Must-Have Turkey Gear for 2017

by
posted on February 27, 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. **
turkey_gear_2017_f.jpg

Primos Rocker Vest
For the long-haul turkey hunter, the Rocker Vest from Primos can just about carry it all. It sports molded, padded box- and pot-call pockets, a clear waterproof cell-phone pocket that allows you to use your phone without removing it, and even a pocket for decoy stakes or a hydration bladder. Fill those up and you’ll still have plenty of room for extra gear, shells and a good lunch. When it comes time to make a stand, take a seat just about anywhere and still support your back utilizing the adjustable flip-down lounge seat. Available in Realtree Xtra Green and Mossy Oak Obsession. MSRP: $131.95.

Zink Box Calls
The Power Hen Hybrid and Wicked box calls from Zink are hand built and custom tuned, providing true turkey sounds from one of the easiest-to-use, yet most effective, call types out there. Each call is double-sided and able to produce all the common springtime notes from cutts to cackles—even gobbles with a little practice. The Power Hen’s hybrid boat paddle creates those high to raspy double-notes that drive toms wild. The Wicked box call, made of poplar and super-dense bloodwood, is a collaboration between Zink and NWTF Grand Champion call maker Marlin Watkins. It produces what the company claims are the most realistic turkey sounds, from soft purrs to echoing locator calls, ever delivered from a production box. MSRP: Power Hen $79.99; Wicked $99.99.

Banded Lightweight Turkey Shirt and Pant
Banded just released its first clothing line made for the turkey woods. The Lightweight Shirt, made of ultra-light rip-stop fabric, has a vented back, magnetic pockets for simple and quiet retrieval of gear, and articulated shoulders for a full range of motion. The Lightweight Pant, made of a four-way, ultra-light stretch fabric, sports waterproof knees and seat panels, an adjustable waist, articulated knees and vent zippers down the legs. An integrated gaiter system keeps pant legs secure in tall boots. Available in Mossy Oak Obsession and Realtree Xtra Green. MSRP: Shirt $79.99; Pant $119.99.

Knight & Hale Calls and Run & Gun Call Pouch
New three-pack diaphragm calls from Knight & Hale include the Deadly Diva Series ($21.99/three), designed by Michael Waddell, and the Legend Series ($19.99/three), designed by none other than Harold Knight himself. Each three-pack comes with calls for a wide range of sounds from subtle, seductive purrs to attention-getting, raspy yelps. A hands-free, push/pull friction call, the Turkey Magnet ($39.99) magnetically attaches to a steel shotgun receiver so you can call with both hands on your gun. Haul your diaphragms and pot calls with the minimalist Turkey Keeper Run & Gun Call Pouch. MSRP: $19.99.

Girls with Guns Midweight Clothing
Finally, a line of women’s hunting apparel designed specifically for the female form that isn’t covered in pink! Girls with Guns Midweight Jacket and Pant are perfect for a cool morning in the turkey woods. A quiet soft-shell with an adjustable waist and Velcro wrist cuffs, the jacket sports three pockets with a removable hood and is wind- and water-resistant. The pant is wind-resistant and adjustable for waist and length, and has six pockets. Both garments are made of a polyester and Spandex blend, and have a soft, micro-tricot lining for warmth. Covered in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. MSRP: Jacket $139.99; Pant $129.99.

GHG Decoys
With an aggressive, fire-engine-red head on one side and a passive pale face on the other, the new Jekyll & Hyde decoy from GHG gives old wary toms no choice but to come in for a closer look. And one glance at the ready-to-breed posture of the Laydown Hen will make those gobblers churn dust to get there first. Add a jake decoy and watch the jealousy take hold. Carry bags and decoy stake included. MSRP: Jekyll & Hyde $99; Laydown Hen $69.

Latest

W H2026 09 Knowhow 6.8Set9.25.4
W H2026 09 Knowhow 6.8Set9.25.4

Things I’ve Learned About Public-Land Elk

Every generation has a story starting with, “I remember the good old days.” Elk hunters have a similar dialogue and although elk numbers are at some of their highest in modern history, public-land hunting still represents a sea of challenges. With decades of elk hunting in my rearview and an ongoing education, a few lessons I’ve learned from elk hunting may aid you in your public-land elk pursuits.

Colorado Ballot Battle Heats Up

The required number of valid signatures to put a “Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment” on Colorado’s Nov. 3 ballot was reached on Sept. 4. If approved by voters—according to Ballotpedia’s summary—it would add the “…right to hunt, fish, and take fish and wildlife through traditional methods” to the state constitution.

#SundayGunday: CZ 600+ ST3 American

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are taking a look at the new-for-2026 design of the CZ 600+ ST3 American, the ST3 being the long- and magnum-action model. Built by the legendary Czech company for the American market, this is a rifle adapted perfectly to hunting on this continent.

How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms?

Getting federal and state agencies out of the way of the citizens who wish to use suppressors to make their guns more polite to their ears and to their neighbors’ is an ongoing, complex and multifaceted effort. There is, however, progress being made thanks to the Trump administration.

A Shared Memory Between Life’s Chapters

Check out this memorable hunting story from member William Scott Aldridge.

Hardware Review: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

First, the Browning Automatic Rifle addressed in this article is not the renowned 1918 BAR of military fame. I’ve actually seen an American Rifleman editor hunt hogs with a reproduction 1918 BAR. While it was a spectacle to behold, it’s probably not the optimal choice for the deer woods, but hey, who am I to judge? The Browning BAR we’re talking about in this article is the iconic hunting rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.