New Turkey Hunter

[cjp161]

I am looking to go on my first turkey hunt in the spring. do you guys recommend hunting with a blind or is it better to just sit in front of a big tree?

[superstrutter]

If you have plenty of natural cover such as trees, bushes, or tall grass, then I would go that route. Sitting next to a big tree will do just fine. Just don't move when he's coming your way. If you are impatient or squirm a lot, then maybe a blind would be better off. Personally I have never turkey hunted in a blind and I have killed my fair share of gobblers. Make sure you are comfortable. Being uncomfortable may blow your chance at a longbeard. They very often come in silent and if your moving around from discomfort you may never know he was there.

[cjp161]

thanks for the info Strut.

[r33h]

superstrutter has a good point on being comfortable. Just like when you deer hunt, being comfortable will ensure you are focusing on hunting and not focused on how you can re-position yourself to get comfortable. You can buy a padded seat that straps around your waist for about $10 or so and when you get up to move, the seat is connected to you so it moves with you. I don't hunt out of blinds for turkey. I really enjoy being out in the open and sitting up against a tree. Just remember if you can see the turkey, then he can definitely see you as well...so make sure you aren't moving (that's where the mouth call comes in handy as I was mentioning that in another thread). If you move and the turkey busts you, you will know and will kick yourself...trust me...I have done it many times. I have had deer within 20 yards of me before while up in a tree-stand, and it doesn't remotely compare to the excitement that a longbeard will produce while I am on the ground right next to him. At times, I feel like my heart is literally going to jump out of my chest. I would suggest leaving the blind at home and see if turkey hunting will be your new favorite...

[Rory/MO]

really for a new guy i would reccomend a blind if your not going with an experience "guide"
you still wont be able to get away with much movement or noise out of a blind
good luck!

[Arrowmaster]

Ive have killed turkeys from a blind to setting on the ground with my back against a 2 in tree. The key is movement.

[Warkie]

I do both. I hunt more than one area during our season but I only have one blind. So I set it up at the site I figure it will work the best for me. The others and a cushion and a tree. I enjoy both and they both have their pros and cons but all things considered, I just prefer sitting "outside" against a tree.

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[JNTURK]

i have never killed a turkey from a blind....although this year i will be using my new Venom blind for some archery birds

sitting on the ground infront of a tree, bush or even in the open as long as you have cover around you or in front of you that should work just fine assuming you are in full camo!

[XXMag]

In the spring I just use a tree to break my outline (check out Diesel77's pictures on the second page of the "What to wear" thread to see what I mean). When you pick a tree to lean against make sure it's as wide or wider than your shoulders if possible.

In the fall I use a portable blind, but that's because I fall hunt with a dog. I have a sack I put her in (with her head sticking out)and I sit with my legs pinning her down. The blind hides her fidgeting.

I"™ve killed turkeys both ways, but I don"™t put up with the bother of a blind unless I have to.