Bow Hunting Spring Gobblers

Three Keys To Bow Hunting Spring Gobblers

Method, Concealment And Setup

By Paul E. Moore

Spring turkey season opens soon and there is no better time than now to begin a quest to bag a gobbler with a bow.

Although bow hunting for turkey is difficult and can be very frustrating at times, it is highly exciting and very rewarding when successful.

Bow hunting turkeys, as with most all types of hunting, is a lifelong learning experience. There are so many nuances and variables; one can only continue to learn through experience and tenure in the pursuit. Here is a look at three of the key elements to consider when bowhunting spring gobblers.

METHOD

Bowhunters have basically the same two options of methods as do gun hunters. They are call and move or ambush. Either technique will work, although the latter method requires much more patience. However, the ambush method is much less strenuous for the elderly and those who may be mobility impaired.

The ambush method basically revolves around good pre-hunt scouting. The hunter must know the area being hunted and the habits of the local birds. The scouting information must be current. Knowing where the birds were and what they were doing three weeks before the hunt may be of little use after such a lapse of time.

After scouting and locating a pattern of area birds, the hunter erects a well-hidden blind alongside a travel path, feeding location, or strutting zone. Then the wait begins. Some hunters will patiently spend entire days in the field awaiting their chance at a passing gobbler.

Comfort in the blind is essential if one is to spend much time there. A good seat and plenty of room to move and draw the bow is needed. Bringing along something to eat and drink can also help one remain in place longer.

The more traditional method of turkey hunting, which is calling and moving to locate a gobbler, is an exciting way to bow hunt. The hunter uses all the same tactics as would a shotgun hunter, but must pack along a blind or camouflaging material which is light enough to carry and quick to erect.

The hunter moves and calls until a gobbler is located. Once located, the bow hunter must move as close as possible and try to call the bird in for a shot. However, depending on the type of blind being used, bow hunters may not be able to move in as close on the bird as can gun hunters.

The bow hunter must take the time it takes to erect the blind into consideration. Hunters must think quickly and logically to choose the best spot to be both concealed and have an opportunity for a shot at the approaching tom.

CONCEALMENT

Any turkey hunter knows that being well-hidden is of utmost importance to be successful. This is exponentially true for bow hunters because of so much more movement being required to draw the bow. The hardest part of bow hunting turkeys is not the shot, but getting drawn to even attempt a shot.

It is almost a necessity to have some type of blind or camouflage netting to conceal the bow hunter from the keen eyesight of the quarry. It’s not impossible to hide amongst the natural foliage and still pull off a shot, but the odds are much more favorable with some type of blind.

Pop-up types of blinds have become very popular during the last few years. Advances in materials and technology now allows bow hunters to carry a blind which is lightweight, quick to erect, and offers great concealment. However, not all blinds are created equally.

Bow hunters need to actually “test-drive” a blind before purchase.

Acquiring one through mail order without ever seeing it up close could be a costly mistake. Hunters need to actually get inside of a blind and inspect it for comfort and usability based on their physical size and shooting method. Not all hunters are the same physical size and some blinds will be more accommodating than others.

SETUP

The moving bow hunter must be able to think and make decisions very quickly. Once getting within range of an active gobbler, the bow hunter must rapidly choose the spot to erect the blind. Done so properly, the hunter will be well-concealed and the position will offer a shooting opportunity when the tom arrives. Improper placement will result in a very unsatisfactory experience.

Hunters have to take many things into consideration when picking the spot for the blind. Will the blind blend with the surrounding foliage or appear unnatural and suspicious? What are all the possible travel routes the turkey may take when approaching? Are there enough clear shooting lanes? All this information must be processed quickly and correctly.

Choosing the setup for an ambush type of hunt is not as stressful, but no less important. The bow hunter still must take all the same criteria into consideration.

Concealment, blending, approach paths, and shooting lanes are all still factors to consider. However, the ambush hunter has more time to select a location and manipulate the surrounding brush and foliage to better conceal the blind.

Spring bow hunting for turkeys can sometimes consist of a lot of trial and error. Nonetheless, it is a very exciting and rewarding experience for bow hunters. A bow-bagged spring gobbler is a true trophy for any arrow-slinger.