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

LEDE LCO Pro F2
LEDE LCO Pro F2

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

New for 2026: Vortex Crossfire II

Available with either a red or green dot, the Vortex Crossfire II Red Dot lineup brings added function to the Crossfire series.

USFWS Proposes New Grizzly Bear Management Rule

On July 17 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposed rulemaking change on the Federal Register that, if approved, would allow western states to better manage their grizzly bear population. Despite their burgeoning population the big bruins remain on the “endangered” list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a fact that has paralyzed regional conservation efforts, impacted other wildlife populations and dramatically increased human/bear conflicts.

Gear Roundup: Summer Shooting Fun

Looking to up your marksmanship skills this summer, or just plink around for fun? Check out this roundup of gear tailor-made for summer shooting fun.

New for 2026: ALPS Mountaineering Micro Air Pump

ALPS Mountaineering has released its Micro Air portable air pump. Compact and convenient, this pump packs a punch of inflation and is small enough to be hooked to a keychain without sticking out. This air pump delivers plenty of power without worrying about a battery going dead because it is connected to an external power bank.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.