When it comes to hunting, there is probably no segment of hunters more eager to have the “latest gadgets and gear” than turkey hunters. As we ready our vest for spring gobbler hunting, let’s look at some of the basic tools you should be carrying.

The more time you spend in the turkey woods, and if you listen closely, many times turkeys frequently sound differently one from another. While there are the standard calls, such as yelps, purrs, clucks, and gobbles, individual birds will have a sound that will vary in pitch, tone, and volume. To duplicate this variable, it is advisable to carry more than one kind of turkey call and to carry more than one of each type.

The standard box call is a must and can produce any turkey sound you wish to make. But, additionally, for a slight variation, consider adding to your vest a “long box.” Generally, 2 or 3 inches longer than the standard box call will produce a pitch and tone that varies from the standard call. It also can crank out a sound that will carry further than the standard call and can thus be used on windy days or to locate a bird at a greater distance.

Slate calls or pot calls are one of the easiest to master, and a pot call with a slate surface and one with a glass surface are a must if you offer a variation in sound to nearby turkeys. On a rainy day, the slate call will be rendered useless by any raindrops that land on its surface, but the glass-surfaced pot call will be unaffected and thus a welcome addition to your vest when the rain comes your way. Include several strikers for each pot call – each one will yield a slightly different pitch or tone, and you can never be sure which one will turn on a nearby gobbler. Offering a variety of pitch and tone is an important key to getting a gobbler to come your way.

Finally, the mouth call is also a must. They come in seemingly endless shapes and sizes, and while they are the most difficult to master, they will become the “go-to” call that most turkey hunters will use – especially effective when you are trying to simulate multiple turkey sounds and using them simultaneously with a box or pot call to sound like numerous turkeys at once. Once a gobbler is coming your way and reaches a distance where he can be seen, the mouth call is essential, as you can now continue to produce turkey sounds without moving your hands, which is critical since turkeys have extremely keen eyesight. Any movement at all and that approaching old Tom will disappear! Carry several mouth calls so you can offer a variety of sounds to interested birds.

Pruning shears or hand-held cutters are a must. They are essential to clear limbs and brush to create a clear shooting lane or remove unwanted brush where you will be sitting.

Individually slip each of your box or pot calls and strikers, as well as other items, into Ziploc bags to keep them clean and protected from rain. Stick a few extra of these bags in one of the vest pockets – they will come in handy for many uses. You will wish you had them if you come across some wild ramps, fern fiddleheads, or morel mushrooms!

Waterproof matches and a whistle for signaling don’t take up any room or add any appreciable weight to a vest. None of us like to think that something negative will happen while we are spending time enjoying the out-of-doors, but it is important to have a few items such as these “just in case.”

Make sure you have a pad or two that can be used to scuff up the surface of your slate call, as well as a piece of sandpaper that you can use to freshen up the tip of your wooden strikers. Finally, don’t forget the binoculars. A pocket-sized pair of binoculars will aid in verifying any distant movement you spot with the naked eye and may even help you discover a shed antler at a distance.

“Good Luck” this season as you enjoy quality time in the turkey woods. Remember to “Always Identify Your Target, and Beyond!”