Must-Have Turkey Gear for 2018

by
posted on March 14, 2018
** 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. **
gear_lead.jpg

Avian X Trophy Tom
Avian X has designed the Trophy Tom to be both an irresistible strutting decoy and a great looking wall mount to display the tail feathers you’ve been chasing all season. For decoy use, simply attach an existing fan to the back—the real thing will work best if you’ve got it—slap it on the included ground stake, or carry it “reaper” style with the optional handle for some in-your-face action. Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a full-body mount to display your bird, forget the stake and handle and hang this bad boy on the wall. Trust us, they got the colors right. MSRP: $79.99; avian-x.com.

Tenzing TZ TV18 Turkey Vest
Let’s face it, why carry one, when three calls will do the job just fine? Lucky for us fanatics, the TV18 vest from Tenzing houses enough pockets for the kitchen sink, but at a lightweight 3 pounds it is also a trekking-hunter’s dream come true. The vest features adjustable shoulder straps, a breathable mesh back panel, a drop-down dual-layer foam seat, pockets for a box call, pot calls, strikers and diaphragms, and even hand warmer and cell phone pockets. It’s also got enough room in the back pouch for all your extra clothes, decoys or better yet, a big old longbeard. MSRP: $149.99; tenzingoutdoors.com.

Primos Calls
The Tall Timber Gabriel Box Call is about as “premium” as box calls get. Its design allows for multiple thumbhole positions for a variety of notes. Made from gorgeous sapele and purple heart wood, the call has a back wall, ideal for those hard-hitting cuts. In celebration of 30 years of “The Truth Turkey Series,” the new Limited Edition Truth Box Call sports an image of Will Primos engraved on the paddle. This collector’s item makes some serious calls, though, with a similar “cutting-edge” back wall. The Drag Strip slate call is a throwback design made from hardwood and real Pennsylvania slate. It easily produces those realistic yelps and purrs that drive gobblers insane. MSRP: $69.99 (Tall Timber), $89.99 (Truth), $39.99 (Drag); primos.com.

Flextone Calls
When it comes to mouth calls, one size does not fit all. That’s especially true for those with a smaller palate—like women and children. Flextone has created a line of smaller frame mouth calls that still make a lot of noise. The Lil’ Double houses two straight-cut reeds that produce the two-note yelps that grab a gobbler’s attention from afar. The Lil’ V sports two reeds, a “V” cut and a “straight” cut, to create those raspy yelps, cuts and purrs that finish big old toms. MSRP: $4.99 each; flextonegamecalls.com.

 

Latest

LEDEM3500 Waterfowl MOOBL
LEDEM3500 Waterfowl MOOBL

New for 2026: Stoeger M3500 Waterfowl Mossy Oak Bottomland

Stoeger has expanded its M3500 Waterfowl Special series with a new model finished in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camo. Paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote receiver and barrel, the M3500 Waterfowl Special in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland is purpose-built to blend into flooded timber while standing up to harsh, wet environments.

Can Hunting Become Cool Again?

Is hunting becoming "cool" again? In an era when America’s top podcaster and cage-fighting commentator, Joe Rogan, talking hunting with Yellowstone superstar Luke Grimes seems almost commonplace, you'd have to think that the popularity of hunting is on the ascendency. How can we help it along? Read on, for Frank Miniter's thoughts on breaking hunting back into the mainstream.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .308 Winchester

The 7x57mm Mauser and the .308 Winchester are two of the most versatile and popular cartridges to make the jump from military to field use. Which makes the more sensible choice for the big game hunter? Follow along as Phil Massaro takes a dive into this pair of classics.

New for 2026: Winchester Long Beard Tungsten

Winchester Ammunition has added Long Beard Tungsten to its turkey hunting lineup of shotshells in 2026.

RMEF Grants $400,000 to Support WAFWA Wildlife Movement Projects

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) recently awarded a $400,000 grant to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to fund three state-led projects aimed at conserving, restoring and enhancing big game seasonal habitat and migration corridors in Nevada, Washington and Wyoming.

Suppressor Etiquette: Is It Rude Not to Use One When You Can?

If you legally can use a suppressor, is it becoming rude not to? A recent hunt in New Zealand, where suppressors are almost required equipment, got Brad Fenson thinking about the question. Follow along for the pros and cons of cans, as well as a discussion of the changing cultural norms surrounding their use.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.