Bowhunting Turkeys: What to Know Before You Go

Bowhunting turkeys is one of the most rewarding challenges in the hunting world. While hunting them with a shotgun is effective, the precision and skill required with a bow bring a unique level of satisfaction.

To increase your odds of success, it’s crucial to understand the differences between bowhunting and shotgun hunting, proper shot placement, gear selection, and strategies for decoy and blind use.

When I was a young boy, my first bow was like that of many other kids my age: a red fiberglass bow that could shoot about ten to fifteen yards at most.

A couple of stories I have heard my mother recount over the years involve this bow. One was the day I opened the back door of our house and yelled for my mom and dad to see how good of a shot I was.

When they opened the door, I released an arrow into the backyard, hitting the side of our pool. Hundreds of gallons of water rushed through the grass and under the wooden porch where I stood.

They were not happy, nor were my older brother and younger sister, who watched their summer fun collapse before their eyes.

The second instance happened a week after my parents bought my brother, sister, and me baby chickens for Easter.

My parents described the moment as a surprise when they saw one of the chickens run past the front window with an arrow sticking through its wing as it dashed around in a panic.

When asked if I shot one of the chickens with my bow, I argued that the chicken ran in front of my arrow while I was shooting.

The arrow didn’t hurt the chicken, but my parents discovered a couple of things that day: I would grow up to love bowhunting, and my shot placement skills needed some attention before I was to hunt on my own.

Bowhunting vs. Shotgun Hunting Turkeys

The biggest difference between bowhunting and shotgun hunting is the margin for error. Shotguns provide a broader impact zone due to the spread of pellets, making them more forgiving.

In contrast, success with a bow relies on precision. Turkeys are notoriously small targets with minimal vital areas. Though not as tiny as a young Easter chick, they are still small.

Additionally, you’ll need to close the distance more than with a shotgun, as effective bow shots at turkeys typically range from 20 to 30 yards max, and 10-15 yards be optimum. The most significant difference for me is the excitement and the adrenaline rush that comes from using my bow to take America’s most beloved game bird.

Another distinction is the approach. Bowhunters need to be more intentional about concealment and movement.

Drawing a bow can easily spook a turkey if not done at the right time or position, making preparation and patience key.

Shot Placement When Bowhunting Turkeys

Understanding turkey anatomy is critical for bowhunters. Aiming for the vital areas, the heart, lungs, or spine, will ensure a quick and ethical kill. Here’s a quick breakdown of shot placement based on the turkey’s position:

Broadside: Aim slightly above where the wing meets the body. This targets the heart and lungs.
Facing Away: A well-placed shot at the base of the tail fan will hit the spine and vital organs.
Facing Toward You: Aim for the area where the beard meets the body. This angle offers access to the heart and lungs.

If your accuracy and confidence are not good enough, avoid shots at the neck or head; these are extremely small and difficult to hit consistently with a bow. Yet, hunters can make deadly headshots with the technology of newly designed large-opening broadheads intended explicitly for turkey hunting.

Tighten Up Your Shot Distance

Shot distance plays a significant role in your success. While many modern bows can make long shots, keeping it within 20 yards is ideal for turkey hunting.

At this range, you’ll maximize your accuracy and ensure the energy of your arrow is sufficient for a clean kill. Practice shooting from a seated position to mimic the hunting scenario and build confidence at these shorter ranges.

Best Broadheads for Turkeys

The right broadhead can make or break your hunt. For turkeys, broadheads designed to maximize cutting surfaces are ideal. There are two main types to consider:

Expandable Broadheads offer a larger cutting diameter, increasing the chances of hitting vital organs. The N.A.P. Spitfire Gobbler Getter is excellent for body shots.
Fixed-blade broadheads are more durable and penetrate deeper, making them a good choice for hunters prioritizing penetration and pass-throughs over cutting diameter.
Turkey–Only Broadheads: The Magnus Bullhead Turkey Fixed Blade Broadhead or the Xecutioner Broadheads Turkey Necker are a couple of models that help make a headshot, one of the deadliest shots taken.

All these options have qualities, but the best broadhead is the one that performs best with your bow setup, giving you confidence when the shot opportunity arises.

Decoy Placement: Keep Them Close

I am one of the strongest advocates for using decoys when turkey hunting. I have taken kids turkey hunting, and the shot would not have happened if I hadn’t set out decoys. Decoys are among the most effective tools for bowhunting turkeys, but their placement is crucial.

One of the most common mistakes bowhunters make is positioning them too far from their blind or setup. Place your decoys much closer than you would when hunting with a shotgun; within 10-15 yards of your location is ideal for bowhunting.

This ensures that any turkey approaching your decoys will be well within your shooting range and makes their small kill zones slightly larger for your shot.

Use a combination of hen and jake decoys to entice dominant toms. Position the jake decoy facing you so that a tom will approach it head-on, giving you the perfect shot.

Blinds or No Blinds?

Ground blinds can make turkey bowhunting significantly easier. Turkeys are not particularly cautious of blinds, so you can set them up in an open field without needing to brush them in. Ground blinds offer excellent concealment and permit full movement when drawing your bow.

However, if you want to challenge yourself or hunt without the bulk of a blind, you can hunt turkeys without one. Wear full camouflage, including gloves and a face mask, and use natural cover such as trees, bushes, or tall grass to conceal your movements.

The key is to draw your bow only when the turkey’s head is obscured, for example, when it goes behind a decoy or struts with its fan, blocking its vision.

Back Off the Roost

While it’s tempting to set up near a roosted bird, getting too close can backfire. Turkeys are highly sensitive to pressure, and a misstep near their roost can spook them entirely.

Instead, position yourself a few hundred yards away in the direction they will likely travel after flying down. This allows you to intercept them naturally without causing unnecessary alarm.

Be Where They Want to Be

One of the best strategies for turkey hunting is to position yourself in an area that turkeys naturally want to access. Scout their travel patterns in advance and set up along their preferred routes.

If you’re in the right spot, you may not even need to call them; they’ll come to you on their own.

Bowhunting turkeys is a thrilling and challenging pursuit that requires skill, preparation, and patience.

You can increase your chances of success by understanding the differences of bowhunting compared to shotgun hunting, practicing shot placement, and fine-tuning your gear and strategy.

Whether you use a blind or go fully exposed, remember to stay sly, respect the bird’s natural behavior, and enjoy the rewarding experience of hunting these elusive game birds with a bow.

Heath Wood

Heath Wood is an outdoor writer, Mossy Oak prostaffer, HuntStand Ambassador, avid bowhunter and family man who lives in Southern Missouri.