Gear checklist
Turkey Hunting Gear Checklist 2026
Spring and fall turkey hunting: what to carry by category, 13 products hunters buy, and where to check your state's rules.
Photo: Curtis Fowler (Public Domain Mark)
What to bring, by category
The checklist below covers what turkey hunters carry in most states. Laws on orange, weapons and methods are set by each state, so the rules section links every state we cover.
Calls
Most turkey hunters carry a box call for loud clucks and yelps, a pot call for softer purrs, and a mouth call that leaves both hands free when a bird is close. A locator call such as an owl hoot gets a gobbler to answer before daylight.
Decoys
A hen alone works in most situations. A jake decoy beside her can bring a dominant gobbler in to fight. Some states restrict decoys or electronic calls, so check before the season.
Vest and seat
A turkey vest carries calls, shells and a cushion, and lets you sit against a tree for an hour without moving.
Blind
A ground blind hides movement in open fields and helps new hunters and kids. Pop-up hub blinds set up in a minute.
Camouflage
Turkeys see color and movement well. Cover your face and hands, and keep red, white and blue out of sight, since those are the colors of a gobbler's head.
Shotgun and choke
A tight turkey choke matched to your load and gun. Pattern it at the range before the season so you know your distance.
Optics
Small binoculars help pick out a bird at the edge of a field and judge a beard at distance.
Ticks and boots
Spring woods mean ticks, chiggers and wet grass. Tall rubber boots and a repeller or treated clothing help.
13 turkey hunting products hunters buy
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Primos Hook Up Magnetic Box Call
Magnetic lid holds the paddle angle; gobble band included.
$45 to $110
Primos Rare Breed Slate Turkey Call
Slate surface on a wood sound board, striker and pad included.
about $51
WoodHaven Next Level Ninja Diaphragm Calls 3-Pack
Three latex diaphragms: Ninja Ghost, Ninja V and Ninja Venom.
$39 to $40
Primos Power Owl Locator Call
Barred owl hoot for getting a roosted gobbler to answer.
$10 to $20
Avian-X LCD Lookout Hen Decoy
Collapsible body with a folding stake and carry bag.
$115 to $120
Avian-X LCD Half-Strut Jake Decoy
Collapsible body with a carbon stake and a beard attached.
about $150
ALPS OutdoorZ Grand Slam Turkey Vest
Removable foam seat with a kickstand frame and call pockets.
about $190
Ameristep Care Taker Run and Gun Ground Blind
Two-person hub blind, 50 x 50 x 65 in, 12 lb.
$90 to $100
Magellan Outdoors Eagle Pass Mesh Face Mask
Light polyester mesh for warm spring mornings.
about $15
King's Camo XKG Lightweight Gloves
Stretch polyester with a rubber grip palm.
$25 to $30
Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke Tube
Made for TSS loads in 12, 20 and .410 gauge.
$57 to $63
Vortex Crossfire HD 8×42 Binoculars
23.8 oz, nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed.
$140 to $210
Thermacell MR450 Armored Mosquito Repeller
15 ft protection zone; 12 hours of fuel and mats included.
$25 to $40
Prices are as listed on maker and retailer pages checked on November 10, 2026, rounded to the dollar. Sale and clearance prices end; check the current listing before buying.
Rules differ by state
Turkey rules differ by state: spring and fall dates, whether hens are legal in fall, shooting hours, legal shot sizes, and whether blaze orange is required while moving in fall seasons. Pick your state below for its laws page.
Turkey hunting gear FAQ
What calls should a new turkey hunter buy?
A box call is the easiest to learn. Add a pot call and a mouth call as you practice, and an owl call to locate birds on the roost.
Do I need decoys for turkey hunting?
Not always, but a hen decoy gives a gobbler something to look at besides you. Check your state rules before using decoys or electronic calls.
What choke do I need for turkey?
A turkey choke made for your gun and the load you shoot. The Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke Tube on this page fits 12, 20 and .410 gauge guns.
Should I wear blaze orange turkey hunting?
Rules vary by state and season, and some states require orange while moving in fall seasons. Check your state's laws page from the links here.
What colors should I avoid when turkey hunting?
Red, white and blue, since those colors appear on a gobbler's head and another hunter could mistake them for a turkey.
Is a ground blind worth it for turkey?
It helps in open fields and with kids or new hunters because it hides movement. Run and gun hunters often skip it.
Are the prices current?
They are the prices listed on maker and retailer pages checked on November 10, 2026. Prices change; the buttons open current listings.
Are these products tested here?
No. Specs and prices come from the makers and retailers.