Turkey Hunting on the East Coast

Hunting is such a part of the human experience that many first time hunters feel overwhelmed with emotion after the hunt. I know the first time I ever went hunting, I didn’t harvest an animal, but the emotion I felt afterward was so incredibly raw and heart-warming. Turkey Hunting on the East Coast is amazing because Eastern Turkey’s are the biggest of North American wild turkeys. They’re a lot of fun to hunt and present a challenging hunt. 

Today’s blog is going to go over the dos and dont’s of turkey hunting and the gear you’ll need for a great hunt. I have no shame in admitting that it took me a couple of seasons to get a wild Eastern Turkey.

This blog includes my lessons learned from my first turkey hunt and why I believe if you follow this guide, you’ll be in a prime position for a turkey. Every state has differences, but this blog will help hunters anywhere on the east coast get their first wild Eastern Turkey.

Fall Turkey Hunting in Virginia

Turkey hunting in the fall is a great way to get ramped up for the deer hunting season. Fall archery season is from October 3rd through November 6. I love fall turkey season because you can harvest either a male (Jake & Tom) or female (Hen) turkey in any part of the state that doesn’t have a firearms ban. Being able to harvest a bearded turkey or hen gives you double the opportunity to get a turkey. 

What are the Rules for Fall Turkey Hunting in Virginia?

Across the East Coast, the rules are very similar (if not the same), but make sure you look at the state regulations on hunting turkey in the fall. Those counties are Arlington and the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. Turkey hunting regulations in the fall are easier to follow because you don’t have to worry about identifying a bearded turkey (tom), jake, or hen. 

What About Decoys?

One of the biggest questions you need to be answered is if decoys are really needed for a successful turkey hunt. From my experience, I’ve had much more success using decoys in both the fall and spring seasons.

I prefer to set up between 2-3 decoys in an area about 15 yards from my location. Try to place the decoys about 5 yards apart and in a horizontal line from your location. This will ensure you don’t lose a shot from the turkey going behind multiple decoys. 

What About Hunting Blinds?

I really like using a blind if I’m turkey hunting because turkeys have incredible vision with great hearing. Unlike deer, turkeys are not color-blind if you wear orange or bright-colored- clothing, the turkey will see you.

There are dozens of companies that make great hunting blinds. I’ve used all 3 of these hunting blinds and all work really well. I chose to include a single, double, a 3-hunter blind to accommodate your crew.

What Should I Wear to Turkey Hunt Eastern Turkey’s?

Clothing for turkey hunting is so much more important than deer hunting because turkeys have an incredible vision with a full-color spectrum. When you’re trying to get a turkey you need to be in Black or all camo. One of the most important items you can wear is a balaclava. The last thing you want is the sun hitting your face because turkeys will see that and run. 

Do I Need a Turkey Call?

Yes, you’ll need at least a box-caller if you’re going turkey hunting unless you have someone with you that knows how to mouth call. For a beginner, I’d recommend keeping it simple and work on your mouth call in the off-season. A box-caller is really simple and will give you a real chance to bag your first turkey. Here are a few of the calls I have in my turkey kit:

What is a Turkey Vest?

A Turkey Vest is a tactical gear harness that can hold all of your gear such as, turkey calls, knife, shotshells, and multi-tool. You don’t have to use a vest, but it makes life much easier. Most turkey hunters carry multiple calls to offer different sounds to the turkeys.

Having to carry all those items can weigh you down and make you loud and clumsy if you don’t have a vest. My goal in a turkey vest is to keep it lightweight, practical, and tactical. 

Where Should I Look for Turkey on the East Coast?

Turkey’s like open areas with lots of bugs around to eat. Look for acorns in the woods, open fields in farmland, or open areas of tall grass. Turkey will most likely be hanging around in groups while eating, so you’ll have to isolate your target for a clean shot. Turkeys are like any other animal in that they need water, so they’ll be close to a stream, river, or lake. 

Why I Enjoy Turkey Hunting More Than Deer

It may be a very unpopular thought, but I actually like the challenge and interaction with turkey more than deer. Obviously,  I love venison and enjoy it throughout the fall, but wild turkey breasts are incredible! A wild turkey is much different than the domesticated birds we eat on Thanksgiving.

The breast meat is not as white as a wild turkey breast and has much less fat. The challenge of waking up before sunrise, setting up an ambush location, calling the turkey in, and finally getting a kill-shot on a turkey is an incredible feeling of accomplishment. 

If you’re interested in learning about preparing for your first deer hunt, read our blog, “Prepare to go Deer Hunting in the Woodlands”. 

Conclusion

Turkey hunting in the fall season is just another excuse to run to the woods and spend a weekend away from the world. If you ensure you have the right gear and tools, you’re halfway to a successful hunt. Watch the videos above and learn how to use your call to increase your chances at a successful hunt.

Although we didn’t talk about weapons to use while hunting, we have plenty of blogs to help get you started. You can start by reading “Bow Hunting 101”. 

Make sure you look for a food and water source and look for an open field. Turkey’s love acorns and tall grasses in the woods with a bunch of bugs on them. Good luck and happy hunting!