Setting Up Your Bow For Spring Turkey Season

A lot of thought can go into setting up your bow for any given hunt and the options seem to be endless these days! So many different bows and accessories on the market can leave many scratching their heads as to what to use and how to use them. But let’s dig down a bit deeper and talk about spring turkey bow set-ups and what I use. Don’t get too excited as I think what you are about to read may leave you wanting more deviations from what you currently use. Let’s take a look.

Options are out there for turkey hunting with a bow. Different sights, different arrows, different broadheads, etc… There are many different options that I feel are incorporated with a lot of overthinking as well. Why fix what isn’t broken right?!

I have been asked many times about my spring turkey bow set-up and what I use. I deviate a minor amount to this set-up as compared to my regular big game bow set-up that I use in the fall. Why? Because I like to use what works for me all season long. If it works good for big game, why wouldn’t it work well for turkeys?! I like to always practice with consistent set-ups and this allows me to learn all that I can about that set-up with minor deviations.

Broadheads

There are options out there for large cutting diameter broadheads for head shots, but I never really got into that. I use the same broadheads for all my hunts and put the arrow in the vitals as I like to do. If I decide to take a head shot on a turkey, I will do so with the same head I shoot big game with. Although amusing to watch, no inaccurate, giant bladed head-cutter-offers for me!

Arrows

I like a hard-hitting arrow as turkeys can be tough and the feathers can soak up an arrow far greater than thought. Regardless of what head you use, ensure that they are sharp as well! Again, those feathers can be tough to cut through. Rest assured my fletching also remains the same on all my arrows and I enjoy using SK2 as I like the consistent broadhead flight that is achieved by these vanes.

Practice

Overall, having a set-up that you are confident in and can consistently put arrows downrange at whatever distance you intend to kill game at is a must. Practice at distances closer than 30 yards as most turkeys I have shot were at 15 yards or less. Practice shooting from a seated position while in a blind or while sitting down when hunting from the ground while using decoys. Study the turkey anatomy and where the kill zone is. It varies a great deal when in or out of strut and knowing where to put that arrow is a must. Small misses generally end up in just feathers scattered about while looking for your arrow.

Aim small, miss small!