Wild turkeys possess keen vision, making camouflage an integral component of your hunting attire. From boots to face masks, here’s what you should wear when hunting turkeys this season.
Start with light and breathable base layers like merino wool that wick away moisture quickly, then layer up mid-layers and outerwear that blends into your environment.
Camouflaged Shirts and Pants
Due to the long hours spent sitting in a blind while hunting turkeys, it’s essential that your clothing be comfortable. Layers with breathable fabrics that wick away moisture are highly recommended; layering also enables you to adapt easily as conditions change throughout a day of turkey hunting, from frosty mornings to sunny afternoons – adding or removing layers as necessary without exposing any bare skin to direct sunlight.
Camouflaged ball caps are the go-to head covering choice of many turkey hunters, often featuring mesh to protect their face from sun rays. Other hunters opt for wide brimmed hats with wide brims which provide some shade while still allowing them to see out of their blind.
Turkey hunters require appropriate hunting boots that fit the terrain and weather of their area of hunting. Rubber knee boots are popular choices in the South and East while hunters in the Western states often opt for taller, insulated boots to keep their feet warm during colder conditions. Whatever choice hunters make, their footwear must remain lightweight and quiet to not spook the birds they are after.
Turkey hunters need lightweight and quiet pants with camouflage designs. Additionally, padding should be added in key areas like butt and knee pads so sitting for long periods is more comfortable – the new Ol’ Tom tech stretch turkey pants offer reinforced protection in key spots to provide added comfort during long waits in a turkey blind.
Many turkey hunters also wear camouflaged vests while out hunting. These vests typically include plenty of pockets to store calls, strikers and other gear easily within reach, as well as a game bag on the back for transporting any birds they kill after killing. One such pattern that helps blend into spring vegetation and shadows effectively is RealTree Edge pattern camouflage designed specifically to blend into hunting terrain: RealTree Edge camo pattern can help hunters blend in with your surroundings when out looking for turkeys.
Waterproof Jacket or Rain Pants
As spring weather can quickly shift, investing in a quality raincoat designed for turkey hunters such as the Nebo turkey hunter’s rain coat is essential to success. These raincoats feature lightweight yet breathable material to avoid overheating while in the field. Some experts also suggest adding camouflage face masks or balaclavas to help blend in seamlessly with their environment and reduce distraction while hunting turkeys.
An essential piece of gear for turkey hunting, waterproof boots are an integral component of your arsenal. Your choice may depend on the terrain in which you will be hunting; rugged environments may require boots with greater support; some hunters opt for insulated rubber boots while others opt for traditional hiking boots.
No matter which turkey hunting boots you opt for, select quiet ones with camouflage designs so as to remain invisible in the woods. Also invest in good wool socks as these will keep your feet warm and dry during turkey hunting.
As the day wears on and you spend time sitting in a turkey blind, temperatures can quickly turn cold. To stay comfortable, wear a camouflage vest underneath your jacket – one with multiple pockets will make carrying calls and strikers much simpler when needed.
Don’t forget a pair of high-quality camouflage gloves to keep your hands warm and protected from the elements. Some gloves may be noisy; before purchasing them specifically for turkey hunting. Some hunters also like wearing an extra long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt as this provides warmth in cold morning temperatures while helping wick away sweat throughout the day.
Camouflaged Gloves
Hunters often neglect concealment strategies for their face and hands when hunting turkeys, yet turkeys possess keen eyesight that allows them to spot human faces from far away. Brightly-colored faces or hands may seem like beacons to wary gobblers so camouflaged gloves should always be worn when calling, adjusting decoys or using bows for drawing and releasing string.
When it comes to turkey hunting camouflage, select patterns with plenty of browns and grays that match grasses, brush and shadows on the ground. A few splashes of green can help as well; white or red tones could alert birds of your presence.
Layering up is essential when hunting turkeys as temperatures can quickly fluctuate throughout the day. A base layer made of wool or moisture-wicking synthetic fabric should keep you warm and comfortable while outer layers can be adjusted depending on conditions – adding or taking away layers is also helpful for weatherproof hunting gear! A waterproof jacket or pants would make an excellent addition to any turkey hunter’s gear collection.
Hats and head nets are essential pieces of turkey hunting apparel, helping break up your outline and cover your face from wary gobblers. Opting for one that blends in seamlessly with your camo pattern may even act as an additional insect repellent feature!
Rubber knee boots are an integral component of turkey hunting, with various models offering insulation to keep feet warm and dry in cold conditions. Furthermore, these footwear options make navigating wet environments and crossing creeks much simpler than wearing sneakers alone.
Any turkey hunter needs a backpack or vest capable of transporting shells, turkey calls, first aid kits, extra gloves, lunch, water and other necessary items into the woods. Make sure it can hold everything essential but is still compact enough to tuck away into their pockets when not needed.
Mask or Face Paint
Turkey hunters commonly wear masks or face paint during hunts in order to conceal themselves from turkey’s keen eyes. There is an array of mask colors available to them that match camouflage patterns on clothing, with Nature’s Paint being one popular option due to using safe natural ingredients that won’t irritate skin while remaining easily applied and removed from their face; additionally it provides airflow so the hunter doesn’t overheat while wearing it.
Hunting turkeys requires hearing everything that goes on around you in order to have the best chance at success. Any sudden noise could scare away an animal or give away your location to another hunter; by wearing a mask it allows the hunter to focus on their target instead of any distracting sounds that might otherwise interfere.
Masks can be cumbersome and restrict movement while turkey hunting, leading to headaches if too tight, fogging up, and making visibility hard; to minimize these problems it is advised that hunters wipe their mask frequently throughout the day to maintain optimal performance.
Some hunters prefer using face paint over masks because it is easier to apply and take off as needed. The ideal turkey hunting face paint should be composed of water based polymers that can resist sweat. Furthermore, these face paints should easily wipe off with damp cloth, coming in various colors to coordinate with hunter attire.
Remember, turkeys can see all colors of clothing worn, including white and red hues, so it is crucial when hunting turkeys to steer clear of these hues, instead opting for colors such as greens, browns, and grays instead. Additionally, gloves can help conceal fingers from sight while hiding any unnatural movements that could tip them off about who’s hunting them.
Hunters should bring extra equipment with them while turkey hunting, such as a first aid kit, knife, compass, topographic maps, turkey-hunting book, rope, insect repellent and rain gear. A blaze orange hat or vest is also useful to help other hunters identify you easily.