I'll keep this short. I am going turkey hunting for the first time this spring, and I would like some advice on what type or types of calls anyone would recommend. Preferably something that is effective but fairly easy to use. Also, any tips on using a decoy/decoys would be great. thanks a ton.

I would'nt consider myself an expert , but I've been been turkey hunting for 13 years so I can give a little advice. I own a decoy but don't use it much, probably because of the terrain I hunt. When a bird gets close enough to see a decoy he's usually in range. As far as calls go, the push button yelper is one of the easiest to use. A good slate type call would also be good to get. I just bought an OL Yeller from Knight and Hale and really like it. HS Strut makes some good slate calls that are easy to use.

I wouldnt say Im an expert, but i do know a fair bit on the subject. Just starting off, I would keep it simple this year. Maybe get a box call, maybe a glass or slate call, and a couple locator calls. Crow and owl calls work great. Next camo, from head to toe. Facemask gloves, every thing. Decoys would be optional, and if you do go that route, I wouldnt carry more than 3.

I would have to say the most important thing would be to pattern whatever gun you plan to use and know how it will perform. No use crippling any birds.

For your first year i wouldnt go overboard because Hell, you may not enjoy it, but if thats the case then something must be wrong with you.

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Ski,welcome to the forum here!Not to bang on any ego's here but you dont have to be a &quot;expert&quot; to kill turkeys.Especially when it comes to calling.I would stick with the friction type calls at first.Boxes and slates have accounted for countless birds harvested and our some of the easiest to use on the market.I still use friction calls on every hunt when it seems we're in an age where everyone wants to use a mouthcall.My personal favorites our Ben Lee's Twin Hen Box and H.S's Little Duece 1 and 2.When you find something your comfortable and confident with stick with it.Be patient,dont overcall,and try to set-up in a position in front of the bird and you'll be fine.For me,decoys are another story.I dont use them,but many others do so they can help you there better than I.Just have had better luck without em thats all!Good luck!

Ski - I too am very fresh into this sport. So, I guess you could say I'm an expert novice. H.S Strut has a video out called
&quot;So you want to be a Turkey Hunter&quot; I highly reccomend this flick. It covers calling, set ups, camo, basic turkey facts and a ton more info. Just a thought.

Good luck and good hunting!

I am not an expert Turkey hunter, just ask the Turkeys. I have been Turkey hunting for the past 38 years. First off I would get a box call, Lynch is a Good starting one #102. As decoys go a Hen and a Jake works well together ( be careful with the decoys, I have had mine shot 2 times so far). Watch some videos on how to call Turkeys. Try and pattern your Turkeys know where they roost, feed, Strut at, where they wont to go, like you would a deer. Don't try and over call the birds and don't call to loude. Don't forget your camo! Be patient and Enjoy Nature and the Hunt! The kill is not the important part the Hunt is.

Hey Ski! Welcome to the board! There are many turkey hunters here who can give you lifetimes of advice, so you are in the right place! Remember, nobody knows it all. Just ask anybody here how much knowledge they knew when they killed their first turkey, compared to now. You do not have to be an &quot;expert&quot; to harvest a nice bird. Show me the turkey hunter who knows it all, and I will show you someone who is no longer hunting turkeys due to boredom. There are no stupid questions, just stupid replys. Nobody here will give you a hard time when you are after information about this form of hunting. The responses about the type of calls to use starting out, are on the money. My only added suggestion is to take a couple of decoys, one being a jake, with you. Make sure the jake is set up close to the hen, if not in a breeding position, facing where you will be sitting. The majority of the time, if a tom sees the decoys, he will come in, cirlce around the setup to face the decoys head on. This should give you ample opportunity(s) to shoulder your shotgun to fire. Some guys set their decoys up at maximum or near maximun shooting range.(35-45 yards) Unless you are afraid of someone else stalking up on your decoys due to hunting public land or well hunted land, go ahead and set them in at about 20 yards or so. This should bring in the bird for a really tight shot. Good Luck and I hope you enjoy the show!!

Ski2502002 when i first decided that i was going to go turkey hunting i just went out and bought a call and did what my friends told me to do. Needless to say i didn't even see a turkey. After that i read everything i could get my hands on about turkeys and watched every turkey hunting tape i could find. I have kill turkeys every year since then(all public land gobblers) and that was about 10 years ago.<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - Mr. Longbeard on 02/15/2002 12:46:18

Edited by - Mr. Longbeard on 02/15/2002 12:46:51

Ski,I've been hunting turkeys for about 25 years now and believe me i'am no turkey calling expert by any strech of the imagination. But what I am is a good hunter. I try to figure out where they're going and how they're going to get there put myself in a position thats makes it as effortless as possible for them to come to me. If I've guessed right,even for a &quot;call challenged&quot; guy like me it's usually not to tough to get one to come in. Hope this helps!

Ski I see were practically neighbors. I started turkey hunting 5 yrs ago. I had a very hard time with mouth calls [small roof] but with pratice thats gotten better. Last year my partner and I could only bring the Toms in with a gobble call. Its a big game of 'what do they want to hear today' at times. Bass Pro has a turkey weekend coming up march 2-4. Ive got alot of help from alot of 'pros' there. Good Luck John

keep'em in your sights