Turkey Hunting Gear for Beginners: Total Cost Under $500

Turkey Hunting is a sport that anyone can take part in. You do not have to have the most expensive gear, the best camo on the market, or even the farthest shooting shotgun. This article was developed to get you into turkey hunting for under $500 and get the most bang for your buck.

Camouflage Clothing

Deciding on the correct camo to use is crucial to most hunting endeavors. There are hundreds of patterns, and weather dependent clothing available at most retail stores. Generally, they are overpriced, and all you are doing is paying for the name. But to the common blue collar American, a simple pair of camo cargo pants and button up camo shirt will suffice in spring gobbler season. This type of clothing can be bought at roughly $30 for the pair at most local Walmart’s. A head net, gloves, and ball cap are also vital to shield yourself from turkeys. Any camo pattern will do, it just needs to be able to break up your complexion. Jersey gloves, a face mask and a hat cost around $8 a piece.

Total Clothing Investment: $54

Firearm/ Choke

Most shotguns perform well enough to kill a turkey at 40 yards, regardless of make and model. My first shotgun was a Remington 870 Express Super Magnum. It was plain Jane, flat black, and pump action with a Remington Turkey Extra Full Choke. That gun never let me down, and I still use it when needed. Simple fact, a $250 to $350 shotgun will perform whether it is a Mossberg, Charles Daly, or a Remington. Get a Turkey Choke for the gun you have, and you will be in business.

Total Firearm/ Choke Investment: $280 - $380

Ammunition

Good ammo is one aspect of turkey hunting that should not be neglected. Find the ammo that shoots the best out of your gun. Long Beard XR- 5 Shot, shoots the best out of my gun, but I have also had remarkable success with Federal Premium 5 or 6 Shot. Buy a box of shells and pattern your gun and choke then select the best ammunition for your gun.

Total Ammo Investment: $19.99 per box

Turkey Call

You need to spend the time finding a call that works for you and one that is reliable and easy to use. There is a wide range of calls on the market and it can be overwhelming to find one that is best suited for your needs. As you develop your conversation skills with wild turkeys, you will want more and more flexibility as you gain a greater understanding of the language and specific hunting situations.

It is very common for hunters to buy one call, then another, and then another. This is exactly what I used to do. This caused myself and my fellow hunters to carry a bunch of calls into the woods as our turkey calling demands grew. The novice hunters’ needs were a major influence on us designing the Deception Chamber as we wanted to eliminate a bulky vest and the confusion associated with it. The Deception Chamber is a 3 in 1 Interchangeable Friction Call that provides the outdoorsman with 3 calling options. You will be able to practice using slate, glass, or aluminum friction surfaces. It will also give you the ability to hone your calling. It also gives you the advantage to switch calls on demand, depending on what the gobbler wants that day.

Total Call Investment: $39.99

Having the most expensive gear or name brand camo doesn’t make you into a great turkey hunter. Getting out into the woods, and hunting is what allows you to develop great skills. It does not matter what you look like, all that matters is that you are out giving it a try. Anyone can start turkey hunting for under $500, and you can enjoy priceless memories for the rest of your life.