Sidebars Archives - Page 31 of 194

June 18, 2026

Patterning your shotgun

One of the most-overlooked aspects of hunting with a smoothbore is the act of getting a good pattern for your shotgun. […]

Scratching in the leaves while calling quietly is a great tactic to give an approaching gobbler a sense of security.

When things gets tough, scratch out a tom

Terry Madewell

Hunters love it when a turkey plan comes together right off the get-go, but sometimes a wary old gobbler will tease you with booming gobbles, but sit tight on his turf. Instead of scratching your noggin for answers, just simply scratch…literally. […]

Decoys, especially those imitating jakes, can be very effective in getting turkeys to commit and come into shotgun range.

The pros and cons of turkey decoys

Pete Rogers

Hunters typically fall into one of two camps when it comes to using turkey decoys: those who swear by them and those who don’t want the hassle of carrying them into the woods and setting them up. […]

Mechanical broadheads have several advantages for hunters who want to take a gobbler with archery equipment.

Broadheads for turkeys

Pete Rogers

Having the right gear is part and parcel to using archery equipment to take a turkey. […]

Many different turkey loads — 31/2-inch 12-gaunge, 3-inch 12-gauge, 3-inch 20-gauge — can be effective in the right hunter’s hands.

Comparing shotgun loads for turkeys

Pete Rogers

One well-known turkey hunter who wished to remain anonymous once discussed different shotgun loads for gobblers this way: “The only reason I don’t shoot 4-inch shells is because they don’t make them.” […]

Blinds built of natural vegetation can be great hiding places for hunters if located along turkeys’ travel routes.

What do turkey hunters see in blinds?

Terry Madewell

Turkey hunters often use hunting blinds, which can offer great offer great protection from the keen eyesight of turkeys. But it takes strategy to set the blinds up in the proper places. […]

Catch more spawning bass with this little-known tactic.

Bump-n-grind it out for spawning bass

Jeff Burleson

Spring provides ample opportunities for anglers to catch spawning bass and/or a heavy stringer of green machines on any lake or river system. But catching them isn’t always easy when the angler and fish are separated only by 20 inches of clear water. […]