Have your sights set on bagging a wild turkey soon? You’ll have to master the art of blending into the background!
Turkeys have impressive, keen eyesight. Even the slightest shine off your gun can give you away. In this guide, you’ll learn all about how to conceal yourself in the right turkey hunting camo so you can gain the advantage and take home that prized meal.
Turkey hunting requires careful planning and preparation to be successful One critical aspect is choosing the proper clothing and gear to blend into the environment, The right turkey hunting attire and equipment can make the difference between bagging a gobbler and going home empty-handed This article provides a comprehensive guide on what to wear when turkey hunting,
Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage clothing is essential when turkey hunting. Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight and can easily spot something out of place. Full camouflage helps break up your outline and conceal subtle movements. The pattern and colors should match the hunting environment.
Early in spring, choose camo with more browns and grays before vegetation greens up. As the season progresses, switch to green-dominated camo. For fall hunts, browns and grays work well again. Popular camo patterns for turkeys include Realtree and Mossy Oak.
Avoid white, blue or red clothing. These colors stand out and can look like a turkey’s head Cover any clothing tags or logos containing those hues.
Camo Outer Layers
A camouflaged hunting jacket and pants are essential outer layers. Lightweight and breathable jackets work well for spring hunts. Insulated jackets help during cool fall mornings. Waterproof outer layers allow hunting in drizzle and rain.
Lightweight camo pants enable stalking through dense vegetation. Consider briar-proof pants in thick cover. Un-tuck pants from boots or wear over boot tops to completely camouflage.
Camo Head and Hands
A camo hat or face mask hides the light-colored face hunters present to turkeys. Mesh face masks provide concealment while allowing breathing and clear vision. A camo balaclava completely covers the head and neck.
Camo gloves hide hand movement when calling and shooting. Choose lightweight gloves with cut-off fingertips for dexterity. Carry an extra pair in case of loss or moisture.
Camouflage Vests
A camo turkey vest provides specialized storage for calls, ammo and gear. Features like a seat cushion, rangefinder pocket and game bag make a vest ideal for all-day turkey hunts.
Camo Base Layers
A camo long-sleeve t-shirt and pants worn under outer layers add insulation and concealment. Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking base layers help regulate body temperature.
Camo Boots and Socks
Lightweight, ankle-height hiking or hunting boots suffice for most spring turkey hunts. Waterproof boots work well in dew-covered grass. Insulated boots may be needed for colder weather.
Snake boots provide protection in cottonmouth and rattlesnake territory. Rubber boots shine in flooded timber. Match boot camo to pants and environment.
Merino or synthetic camo socks wick moisture and regulate temperature. Carry extra dry pairs.
Turkey Hunting Vests and Backpacks
A vest or backpack carries gear and offers specialized storage and features for turkey hunting.
Turkey vests provide ample pockets sized for calls, ammunition, clothing, and other hunting necessities. They allow easy access to gear without extensive rummaging. Many turkey vests have cushioned seats and removable game bags.
Small daypacks or fanny packs can also work well. Choose muted colors like brown, green or black. Organize gear in plastic bags to minimize in-pack noise.
Turkey Calls and Decoys
Carrying an assortment of turkey calls enables adapting to changing hunting conditions. Different calls produce various tones, pitches and volumes to mimic turkeys and appeal to gobblers.
Slate, box and mouth calls are easy for beginners to use. Practice calling before the season and try out new calls to gain proficiency. Never over-call. Start with light calling and increase volume and frequency as needed.
Decoys draw in wary gobblers during the peak breeding season. Set up one to three hen or jake decoys in open areas turkeys frequent. Stay completely concealed when calling so gobblers focus on the fakes.
Use a quality turkey fan to create the illusion of a displaying tom. Real feathers work best. Aggressively flap the fan while calling to lure lovesick gobblers.
Other Turkey Hunting Gear
- Turkey hunting chair – Portable, lightweight chair with muted colors for comfortable concealed sitting
- Rangefinder – Essential for estimating distance to sound off birds when calling and taking ethical shots
- Binoculars – Spot turkeys at long distances
- Knife – Used for field dressing harvested birds
- Headlamp – Enables pre-dawn setup in the dark
- Thermacell – Repels mosquitos and ticks
- Decoy stakes – Secure decoys in the ground
- Elbow pads – Provides arm support during long calling sequences
- Face paint – Conceals skin better than masks
Safety Considerations
Never wear red, white or blue clothing near turkeys. Avoid bandanas in those colors.
Practice safe firearm handling. Know your target and what lies beyond it.
Use a blaze orange turkey vest or hat when moving to and from your hunting area.
