Spring turkey season is here. Don't be the guy who shows up missing critical gear. Here's your complete checklist.
Table of Contents - Why Turkey Hunting Requires Specialized Gear - The 10 Essential Items - Nice-to-Have Extras - Complete Setup by Budget - Pre-Season Checklist - Frequently Asked Questions - Final Thoughts
Why Turkey Hunting Requires Specialized Gear
Turkey hunting is unique: - Close range: 20-40 yard shots, not 200 yards - Calling critical: You need to sound convincing - Camouflage essential: Turkeys see color, UV, movement - Spring weather: Can be 0°C or 20°C, rain or shine
Get the gear wrong, and you're just taking a walk in the woods. Get it right, and you're filling your tag.
The 10 Essential Items
1. Shotgun: Remington 870 Express Turkey
Remington 870 Express Turkey Shotgun
Price: $450-550 CAD Gauge: 12 Choke: Extra Full Why: The 870 is the AK-47 of shotguns – reliable, affordable, everywhere
Alternative: Mossberg 500 Turkey ($400-500)
Load: 3" #5 or #6 shot, 1.75 oz
2. Turkey Loads: Winchester Long Beard XR
Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey Loads
Price: $35-45 CAD per box of 10 Why: These pattern tighter than anything else. 40+ yard kills are possible with proper choke.
Pattern your gun before hunting – every shotgun patterns differently.
3. Camo: Sitka Equinox Guard
Sitka Equinox Guard Turkey Camo
Price: $120 shirt / $150 pants Why: Turkey-specific patterns, lightweight for spring, UV treated (turkeys see UV light that humans don't)
Budget Alternative: Mossy Oak Obsession ($80-100 complete set)
4. Facemask/Gloves: Primos Stretch Fit
Primos Stretch Fit Facemask and Gloves
Price: $25-35 CAD Why: Turkeys will spot your face and hands instantly. Full concealment is non-negotiable.
Pro Tip: Get a facemask with eyeholes – easier to see than full mesh.
5. Calls: Woodhaven Cherry Classic
Woodhaven Cherry Classic Box Call
Price: $60-80 CAD Why: Box calls are easiest for beginners and produce authentic hen sounds
Add a Slate Call: Lynch Fool Proof Slate Call ($30-40) for versatility
Start with: Box call for locating, slate for working birds
6. Decoys: Avian-X LCD Breeder Hen
Price: $80-100 CAD Why: Ultra-realistic, collapsible for transport, deadly effective
Budget Alternative: Primos Gobbstopper Jake and Hen Combo ($60-70)
Pro Setup: One hen decoy + one jake decoy (triggers territorial response)
7. Blind: Primos Double Bull SurroundView
Primos Double Bull SurroundView Blind
Price: $250-300 CAD Why: See-through walls let you see birds approaching without them seeing you
Budget Alternative: Ameristep Doghouse ($80-100)
Run-and-Gun: Skip the blind, use natural cover
8. Boots: Irish Setter Rutmaster 2.0
Irish Setter Rutmaster 2.0 Boots
Price: $160-190 CAD Why: Spring turkey means wet conditions – mud, dew, creek crossings. These are waterproof and snake-proof (bonus in Southern Ontario).
Alternative: Muck Boots Arctic Pro ($180-220)
9. Vest: Alps OutdoorZ Grand Slam
Alps OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
Price: $80-100 CAD Why: Organizes calls, shells, snacks. Built-in seat for all-day comfort.
Must-Have Features: - Multiple call pockets - Shell loops - Cushioned seat - Water bottle holder
10. Optics: Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42
Vortex Crossfire HD 10x42 Binoculars
Price: $220-260 CAD Why: Spot birds at distance before they spot you. 10x for picking out heads in thick brush.
Budget Alternative: Bushnell Powerview 10x42 ($60-80)
Nice-to-Have Extras
Diaphragm Calls (Mouth Calls)
Primos Sonic Dome Triple Turkey Call
Price: $15-25 CAD Why: Hands-free calling when bird is approaching. Takes practice but worth it.
