With Ron Newman
Archery Equipment for Gobblers
Archery equipment used for bowhunting Turkey's (or any game) depends upon your personal preference, and you should use whatever you shoot best. The compound user does have the ability to reduce the draw weight of his bow, to make drawing easier from unorthodox positions, which are the norm when turkey hunting. Kneeling and seated shots are different from standing and tree-stand shots and must be practiced. While the ability to hold at full draw for a long period of time is an asset, I personally find using traditional equipment to be much more effective for Turkeys. The ability to draw and shoot quickly is preferable to holding at full draw and waiting for the bird to move into position. Even with today's high let-off bows, you can only hold so long, and the risk of having to let down increases the chances the bird will detect movement.
The compound bow, especially with a high letoff will allow the hunter to hold at full draw while the bird moves into position. The traditional bow (authors preference) allows for a quicker shot once everything comes together. With recurves/longbows, the actual "kill" shot is the only movement you make. You draw at the best opportunity and release instantly. A bird's first reaction is to straighten up and look as soon as he detects something. By then your arrow is on it's way. Arrow speed and trajectory are not a factor at the ranges typically needed for Turkeys. Using a blind set-up should guarantee shots at 15 yards or less.
Penetration on turkeys is not as important as maximizing the amount of damage you inflict on the bird. In fact, it is even preferable to have the arrow remain in the bird to do further damage as it flees as well as impeding it's ability to fly.
While many hunters are turning to expandable broadheads, the author has found the simple, cut on contact heads to be more effective on Turkeys. Although mechanical heads are becoming the rage for many turkey hunters today, I personally feel you can't beat a good, solid traditional one piece, (2 or 3 blade) broadhead, which are easily re-sharpenable, and more durable. Backed with some type of "stopper" or penetration inhibitor behind the head, this combination will serve you well and also longer, with less maintenance or expense. For bowhunter's, I feel the back or "spine" shot is the preferred shot. You have a smaller target when shooting at the wing butt from the side, than you have when shooting between the head and tail from behind. A well placed shot anywhere along this area with a large cutting area broadhead, will disable a bird immediately. The ability to "drop" a bird in his tracks, eliminates the problem of the bird flying off before succumbing to the arrow. Turkeys rarely leave a blood trail and can seldom be seen for long as they attempt to escape. Their ability to hide when injured and lack of trackable sign can make recovery very difficult.
String trackers can help in recovering your birds, even after a pass-through. The string remains in the bird, giving you a "double line" to follow. Although not infallible, anything which assists in recovering your bird should be considered when gearing up for bowhunting.
