Turkeys with a bow

[Steve]

How many of you have taken a turkey with a bow as opposed to a rifle?

[rooster]

I haven't taken a turkey with my bow yet, but if succesful in the spring drawing I am planning on leaving the 11-87 clean till next pheasant season and pulling my bow out for a try. I have been very successful in harvesting birds with my gun and I feel that I want to take it to the next level now. I spend alot of time shooting my bow and feel confident and have enough patience to give this a try.
It helps to have your own property like I do were you can pattern the birds activity. I will try hunting from a treestand and attempt to call the birds in close enough for a clean shot. I do have alot of ground cover were I can conceal myself enough to hunt from the ground and walk around.
Next step is to see if the little piece of paper arrives in the mail this week.

[Steve]

That sounds like a huge challenge.

[rooster]

Trout, I definitely plan on being mobile and like I said I do have the cover to conceal me on the ground. During bow season last year I had quite a few opportunities if it was turkey season(which it was in my area, but I did not apply for a permit) to take a shot from the treestand. Throwing out a few enticing calls I hoping to bring the big boy in close enough for a clean shot. If that doesn't work I will have to go to plan B being mobile. I am trying to avoid plan REM 11-87, but if all else fails, she will be dusted off.

[Stinger]

I have hunted spring turkey with a bow for 9 seasons and haven't connected yet. But I sure have had a great time trying..-Every year I learn something new and have more fun than the previous year. I missed a couple of times and passed up a pile of jakes but I wouldn't change a thing if I could. Way too much fun!!!!!!!!!! :)

[The Nailer]

Stinger - That sounds like the ultimate challenge and I thought I'd try that this year if I don't connect the first day out. Do you use a portable blind or just camo and natural cover? Most everything I've read says to use mechanical broadheads w/ a wide cut. What do you recommend? Thanks for any help The Nailer

[Stinger]

I think that mechanical heads would work great for turkeys. The main objective is to hit where you are aiming and complete penetration is something that isn't needed. As a matter of fact it would be best if the arrow stays in the bird.
When I set up I use camo material 16ft by 4ft or larger, heavy cord(parachute cord) and clothes pins painted olive drab. This makes for a compact and easy to use portable blind, that can be put up in minutes. I've tried using tree stands(BOW HUNTING ONLY)and I should have taken a bird or two but I wouldn't recommend them because many times you don't have the time needed to set up on a bird when using them. I think it's more important to stay on the ground and use a blind so you can be mobile and stealthy. Use a decoy or two and try to have several large trees between you and the bird so you can make the move when the time comes. I hope you have better nerves than I do and Good Luck!

[Steve]

Stinger, I was thinking the same thing the other day. That is that a large diameter mechanical might be the best thing for a turkey as you want the arrow to stay put in the bird.

[Barney]

I will be trying to bag a Tom this spring with a bow. I was hoping for the all season hunt to help my chances but was not so lucky. I received the last hunt. Things should be green and should help in hidding me. This will be my first year hunting spring Gobblers with a bow. Have been waiting to get the long hunt but can not wait any longer. I have received the last hunt five years in a row now.
Good luck in the pursuit of the Spring Gobbler! :D

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Barney