Prior to discussion about hunting techniques, We need to spend a few minutes on Archery Tackle appropriate for bowhunting Turkey. Many Bowhunters today use powerful, high speed compound bows. These bows provide exceptional penetration which is ideal for large game animals. These bows generally provide complete pass through, which is desirable for large mammals. Unfortunately, complete pass through is absolutely undesirable for Turkey. In mammals such as Elk, Deer, or Antelope, an arrow completely passing through the chest and lungs have devastating effects. The diaphragm is disrupted, air entering the chest cavity collapses the lungs, the lungs separate from the walls of the chest, and breathing stops. Due to the nature of the Turkey's respiratory system, reviewed in the second article of this series, lung shots do not have an identical impact. While bleeding profusely internally, the Turkey's respiratory system usually continues to operate in a reduced capacity, often enabling the bird to escape the bowhunter's recovery attempts.
When bowhunting Turkey it is desirable to have the arrow remain in the bird rather than to completely pass through. This results in greater internal damage and a generally better chance of recovery. For this reason, lighter poundage bows in the 40 to 45 pound range are preferred by many bowhunters pursuing Turkey. An added advantage to a lighter poundage bow is the extended period of time it can be held at full draw. Often a bowhunter must remain at full draw for long periods while waiting for a keen eyed Turkey to present a good shot opportunity. Be sure to meet the minimum poundage requirement for hunting bows in your region.
Only shots which hit the Turkey's Central Nervous System will kill the bird instantaneously. In other words, only shoots which hit the head, neck, or spinal cord are likely to kill a Turkey on the spot. While a head or neck shot is highly effective it is chancy at best. A turkey's head is about the size of your fist and is usually moving. The best shot is in the back directly through the spinal cord. During the spring season while a Tom is strutting the base of his tail is an excellent target, (1) because this spot is at the spine, and (2) because the bird is facing away from you and is not likely to see you shoot.
Since we want the Arrow to remain in the Turkey and we wish to break the Turkey down as much as possible in order to avoid recovery problems, Large Broadheads are ideal for the task. The bigger the cutting edge the better, providing you can shoot them accurately and consistently. Some Hunters use devices called arrow stoppers mounted behind the broadhead on the shaft to prevent full penetration. However sometimes these can result in insufficient penetration. Ideally we want a minimum of 3 to 4 inches of penetration. A solution to this stopper penetration problem is an aluminum extender which puts the broadhead an inch or two ahead of the stopper. Another technique used by some hunters is to solder a couple of large fishhooks to the rear of a large broadhead. This works well keeping the arrow lodged in the Turkey. Be sure to check the regulations where you hunt to insure this approach is legal.
Another device commonly employed by bowhunters pursuing Turkey is a string tracker. String Trackers have a light string which attaches to the broadhead. Large quantities of string stored in an aluminum cylinder flow out during arrow flight and as the bird departs from the position it was shot. The hunter then follows the string to the downed bird.
The bottom line for choice of tackle is that you are efficient in it's application prior to going afield.