Range Finder
Bushnell Prime 1300 Rangefinder
Price: $180-220 CAD Why: Know exact distance. Turkey vitals are small – don't guess on your shot.
Trail Cameras
Price: $150-200 CAD Why: Pattern birds before season. Know where they're roosting and feeding.
GPS/Satellite Communicator
Price: $450-500 CAD Why: Safety in remote areas. Text family when you fill your tag.
Turkey Chair
Price: $40-60 CAD Why: Low profile comfort for long sits. Your back will thank you.
Complete Setup by Budget
Budget Setup ($600-800)
| Item | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Remington 870 Express | $450 |
| Ammo | Winchester Long Beard | $40 |
| Camo | Mossy Oak Obsession set | $80 |
| Mask/Gloves | Primos Stretch | $25 |
| Call | Woodhaven Cherry | $60 |
| Decoy | Primos Gobbstopper | $60 |
| Vest | Alps OutdoorZ | $80 |
| Total | ~$795 |
Mid-Range Setup ($1,200-1,500)
Add to budget setup: - Sitka Equinox camo (+$200) - Quality blind (+$250) - Better boots (+$100) - Binoculars (+$220) - Slate call (+$40) - Range finder (+$180)
Premium Setup ($2,500+)
Everything above plus: - Garmin inReach (+$450) - Trail cameras (+$300) - Multiple premium calls (+$200) - Full Sitka system (+$600)
Pre-Season Checklist
One Month Before Season:
- [ ] Pattern shotgun with chosen load
- [ ] Practice calling (30 minutes daily)
- [ ] Scout locations
- [ ] Check camo for UV brightness (wash with UV-killer detergent)
One Week Before:
- [ ] Check gear list
- [ ] Wash camo (no scent detergent)
- [ ] Charge batteries (GPS, camera)
- [ ] Pattern shotgun again (cold bore)
Day Before Hunt:
- [ ] Load shotgun, check safety
- [ ] Pack vest (calls, shells, snacks)
- [ ] Check weather
- [ ] Set alarm for 3:30 AM (turkeys wake up early)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a special turkey shotgun?
A: No, but it helps. Any 12 gauge with extra full choke works. Turkey guns have shorter barrels (24-26") for easier maneuvering in brush.
Q: What's the best turkey load?
A: #5 or #6 shot, 3" or 3.5" shell, 1.75-2 oz payload. #5 has better energy at distance, #6 has more pellets.
Q: How close should turkeys be before shooting?
A: Maximum 40 yards with good pattern. Ideally 20-30 yards. Turkey heads are small targets – don't stretch your range.
Q: Do I really need decoys?
A: Not absolutely, but they help enormously. A simple hen decoy makes a huge difference in getting birds to come those last 50 yards.
Q: What's the best time to hunt turkeys?
A: Dawn: Birds fly down from roost, most active. Mid-morning: Gobblers often cruise for hens. Late afternoon: Birds feed before roosting.
Q: Can I hunt turkeys in the rain?
A: Yes, but it's harder. Turkeys don't gobble as much in rain. They seek open areas (fields, logging roads) to stay dry.
Q: How do I learn to call?
A: YouTube tutorials, practice daily, hunt with experienced caller. Start with box calls (easiest), progress to slate and diaphragm.
Final Thoughts
Spring turkey hunting is addictive. There's nothing like having a 20-pound tom strut into 20 yards, gobbling his head off. But it's not easy – these birds have incredible eyesight and hearing, and they've survived this long by being paranoid.
Good gear doesn't guarantee success, but bad gear almost guarantees failure. The essentials above will give you the tools you need. The rest is woodsmanship, patience, and luck.
Now get out there and fill your tag!
Ready to gear up? Click any product link to check current prices. Spring season is short – don't waste it wishing you had better gear.