Fall Turkey Hunting Essentials
The tradition of turkey hunting began only in the fall season initially. During the first half of the 20th century, very few states even offered spring hunting seasons due to the limited turkey population. Though In time a rise in turkey populations made the spring hunt more popular and widely available, fall turkey hunting remains a cherished tradition.
As many as 44 states offer fall turkey hunting, giving shooters a second chance to bag that prized bird as well as an opportunity to experience the time-honored fall hunt. Whether you’re a veteran of turkey hunting or a newcomer, there are several factors to consider. So before you head out, check out our list of fall turkey hunting essentials to be fully prepared.
Get all your hunting essentials online from GrabAGun. We’ve got Winchester, Mossberg, and Remington shotguns along with 12 gauge ammo and archery supplies. Get the best turkey hunting shotguns from GrabAGun today!
Fall vs Spring Turkey Habits
Fall turkey hunting is its own unique sport. Many tactics and gear that you’d normally use in the spring won’t necessarily work in the fall. For example, scouting is key to finding turkeys in this season. Unlike spring turkey hunting, fall hunters must rely less on sounds, scratching, or flapping wings.
Fall Turkey Habits:
- Hens and Jakes tend to flock together in search of food like hickory nuts, beetles and bugs, corn and grains, grass, and acorns
- Toms tend to be loners, keeping to themselves while searching for food
- Fall flocks wander over a wide area and sometimes will not return to the same spot for many days. The typical range for a fall flock is between 250 and 400 acres
Spring Turkey Habits:
- Toms turn into lovers instead of loners. They are notably vocal and will strut more.
- Jakes and Toms will flock together and a pecking order within the group will be established.
- Every Tom and Jake are in competition to capture the attention of a hen, so decoys are a great tool for hunters.
- Turkeys typically visit the same roosting, strutting, and feeding areas each day.
Choose Your Weapon
There are countless methods hunters use to take down their game. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and some are more apt for beginners than others. When choosing your weapon, consider your hunting style, terrain, experience level, and price range.
Archery
Using a bow for fall turkey hunting is, typically, not for beginners because it can be challenging. However, bow hunting is incredibly exhilarating and rewarding. Fall and winter bow hunting seasons for wild turkeys are often long and generous in many states, which means you’ll get ample opportunity to land your prized bird.
Turkey Hunting Tips for Fall Bow Hunting:
- Make sure you are comfortable shooting your bow from a seated position; most turkey hunts happen on the ground.
- If you are positioned in a blind, ensure that you have enough room to draw back your bow. If you can’t comfortably sit and draw back your bow, consider reducing your draw weight.
- Compound bows are a great, safe option for beginners. Compound bows are faster and more forgiving while you’re figuring out form.
- Consider all your broadhead options. Some are designed for aiming at a turkey’s neck and head, while others are designed for the turkey’s vitals in the body. In order to ethically take down your turkey, do your research and pick the broadhead that best fits your needs.
Turkey Hunting Shotguns
The shotgun is by far the most popular choice for turkey hunting. However, not just any shotgun will do. In fact, many manufacturers now specifically design turkey shotguns for sale, which include unique features that are specifically compatible with turkey hunting such as:
- A short barrel
- A tight choke
- The ability to shoot heavy loads
- Sling swivels
- A matte or camo finish
Additional considerations for your hunting shotgun should include weight. If you are hiking or tracking, you will want a platform that is lightweight. A 12 gauge shotgun such as the Remington 870 12 gauge, is traditionally the preferable option. GrabAGun offers an extensive line of turkey hunting shotguns which includes Winchester, Mossberg, and Remington shotguns.
Remington 870 Express
The Remington 870 Express is the ultimate pump-action shotgun delivering high performance, reliability, and consistency. The Remington 870 12 gauge comes with a 3.5 inch chamber and 28 inch barrel. This Remington 870 shotgun features a synthetic stock, HiViz Fiber optic front sights, a Rem choke, a Realtree Max-5 finish, and a 3 round capacity. With a foundation of strength, silky-smooth bind-free action, and sleek classical lines; this Remington shotgun is a staple platform to add to your turkey hunting shotgun collection. Get the Remington 870 for sale and 12 gauge ammo online from GrabAGun today!
