| Turkey hunting, like all forms of hunting, comes with | | | | can help, but it's not foolproof. |
| some pretty serious dos and don'ts. Most of the | | | | - Don't wear the wrong colors. Patriotic clothing is |
| rules of turkey hunting etiquette fall into the realm of | | | | great on the Fourth of July, but it is not for turkey |
| personal safety, but they can in some cases, also | | | | hunting. Red, white and blue are the colors hunters |
| increase a hunter's chances of bagging a bird. | | | | look for to spot a turkey's head. Do not wear these |
| When turkey is the game at hand, these are the | | | | for safety's sake. |
| most common rules of the road: | | | | - Don't fall for every gobble. Shooting at a turkey on |
| - Keep proper distance. Unless a turkey comes in for | | | | sound alone can lead to some very tragic results. |
| a call or stumbles across a blind or stand on its own, | | | | Some hunters are incredibly skilled with calls and can, |
| the recommended rule of thumb is to try and stay | | | | therefore, be mistaken by the less experienced for |
| at least 300 feet away from the bird. This helps the | | | | birds. Think, look and aim before a shot is taken. If a |
| hunter avoid detection, but can also minimize the | | | | bird isn't seen, do not fire. |
| chances for another hunter mistaking movement as | | | | - Give other hunters their space. It is common |
| another turkey on the prowl. | | | | courtesy and downright smart safety wise to leave |
| - Choose the proper cover. Whether a hunter is using | | | | birds being called by other hunters alone. It is terribly |
| a tree to lean against or hoist up a stand or some | | | | unsporting to try and call in a bird that another hunter |
| other form of cover is being used all together, it's | | | | has in his or her sights. |
| wise that cover is wide enough to hide the entire | | | | - Follow state or hunting area rules. The basic rules of |
| body from the rear. This can help if a bird (or | | | | the road for turkey hunting might vary depending on |
| another hunter) comes up from behind. | | | | the state where the hunt is taking place or the land |
| - Keep vision clear. It is very unwise to block vision | | | | on which is it actually being done. Find out the rules |
| while turkey hunting. Using a blind can be a very good | | | | and follow them. Not doing so can land a hunter in a |
| choice, but good all around surveying of the land | | | | world of trouble. |
| should still be possible. | | | | Turkey hunting can be one of the most challenging |
| - Avoid movement as much as possible. The idea | | | | and exhilarating sports around. Following the rules of |
| behind turkey hunting is to get the birds to come to | | | | the road and the etiquette for all seasons can help |
| you. This is why most hunters set up where they | | | | keep this sport safe and fun for all who enjoy the |
| know the turkeys will be at certain times of the day. | | | | pleasure of the hunt. |
| Movement is a hunter's worst enemy. Camouflage | | | | |