It’s nearly impossible to thumb through a hunting magazine or check the outdoor channels on TV the last few months without being inundated with stories, information and advice on hunting wild turkey. During the last five years all across the U.S., turkeys have been elevated to the sporting importance and status of whitetail deer or bass, and for devout outdoorsmen that’s a concession not taken lightly. The furor regarding turkey hunting is understandable in states that have limited game seasons, but the extensive interest displayed by Maine sportsmen has come as a pleasant surprise.

Unrestricted hunting and extensive reduction in woodland for farming and commercial expansion were the two main factors in eliminating native wild turkeys from Maine in the early 1800s. Reintroduction of birds was tried in 1942 with little success, and again in 1960 by regional fish and game clubs in Bangor and Windham, with the same unfortunate results. Using captured turkeys from Vermont, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife released birds in York County in 1977 and 1978. These transplants prospered and expanded the population enough that turkeys could be captured and relocated to other regions of the state by 1982. In 1987 and ’88, more birds were captured and transferred from Connecticut to augment the state’s turkey populations. In-state trapping and transfer since the early 1990s has led to expanding the range and population of the birds to the current status.

Maine’s premier turkey hunt took place in 1986 in York County, when 605 hunters applied for 500 permits, and only nine birds were taken. Last year, 18,685 sports tried for 7,000 permits and ended up bagging 2,544 turkeys. An amazing boost in hunter interest and a jump to a 35 percent success rate in only 15 seasons! Last season’s number of tagged birds is the second highest of any New England state, and both Connecticut and Massachusetts have longer seasons open to all interested hunters, and a two-bird limit.

Nine thousand permits were issued this spring, an increase of 2,000 over last season. Like last year each permit holder is designated to hunt a two-week season, either A (April 29-May4 and May 20-25) or B (May 6-11, May 13-18) anywhere in the 12 designated wildlife management districts that comprise the lower third of the state. An addendum to last year’s regulations is that any hunter who is unsuccessful during their assigned season can enjoy an extra week of gunning from May 27 to June 1. Half of the lucky lottery winners, the 4,500 assigned to the A season, will be able to start their turkey hunt this Monday. Being properly outfitted with all the right gear, and mentally prepared with a working knowledge of the rules, regulations and basics of turkey hunting are the keys to a safe, enjoyable and successful hunt.

Dress to Disappear

Head-to-toe camouflage clothing is a must to blend into the brush and woods. Turkeys have tremendous eyesight and will quickly pick up any undo motion, so hunters must sit very still and look like part of the forest. Spring trees and plants are very green, so try to select a camo pattern that matches current plant and leaf shades. Any camo outerwear is good, but a fall tan or brown cornfield pattern won’t hide you as well as a green or beige mossy oak design.

It’s crucial to cover the face and hands, since these body parts move the most and attract the greatest attention. A mesh face mask that covers the entire head and a light pair of gloves will do the trick. A cap or hat with a brim will be an asset on bright mornings to help keep the sun out of your eyes when it’s time to shoot. Some hunters feel a face mask curtails their vision and gloves interfere with hand and finger sensitivity when using calls and guns, so they opt to apply a thin layer of camo face and hand paint. From experience, I can assure you that if the bugs are out in full force, the protection of the face mask and gloves far overshadow the comfort and freedom of camo grease paint.

Since it may be a bit of a walk from the vehicle to a hunting site, and there’s bound to be early morning dew and perhaps puddles or creeks to cross, mid-calf comfortable, waterproof boots are a must. Pre-dawn May mornings can be cold, and sitting for hours curtails circulation, so well-insulated footwear is also a plus. Turkeys will still get out and about during a rain shower, but you will have a miserable day without a lightweight camo rain suit, or at least a poncho to slip on.

Gear To Go

Since wild turkeys have astounding hearing and eyesight, the sound of a vehicle, the glare of headlights and the noise of unloading gear and closing doors, no matter how stealthy, won’t be quiet enough. Park far away and walk, rather than take any chance of spooking the birds. Since there is a good bit of gear that has to get to the ambush site, the question is what is the quietest, most efficient method of transport. Camouflage satchels or duffel bags of waterproof material will work, and backpacks are great because they leave both hands free to carry a gun or flashlight or push brush out of your face, but there is a better option.

Specialty vests designed particularly for turkey hunters are a perfect solution, with a place for everything and everything in its place. With a multitude of varied-size, easily accessible pockets and pouches even in the dark a hunter can locate exactly what he needs. There are even rings and snaps in several spots so items may be attached to the outside of the vest for fast, easy access. Most turkey vests come with a comfortably padded seat cushion that unsnaps from the back and offers relief from sitting on hard, rocky ground for hours.

