Stupid-Smart Turkey Gear

by
posted on April 1, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
stupid_smart_turkey_gear_f.jpg

Editor's Note: Frank Miniter has put each of the products listed below to use, and discusses a few of them in his feature story "10 Stupid-Smart Turkey Tactics." You can read that here.

Crazy Big Box Call
You’ll almost never use these huge boat-paddle calls, but now and then they can make a bird shock-gobble. Frank Recommends: MAD Bang Box.

GPS
Mark roost sites, where and when you heard gobbling, and so on. It might feel stupid to pattern a gobbler, as what you really want to do is call him to you, but figuring out where he goes and where he’s comfortable is smart. Frank Recommends: Garmin Oregon 700.

Gimmicky New Call
Every now and then a company comes out with a turkey call that is downright silly. A box call with slate glued to it, a pump with a diaphragm on one end that makes a sound like someone is sitting on a chicken. The thing is these calls do sound different, and making a different sound than everyone else can bring in a gobbler. Frank Recommends: Primos Bombshell.

Kayak
It can pay to find birds that haven’t been pressured. Sometimes a stream or swamp can make certain places not worth the trouble to those who don’t pack a boat. Frank Recommends: Ascend FS10.

Latest

Ieds
Ieds

IEDs Found in the Carson National Forest

Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered in Carson National Forest, near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, N.M. On Aug. 10, 2026, an additional device was turned into the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, N.M. by a citizen who found it.

Black Bear Hunt: A Second Chance Down East

After striking out on a bait hunt for black bears in Maine, the author returns to strike paydirt with the same Ruger Super Blackhawk he used decades earlier to take his first bear.

Kent Cartridge Reintroduces Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026

Kent Cartridge is bringing back one of its most requested waterfowl loads with the return of Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026.

Head to Head: .17 HMR vs. .17 Hornet

Is the centerfire worthwhile? Or does rimfire take the gold? Find out in this installment of Head to Head.

Are You Ready for Dove Season?

Dove season is upon us. Are you going to be the butt of the jokes on the dove field or the one ribbing your buddies?

Range Review: The Next Generation 2-Tone Taurus Judge Revolver

The latest version of the Taurus Judge incorporates features from the Raging Hunter series with a few unique touches of its own.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.