they\u2019ve bumped into a couple of decoys and they were shot or didn\u2019t like the look of them, it will be more challenging to draw them in later in the season.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-decoy-sm-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Turkey decoy setup in a field\" class=\"wp-image-645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-decoy-sm-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-decoy-sm-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-decoy-sm-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-decoy-sm.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doug&#8217;s secret weapon: an ugly homemade decoy with a real tail fan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are different types, such as hen turkeys, jakes, and realistic decoys. Doug is infamous for his \u201cugly\u201d decoys. He combines a skinny, ugly Jake decoy with a real tail fan he made on a stake. Because the decoy is small but shows its tail feathers, other turkeys will get mad that it\u2019s trying to show its dominance. The turkey bow hunting tip of attracting dominant turkeys with an imposter is genius!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug says that his ugly decoy \u201creally upsets the older birds. They see that scrawny little Turkey trying to move in on their hens and they get really mad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to be careful about how you place your decoys. \u201cYou wouldn&#8217;t want to put them straight out in front of you. If somebody is sneaking through the woods and they see it, they will shoot in your direction and that can be dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turkey bow hunting: frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you bait for turkeys?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo, there&#8217;s no baiting. But turkeys will be attracted to leftover corn from last year\u2019s harvest. Baiting turkey is against the law here.\u201d Baiting is against the law in Michigan. Looking for public or private land near agricultural fields is going to give you a better chance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you spot a turkey?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf you listen to turkey coming through the dry leaves, they sound a lot like a person. Except they will walk for a little bit, and then they scratch looking for something to eat.\u201d A good tip is to listen carefully and wait for the scratching noise after a few steps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dominant male turkeys will also show off their feathers. Sometimes you can spot a turkey in the field by the tips of their feathers fanned out. You might also see multiple turkeys together, but only one has the feathers visible because he\u2019s the dominant bird.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug shared that fanning their feathers is a way for a dominant turkey to say \u201cLook at me. I&#8217;m bigger.\u201d But the other birds will defend him and look for danger while he&#8217;s busy trying to sweet talk the ladies.\u201d He continued \u201cIf you shoot him and he falls over and starts flopping on the ground. The other turkeys are not his buddies anymore. The two will jump on him and beat him because they want to become the dominant bird.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When there is a group of male turkeys, Doug added \u201cThat&#8217;s how you can shoot two if you&#8217;re sitting with two people. Because even though it is a gunshot, they forget about it quickly. They are too busy kicking him and making noise with their wings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best time of day for turkey hunting?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Morning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-dawn and first light are often the best time for a successful turkey hunt. Finding a roosted bird is the key. This means you&#8217;ve located where the turkeys sleep in their \u201croost trees\u201d, it\u2019s best if you are in place before they wake up and fly down to the ground. Doug says it\u2019s \u201ca big performance when you\u2019re turkey hunting and you see them come in.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once they are on the ground they will start their morning routine of foraging for food, gobbling to establish their territory, socializing and grooming. Male turkeys might strut and fluff out their feathers to attract the females and then they will start to roam and continue to look for food or water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Late Afternoon Hunt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The late afternoon can also be a good time because turkeys will be active again looking for food before they fly back to their roost trees. And if it\u2019s mating season, this can also be a good time of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-walking-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-walking-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-walking-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-walking-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-walking-jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug recalls a time when he was set up on the west side of a field edge. The turkeys could not see him because the sun was in their eyes the whole afternoon. But once the sun went behind the trees, and the shade hit the group, he was able to draw one in by making it mad. He had been gobbling a little back and forth but then made just the right sound and angered the bird.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe turkey showed signs of being in love with a white head. But when I gobbled, and he turned around and saw my decoy with his feathers fanned out, his head turned red. He got mad and went into a dead run towards me starting about 75 yards away. My wife shot him at 15 yards.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check for legal time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something to know about turkey hunting is that there are very specific times when you can hunt and when you have to top. Doug says turkeys are \u201cin the trees for their own safety. They fly up at night so they don&#8217;t get hunted by coyotes and stuff like that. Once they are in their roost, you are done hunting. Technically, five minutes before they fly up.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/dnr\/-\/media\/Project\/Websites\/dnr\/Documents\/LED\/digests\/Spring_Turkey_Digest.pdf\">Spring Turkey Regulations<\/a> for the hunting hours which is very specific down to the minute. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the most common mistake turkey hunters make?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doug sees a lot of hunters move too early. \u201cIf you&#8217;re calling to a bird and it goes quiet. You just wait. I usually try to sit there for an hour, just to make sure he&#8217;s not sneaking in. If you get impatient and stand up too early, you\u2019ll give yourself away.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where do you shoot a turkey?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shot placement is important because the turkey vitals are smaller than deer and about the size of a softball. They have a small kill zone compared to big game animals. The most challenging shot with a bow is the head\/neck shot. If the turkey is facing you, then aim for the spot just under the beard at the base of the neck. This will be a fast and ethical kill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-head-and-neck-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-647\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-head-and-neck-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-head-and-neck-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-head-and-neck-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Turkey-head-and-neck-jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mounted turkey with a view of neck\/head for shot placement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to take a broadside shot, make sure you have broad heads meant to penetrate the heavy feathers and breasts. This article has excellent detailed explanations about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mathewsinc.com\/turkey-shot-placement\/\">shot placement for turkey hunting<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Doug\u2019s final turkey bow hunting tip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTry not to let the pressure of getting one make you do dumb stuff. Just enjoy the spring and be able to hear the sounds, it\u2019s amazing,\u201d says Doug. \u201cYou can listen to the hens talk. If you are in a situation where mature Toms are with some hens, there&#8217;s usually a dominant hen there. And she&#8217;ll usually be the loudest bird. Learn to copy her and talk back and forth. But then make your call louder. It\u2019s fun to interact with them and use sound to draw them out.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deer season is over and the spring season has arrived. You might be itching for your next hunting adventure. Maybe you are a shotgun hunter ready for a challenge. Or you have driven by a field of turkeys and wondered what it would be like? I love the Michigan outdoors and find ways to keep&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":649,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9],"tags":[13,11,73],"class_list":["post-641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archery","category-beginners","tag-beginner-hunter","tag-bow-hunting","tag-turkey-hunting"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Turkey Bow Hunting Tips for Beginners -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore tips for new turkey hunters, covering scouting and bow hunting strategies. 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