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

Beauty Shot 2
Beauty Shot 2

Bolt-Action Build: Model 2020 Muley

With the right tools and a bit of know-how, anyone can build a quality backcountry rifle in their own shop, and for a far sight less than a comparable rifle from a custom gun-builder. Follow along for exactly how to build a backcountry-capable rifle all your own, with your only trip to an FFL being the one necessary to get your receiver.

Range Review: Savage Arms' Revel DLX Takedown

This sharp-shooting rimfire lever action from Savage Arms splits neatly in half for easier transport and storage.

MDT Expands CRBN Line with 700 LA Compatibility

MDT has introduced its ultra-lightweight CRBN Rifle Stock lineup with a new inlet for the Remington 700 Long Action Right-Handed CIP configuration. The CRBN Rifle Stock is also available for the Remington 700 Short Action, giving shooters a lightweight carbon-fiber option across multiple action lengths.

Gear Review: Sitka Fanatic Hoodie and Bib

Need to stay warm in the cold or extreme cold and want something to last for many seasons? Enter the Fanatic lineup at Sitka.

Hardware Review: Colt Kodiak

Check out Bryce Towsley's review of the hard-charging Colt Kodiak .44 Magnum revolver.

New for 2026: ScentLok Ridge Series for Women

ScentLok has taken the features hunters love about its men's Ridge line and combined them with a fit designed to help women feel comfortable and agile in the field. It combines form-fitting designs with technologies like Carbon Alloy, Silver Allow and Precip-X to produce an excellent midseason option.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.