The 2016 National Wild Turkey Federation Convention & Sport Show is in the books. It’s been another great show with plenty to see and do for diehard turkey hunters. We had a chance to check out some slick new products over the weekend that are sure to be welcomed items in any turkey camp. Here’s a look at some of the great turkey gear from the NWTF show.
Ultimate Predator Turkey Decoy 
Fanning for turkeys has become quite the rage in recent years as hunters crawl their way up to a gobbler in the wide open with the use of a strutting decoy. It’s an adrenaline rush you won’t find in any other method. The problem has been most of the decoys used for this tactic make it difficult to use when bowhunting.
For 2016, a better solution has arrived. The Stalker Decoy line from Ultimate Predator Gear includes a turkey decoy that easily mounts to your bow and features a shoot-through design. No more peeking or shooting around the side of your decoy.
Go undetected as you draw, aim, and shoot with this decoy.
See more at www.ultimatepredatorgear.com
Avian-X Laydown Hen Decoy
The new Laydown Hen decoy from Avian-X answers the demand of turkeys that have been wanting a decoy that realistically simulates the breeding ritual of the spring turkey. This decoy nails it exactly. When a gobbler sees this life-like decoy in the ready-and-waiting position, he will come running. The decoy is also a great option for using at mid-day dust bowl locations. This decoy will be the death of many gobblers this spring, no doubt.
See the complete line of Avian-X decoys at www.avian-x.com.
Trophy Sculptures
Looking for a better way to display your turkey fans? Trophy Sculptures offers a creative and classy way to show off your turkey fans. Trophy Sculptures are a fresh and modern spin on the traditional method of displaying hunted trophies. Artist, Andy Campbell, uses a special multi-step method of cold cast bronze to create an affordable way to manufacture these unique bronze sculptures.
The “Bronze Strutter” is approximately 3/4 the size of a lifesize turkey. Choose from Rio Grande, Eastern, Osceola, or Merriam Turkey with a unique design specific to each subspecies.
The Bronze Strutter allows you to display the fan, beard, and spurs of your trophy bird.
Check it out at www.trophysculptures.com.
T.O.M. Targets
There’s a new and exciting way to practice for the moment of truth when it comes to making the shot on turkeys. T.O.M. Targets has introduced a reactionary target that allows you to see the impact of your shot. It’s a great concept for young hunters and newcomers to the sport of turkey hunting.
Shotgun hunters will be able to pattern their loads with this unique target, but I’m thinking it would also be a slick option for the archer too…especially when practicing with broadheads designed for head shots.
Check it out at www.tomtargets.com.
Custom Barnwood Plaques
One of the coolest man-cave items I’ve come across in a long time was a box call shaped coffee table made from barnwood. The craftsmanship was impressive, to say the least. It would be a great addition to any den, man-cave, or even at the foot of your bed…if you can pull that one off with your wife. The company specializes in plaques and pedestals to display your trophies as well as a line of really cool barnwood home décor.
See them at www.custombarnwoodplaques.com.
Rugged Cross Blinds
We came across a very unique new blind concept from the guys at Rugged Cross Blinds. These blinds feature a strong and durable aluminum frame with a high quality mesh material. The really cool feature of this material is that you can see out, but game cannot see in. It offers true 360-degree viewing. You can see it all with this blind. No obstructed views and peeking out windows. Designed for warmer climates, Rugged Cross Blinds are the only blind on the market that allows for constant airflow. These blinds truly allow you to see more and stay much more comfortable on warm weather hunts. www.ruggedcrossblinds.com
iScope iSpotter Sport
iScope has recently introduced their newest item in their line-up of smartphone adapters for the outdoors – The iSpotter Sport. The iSpotter Sport is a 22x monocular that attaches directly to iScope’s existing line of interchangeable backplates. This all-inclusive unit allows the user to film and take pictures at great distances with their smartphone without the need of additional optics. It’s small and simple, making it a great option to throw in your pack to capture images while in the ground blind or treestand.
See the complete line of iScope products at www.iscope.com.
Primos Wingman Chair
The Wingman chair from Primos is a great tool to add to your bag of turkey tricks this spring. Say goodbye to a wet, soggy butt! The Wingman allows you to stay dry and comfortable no matter where you set up on a gobbler. The Wingman is easy on your back as well, allowing you to sit still and hunt longer. The steel frame of this chair holds up to 300 pounds, and the mesh back helps keep you cooler on warm spring days. See more at www.primos.com.
Spring turkey season will be here before you know it! Be sure to check out the items mentioned above as you prepare for another season of chasing longbeards.