Remington 870 Express
| Model: Remington 870 Express | Action: Pump | Barrel Length: 28″ |
| Capacity: 3+1 | Chamber: 3.5″ | Gauge: 12 Gauge |
| Stock Finish: Realtree Max-5 | Stock Material: Synthetic | Hand: Right |
| Sights: HiViz Fiber Optic Front | Choke Configuration: Rem Choke | Receiver Material: Steel |
Check out one of the newer Remington 870 12 Gauge Shotguns, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster at https://grabagun.com/remington-870-field-12-gauge-28-barrel-4-rounds-3-chamber-walnut.html.
The 870 Fieldmaster was also featured in our recent blog post entitled Waterfowl Hunting Shotgun and Ammo Essentials. Go to https://blog.grabagun.com/2022/10/waterfowl-hunting-shotgun-and-ammo-essentials to read more.
Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter
Keep it stealthy with the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter. It comes chambered in 12 gauge with a 3.5 inch chamber and 24 inch barrel. The Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter features a synthetic stock, a black chrome bolt for faster cycling, a cross bolt safety, one Invector-Plus X-Full Turkey choke tube, and a 4 round capacity. The adjustable TruGlo sights make aiming easy and the aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped to accept optics. Its mossy oak obsession camo finish will submerge you into nature and guarantee a successful hunt.
| Model: Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter | Action: Pump | Gauge: 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length: 24″ | Chamber: 3.5″ | Capacity: 4+1 |
| Barrel Description: Back-Bored Vent Rib | OAL: 45″ | Hand: Right |
| Sights: Adjustable TruGlo Fiber Optic Front & Rear | Size: Full Size | Choke Configuration: Invector-Plus |
| Chokes Included: XF Turkey | Drop: 1 5 / 8″ @ Comb & 2″ @ Heel | Safety: Crossbolt |
| Receiver Material: Aluminum | Trigger: Drop-Out | Stock Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession |
Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl
The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl offers a reliable and durable semi-auto shotgun. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 3 inch chamber and 28 inch barrel, this shotgun features a true timber prairie synthetic stock, a tang safety, and a 4 round capacity. The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl includes HiViz CompSight fiber optic sights, an extended X-Factor ported choke, and a streamlined forend with signature texturing for a secure grip. Get the best hunting shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today!
| Model: Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl | Action: Semi-Auto | Gauge: 12 Gauge |
| Barrel Length: 28″ | Capacity: 4+1 | Chamber: 3″ |
| OAL: 48.75″ | Hand: Right | Sights: HiViz Comp Sight Fiber Optic |
| Choke Configuration: Briley | Chokes Included: X-Factor Ported | Receiver Material: Steel |
| Safety: Tang | Receiver Finish: Patriot Brown Cerakote | Stock Finish: TrueTimber Prairie |
Tungsten vs Lead Ammo
There are a few things to consider when choosing ammo for fall turkey hunting. For example, a heavy load may not be a necessity in the fall season as it would be in the spring season, since fall turkey’s tend to be smaller and more fragile. Other things to look for include the length, price range, and shot size. The most popular turkey hunting loads are lead and tungsten-based. Find the best type of ammo for sale at GrabAGun that fits your needs!
Turkey hunting with lead ammunition is a hugely popular choice. This shotgun ammo has a proven track record of consistency and power. It is the traditional choice for many turkey hunting loads, and thanks to modern innovation, many lead loads are more effective than ever.
An increasingly popular shotgun ammo choice is Tungsten. Not only is it much denser and heavier than lead, but it also penetrates deeper and maintains a sturdy shape. Thanks to tungsten’s heavier pellets, these loads carry more energy further downrange. The result is the take down of turkeys at greater distances and with greater stopping power.
Fall Turkey Hunting Essentials at GrabAGun
Fall turkey hunting is, for many hunters, an undiscovered gem. It is equally challenging and rewarding, as well as relaxing and adrenaline-filled. With fall rolling in, now is the perfect time to experience this classic hunt for yourself. While prepping your gear, remember that GrabAGun has the best gun deals online for all your turkey hunting needs. So whether you choose archery or a turkey hunting shotgun, you can find what you need. Get the best Mossberg, Winchester, and Remington shotguns for sale online. GrabAGun is the best place to find deals for all your hunting gear, so you can go into the wilderness prepped and ready.
—Melissa Quist
Edited By: Nina Manzanares