There’s also a large, back pouch for transporting a couple of inflatable turkey decoys as well as some rain gear. Small, zippered chest pockets are perfect for mouth calls, while medium-size side pockets are good for box and slate style calls. Large pockets can accommodate a video camera, a 35 mm camera or first aid kit. Compasses, range finders, binoculars, GPSs and extra gloves will fit in one spot or another, and still leave space for a flashlight or headlamp, multitool, shells, waterproof matches, space blanket, snacks, medications, folded paper towels and a dozen other personal necessities. It evenly distributes the weight, secures each item quietly in its own compartment, and can be left packed from trip to trip or even season to season.

Guns and Ammo

Only shotgun gauges 10, 12, 16 and 20, loaded with shells of birdshot sizes 6 through 2, or a bow and arrow, are legal to hunt turkey. Naturally, a large bore gun will offer more power and a heavier shot charge, making it more effective at longer range, but there are more important facts to consider. Most importantly, it’s vital to get a turkey as close as possible to assure a quick, humane kill, and no wounded birds. It’s better to pass up a shot of questionable distance than hit and lose a turkey. At a distance, first-year male turkeys, called jakes, are often difficult to distinguish from females, which are protected, so this is further reason to wait for a close shot.

Every hunter has a shotgun which is a personal favorite; it shoulders smoothly, fits well and shoots straight; that’s the scattergun to carry. Youngsters and small-framed women have short arms that won’t fit many adult shotguns, and it’s also difficult for them to hold a big bore gun to their shoulder without moving for long periods as a sharp-eyed turkey slowly approaches. Heavy recoil is tough to absorb as well, so a youth model 16 or 20 gauge with heavy loads will work more effectively.

For the average hunter, a 12 gauge that will take 3- or 31/2-inch shells will do the trick. Headshots are a must, so get out and practice with the gun and be sure to pattern it on a turkey target with the shells to be used for hunting. I recommend size-5 shot in copper-coated lead, and several companies manufacture these in a heavy turkey load. A full choke, or better yet a turkey choke specifically manufactured to maintain an extra tight pattern, will assure a dense, lethal shot group.

If you’re not as strong or stable as you used to be, carry a telescoping, monopod gun rest along, and extend it to the correct length once your situated. Within a second it’s in place and ready to support the gun barrel over long periods of waiting for a bird to approach, and it offers a steadier shot. Many folks put a low power scope or a red-dot sight on their shotgun to offer a better sight picture for head shots. A shotgun with a factory camouflaged exterior is an asset in hiding movement and eliminating shine and reflection. Older guns can be easily camouflaged without surface damage by using camo tape or neoprene slip on camo covers for barrel, stock and forearm. An adjustable shotgun sling leaves hands free and makes traveling to and from the hunting site more comfortable.

Safety First

Turkey hunting has one of the highest occurrences of accidental shootings of any game season. A few general precautions will help keep you out of harm’s way this spring. Don’t carry turkey decoys out in the open when entering or leaving a hunting area. If you’re fortunate enough to get a turkey, don’t carry it through the woods or field edges over your shoulder. Put it in a bag, preferably an orange plastic game bag meant for the purpose. Refrain from wearing any red, blue or white clothing that might be mistaken for the colors of a mature Tom turkey’s head.

Select a shooting and calling position that puts a large tree, rock or other protective object behind your back, shoulders and head, and allows at least 180 degrees of side-to-side visibility. Be alert to nearby sounds, and assume that it might be another hunter sneaking up on your decoys and calling, and speak up when other hunters are spotted to alert them of your presence. Hunt on weekdays whenever possible, and try to avoid the crowding of Saturdays and holidays. Know your target and be aware of the background before even pointing your gun, – you can’t un-pull a trigger!

Scout for Success

Pre-season scouting is essential to a successful hunt, so get out and do your homework. In lieu of doing you own scouting due to work, health or travel constraints, it may be necessary to depend on a relative or friend that owns land or is familiar with the area you wish to hunt. An even better option would be to hire an experienced, licensed guide.

If you’re from Aroostook County, where there are no wild turkeys to hunt, scout, practice calling or learn habits and signs from, hunting in the south and learning from a guides makes excellent sense. After a couple of years of watching, listening, learning and practicing, perhaps you will be ready to go it on your own. On the other hand you might just hit it off with your guide and find the reasonable price for his expertise and companionship are well worth it for a couple of days each spring.

Wild turkey are an exciting and challenging quarry and Maine outdoorsmen are fortunate to once again have the opportunity to match wits with them. These great game birds are also wonderful tablefare. Even if turkey don’t inhabit your region, it shouldn’t prevent an avid hunter from applying for the annual permits and traveling to hunt where the birds are most populous. Going afield in search of Maine’s largest game bird is a challenge and a privilege that every hunter should experience at least once.

Outdoor feature writer Bill Graves can be reached at graves@polarisumpi.maine.edu