Because I spend a large percentage of my hunting time for whitetails sitting in a treestand or ground blind, I find it liberating — and just plain fun — to pursue wild turkeys run-and-gun style with shotgun in hand and very little additional gear. I always carry at least one lightweight collapsible decoy in my turkey vest, but I might not set it up. It all depends on the situation, and whether I have a hot bird that might walk within shotgun range thanks to only my calling.
Regardless of whether I place a decoy, there is one key to avoiding the eyes of approaching wild turkeys: You must pick the right spot to sit, and by “right” I mean one that breaks up your silhouette.
When possible, I sit at the base of a tree that’s wider than my shoulders (top photo). That way, when a turkey approaches, it has trouble identifying me as danger. I blend into the background, especially if I’m in the shade, which is preferable.
Depending on the terrain, I might not have the option of finding a wide-diameter tree trunk to lean against. This is often the case on turkey hunts in the central United States, Texas, and farther west. In some places, I have to hide in tall grasses, or find a spot with a clump of brush as a backdrop.
In these instances, I like to have a cushion with a built-in back support. Sometimes called a stadium seat or predator chair, they allow me to quickly find a hiding spot without spending precious seconds looking for a nearby wide-diameter tree that might not exist. Two of my favorite stadium seats for run-and-gun turkey hunting are the Alps Outdoorz Backwoods (MSRP: $29.99) and the Easy Chair ($36.99) from Sportsman’s Outdoor Products.
As you wait on an approaching turkey, keep your shotgun in a ready-to-fire position. Don’t lay it on your lap thinking you’ll be able to raise it to aim and fire after a bird arrives. A turkey has incredible eyesight when it comes to picking out movement, and it’ll bust you moving even if you’ve chosen an ambush with a decent backdrop.
Lightweight shooting sticks work well for keeping your shotgun ready. Two of my favorites are the 8-ounce Primos Steady Stix ($33.99) and the 10-ounce Swagger Stalker Lite ($69.99). The latter uses Flex Ready Technology that allows you to track moving targets such as turkeys, coyotes and deer without having to reposition the bipod legs. It’s a clever system that works well. Click here to watch a short video that shows this unique shooting stick in action.
If you don’t want to carry shooting sticks, then use a foam pad that can be placed between the shotgun’s forearm and your raised knee. One that has worked well for me is the Hunters Specialties Gun Rest ($9.99). This knee pad (below) has an adjustable quick-releases strap so it doesn’t fall to the ground.
As you prepare your gear for spring turkey season, make sure you have the tools necessary to run-and-gun most effectively. And when it comes time to find an ambush and call to a turkey, choose a spot that breaks up your silhouette.
