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

Scope Reticles For Hunting Lead
Scope Reticles For Hunting Lead

Scope Reticles for Hunting from Practical to Complex

Today’s riflescopes hold zero reliably, take adjustments precisely and transmit more light than has ever been possible. But if you can’t hold a precise point of aim, all is for naught, and with the wide variety of reticle options on the market today, hunters can tailor the reticle to his or her needs.

Recipe: Italian Boar-lognese

Check out Chef Holly Hearn's wild take on an Italian classic.

Hardware Review: Nosler Whitetail Country Ammunition

Frank Melloni gives an in-depth review of this new whitetail slayer from Nosler.

NRA Now Accepting Applications for Public Range Grants

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is pleased to announce the reopening of the NRA's Public Range Fund. Established in 2009, the NRA Public Range Fund is a grant-matching program that encourages city and county governments, along with state or federal agencies, to work with the NRA to build and improve public ranges across the United States.

#SundayGunday: Browning Citori 825 Sporting

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Citori 825 Sporting shotgun, from Browning. A classic over/under, this is a scattergun designed to shine on the sporting clays course.

In Memoriam: Frank R. Brownell III, June 24, 1939 – June 18, 2025

American Hunter sadly marks the passage of a legendary businessman, marketer and friend of hunters, gun owners and the Second Amendment: Frank R. Brownell III, who with his father, Bob, and son, Pete, placed Brownells Inc. and its products foremost in the minds of gun owners everywhere, passed away on June 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness, just six days away from his 86th birthday.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.