Choosing the proper camouflage clothing and gear tailored to the hunting conditions gives turkey hunters a critical edge. Avoid clothes that stand out like a sore thumb. Blend into the scenery and minimize movements. Use vests, backpacks and specialized equipment to call in and outsmart gobblers. With smart preparation and the right turkey hunting attire, you’ll dramatically increase your odds of bagging a spring or fall tom.
What to Wear Turkey Hunting
For a successful hunt, wear turkey hunting camo from head to toe. Dress in a camouflage shirt, pants, vest, and jacket. Conceal your face with a head net or camo paint and a hat.
Your hands and feet can also give you away. Be sure to wear camo gloves and camo-patterned boots to complete the look.
Researching the specific hunting region in advance allows you to select the best camo pattern that blends into the surroundings. Here’s a quick checklist of everything you need to wear for turkey season:
- Body: Wear camouflage in layers so you beat the morning chill and stay cool in the afternoon heat. A camo shirt, jacket, and pants help conceal your body while you hunt.
- Head: Conceal your head by wearing accessories like a face mask or gaiter. If a face mask feels too constricted, opt for camouflage face paint instead.
- Hands: Remove any shiny rings, and put on lightweight gloves that don’t restrict movement. If you’re hunting when it’s cooler out, choose gloves with an insulated lining.
- Foot: Wear camouflage boots that protect your feet from puddles, mud, and snakes. Pick boots that you’re comfortable walking long distances in.
- Weapon: Cover any parts of your gun with weapon wrap. That way, your gun blends into the woods and doesn’t glint. Most wrap is reusable and won’t damage your gun.
Camo Accessories for Turkey Hunting
- Camo Gloves: Wear camo gloves that are thin/lightweight and won’t interfere with your shooting. Choose fleece-lined or all-weather gloves and bring an extra pair with you when you go out.
- Face Masks: Face masks & gaiters conceal your head, neck, and face without obstructing your vision. If you don’t enjoy wearing a gaiter, use face paint instead.
- Camo Hats: Camo baseball style or bucket hats are perfect for hunters and help block the sun. For colder weather, keep your ears warm with hunting beanies.
- Weapon Wrap: Conceal the barrel of your shotgun with reusable weapon wrap. Your gun can alarm a turkey if they see a shiny part of it or if they hear it clink against something.
Turkey Hunting – Basic Gear | WHAT YOU NEED!
FAQ
What clothes to wear for turkey hunting?
Turkeys have keen eyesight so you’ll want to cover your entire face and neck with something camouflage that’s comfortable to wear. Bowhunters often prefer camo face paint that won’t get hung up in the bow string like some masks can. Gloves or camouflage paint for your hands.
What colors not to wear while turkey hunting?
Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler. Watch out for red, white or blue on your socks, t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, bandannas, etc. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.
Do you need full camo for turkey hunting?
Camouflage isn’t necessary for turkey hunting. You can hunt and kill turkeys with a green plaid shirt, tan pants or jeans, a mask, and gloves.Feb 5, 2025
Do you have to wear hunter orange when turkey hunting?
Hunters are not required to wear orange when hunting in California. However, (again) we strongly encourage it.
Can you wear black while turkey hunting?
It is not advisable to wear black while turkey hunting because many turkeys are generally black. Wearing black could make it difficult for the hunter to blend in with their surroundings and may be confusing for other hunters.
Which hunting gear is best for fall turkey season?
And it’s fun. Toms are the most active in the spring, gobbling, strutting, and trying to chase down mates for the year. Though spring turkey hunting is a favorite of most, all this gear works equally great for fall turkey season. Much of it is crossover gear that will work double-time for other hunts.
How to choose the best turkey hunting pants?
For the best turkey hunting pants, you should wear something quiet, lightweight, and with a complete camouflage design. If you are concerned about the cold season, you can opt for insulating materials. You can also layer your pants with baselayers.
Should you buy a hunting boot for mountain turkeys?
But if you’re hunting mountain turkeys on public land in the Rocky Mountains, a boot designed for hiking is likely a good bet. The Irish Setter Vaprtrek 8″ Boot combines the durability of a hunting boot with the agility of a hiking boot, making it a great option for chasing birds in the mountains.
What is the best hunting boot for turkeys?
The Irish Setter Vaprtrek 8″ Boot combines the durability of a hunting boot with the agility of a hiking boot, making it a great option for chasing birds in the mountains. Most turkey hunters will also recommend camo hats and balaclavas to cover your face as you hunt.
How do you hunt a Turkey?
Turkey hunting is a close-up game. You need to call birds in and interest them in strutting for a while, all while staying concealed. There are unlimited calls, decoys, and blinds out there, so finding what works for you will take some trial and error. These recommendations are a good place to start.