Early Season Turkey Hunting: Blind vs. "Run and Gun” by Frank Peralta
Hunting from a Blind
One effective tactic for early season turkey hunting is hunting from a blind. This allows hunters to set up in an area where they know turkeys are feeding or roosting and wait for the birds to come to them. When using a blind, it's important to set up in an area where turkeys feel comfortable, such as near a food source, roosting site, or common travel paths.
Another advantage of hunting from a blind is that it provides cover for the hunter. Early season foliage can be thin, making it more difficult to remain hidden from approaching birds. A well-placed blind can help break up the hunter's outline and allow for more natural movements while waiting for the right shot.
Hunting turkeys from a blind while using decoys can be an effective strategy for luring in gobblers during the early season. When using this approach, it is important to choose the right decoys and set them up properly. A good early season setup should include at least one hen decoy and one Jake decoy.
When setting up a hen and jake decoy for turkey hunting, it is important to consider the location of the decoys to ensure that they are visible to approaching gobblers. It is also crucial to position the decoys properly, with the jake decoy placed in front of the hen decoy and facing the hen, to create the illusion of a young male turkey courting a hen. Patience is key when using a hen and jake decoy setup. Gobblers may take their time approaching the decoys, so hunters should remain still and quiet in their hiding spot, allowing time for the decoys and calling to work their magic.
Using a high-quality hunting blind that is spacious, comfortable, and provides good visibility is also crucial. Look for a blind that provides good concealment to avoid startling approaching turkeys. One of our favorite blinds for early season turkey hunting is the RigEm Right HydeOut blind.
The RigEm Right HydeOut blind is a popular option for turkey hunters who want a versatile and effective blind for their hunting setup. Here are some features of the HydeOut blind:
- Lightweight and Portable: The HydeOut blind is designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for hunters who need to move frequently to find the best spot for their setup. It weighs only 19 pounds and comes with a carrying bag for easy transport.
- Quick and Easy Set-Up: The blind is designed to be set up quickly and easily, with a simple frame that uses a ‘pop out hub/hinge system’. The blind can be set up in under 1 minute.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its lightweight design, the HydeOut blind provides a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate two hunters and their gear. The blind has a 65-inch height and a 55-inch width, providing ample room for hunters to move around and get into position.
- Multiple Windows: The blind has multiple windows that can be adjusted to provide different levels of visibility and concealment. The windows are covered with premium camo mesh to provide excellent concealment but also see-through visibility from the inside.
- Camouflage Design: The HydeOut blind is offered in Optifade Subalpine or Optifade Timber which blends in great with the surrounding environment, providing hunters with effective concealment from wary turkeys. The HydeOut also utilizes a camo interior which also assists with concealment and eliminates the look of an unnatural ‘black hole’ from the outside. For added concealment, the blind includes straps to add vegetation.
Overall, the RigEm Right HydeOut blind is a great option for turkey hunters looking for a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-set-up blind that provides ample space and effective concealment. With its multiple windows and camouflage design, the HydeOut blind is designed to provide hunters with the versatility and flexibility they need to be successful in the field.
"Run and Gun" Hunting
Another popular early season turkey hunting tactic is the "run and gun" approach. This involves moving quickly through the woods while calling and trying to locate a bird that is willing to come in. This tactic can be effective early in the season when turkeys are still in large groups and more vocal.
When using the "run and gun" approach, it's important to move quickly and quietly through the woods. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and decent hearing allowing them to detect even the slightest noise or movement. Hunters should use cover and terrain to their advantage and move stealthily through the woods, stopping frequently to listen for gobbling or other turkey sounds.
Using camouflage while run and gun turkey hunting is critical to the hunter's success. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and can easily spot movement or anything that looks out of place in their environment. A hunter's ability to blend in with the surroundings can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
Camouflage allows the hunter to blend in with the environment and become invisible to the turkey's sharp eyesight. By wearing clothing and gear that matches the colors and patterns of the surrounding vegetation, a hunter can remain concealed and move quietly through the woods. Effective camouflage can also help a hunter get into position for a shot. By blending in with the surroundings, a hunter can approach a turkey without being detected and get into a better shooting position before the bird becomes aware of their presence.
In addition to clothing and gear, a hunter should also pay attention to their movement and positioning. Avoiding sudden movements, staying low to the ground, and positioning oneself behind natural cover such as trees or bushes can help further enhance concealment. Overall, using camouflage while run and gun turkey hunting is crucial to remain undetected and increase the chances of a successful hunt. By blending in with the environment, a hunter can move freely and stealthily through the woods and get into position for a shot without alerting the wary turkeys.
Some of our favorite Run and Gun Turkey hunting clothing is the Sitka Equinox Guard line of pants, tops, and gloves.
The Equinox Guard line are made with a breathable and quick-drying material that is perfect for early season hunts when temperatures are still mild. The pants feature zippered leg vents to quickly expel heat when on the move and have articulated patterning for optimal mobility and flexibility. The hoody is also ultra-lightweight and includes a built in face mask for added concealment. One of the best features of the Equinox Guard series is the incorporation of Sitka Insect Shield Technology.
Insect Shield is Sitka’s answer to the problem with early season insect such as ticks, mosquitos and other biting bugs. Insect Shield is a built-in bug repellent that is designed to provide long-lasting protection from biting insects. The technology uses a permethrin-treated fabric that is woven into the clothing to create a barrier against bugs. The Insect Shield technology is odorless and safe for humans, but highly effective against a wide range of insects. It is EPA-registered and has been rigorously tested to provide effective protection against these pesky insects. By choosing clothing with Insect Shield technology, hunters can stay protected from biting insects while in the field. This not only helps to prevent the annoyance and discomfort of bug bites, but also reduces the risk of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.
Early season turkey hunting can be both exciting and challenging. Hunting from a blind and using decoys can be effective tactics for luring in gobblers. The "run and gun" approach, which involves moving quickly through the woods while calling and trying to locate a bird that is willing to come in, can also be effective. By using these tactics and tips, hunters can increase their chances of success during early season turkey hunting. Give them both a try and let us know what you like best!
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