Turkey Hunting Beginner Needs some Advice

[Wingandaprayer]

I am new to hunting, but would like to try turkey hunting. I am looking for advice on how to get started, including gear.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Paul

[DEgunner]

If possible, hook up with someone you know with some experience. Watch TV huntiing shows about turkey hunting. Check out the NWTF website. Pick a couple of hunting magazines featuring turkey hunting articles. All these suggestions should give you a basic idea what is going on. Make sure you also read your state hunting regulations for turkey hunting.

As for gear, you can get started with a minimum and still be successful:
1) shotgun (12 or 16ga w/fuller choke preferred)
2) #4 or #5 high velocity shells
3) some camo clothing (especially for head and face)
4) calls are good option, but until you get really hooked, keep it simple as in a box or slate call

Locate an area where it is legal for you to hunt and make sure turkeys are residing there.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I'm no hunter but DEgunner seems to have good advice.I think it would be rather fulfilling to shoot your own thanksgiving turkey.

[jsharlan]

I am also new to hunting and am going to give fall turkey a try this season. I have found some shows on the sportman channel and Pursuit channel helpful in learning. Also do lots of studying online, there is alot of useful turkey specific websites out there. I think the hardest thing about getting into hunting is finding a place to go and a helping hand if you don't have a hunting friend already.

[dorminWS]

I'd consider a 10 ga.

[jrswanson1]

If I were you, I'd get the licenses, your shotgun, a national forest stamp, and hit the George Washington National Forest for squirrels now. While you're out there, you can scout around for turkeys so you'll know where to go when the season starts.

[Wingandaprayer]

Thanks for the information. The NWTF website has a ton of good information. I am taking my Va. Hunter Education tomorrow, and while I have no desire to go squirrel hunting (I remember the squirrel stew my grandmother made when I was a kid - not to my liking!) I think getting back out into the woods to do some scouting is a great idea.