Ray's Picks: Turkey Season 2025

Turkey season is around the corner, and if you think showing up in your grandpa’s flannel with an old box call will cut it, think again. These birds have better eyesight than your nosy neighbor and a PhD in survival. Luckily, Ray’s here to give you the rundown on the must-have gear from Fort Thompson Sporting Goods to help you bag that gobbler.

Call ‘Em In: Turkey Talk That Works

• Houndstooth Morning Striker Owl Hooter – Before you start sweet-talking a tom, you need to find him. This locator call exploits a gobbler’s natural instinct to answer back when he hears an owl. Think of it as a built-in turkey GPS.

• WoodHaven Red Wasp Mouth Call – This diaphragm call produces raspy yelps that’ll have toms thinking a lonely hen is calling their name. It’s a go-to for pros and easy enough for beginners to learn.

• WoodHaven Mahogany Hen Box Call – If mouth calls make you sound like a dying duck, go with this box call. It’s foolproof, loud, and deadly effective at long-range calling.

Camo: Become One with the Woods

Turkeys can spot movement better than your hunting buddy sees a free meal. If you don’t blend in, you might as well wave a flag that says, “Run, Tom!”

• Sitka Equinox Hoody – Breathable, lightweight, and perfect for disappearing into the spring woods.

• Natural Gear or Drake Camo – More budget-friendly options that still get the job done.

• Face Mask & Gloves – Cover every inch of exposed skin. Your shiny hands and face are a dead giveaway.

Decoys: Fool the Foolish

A good decoy setup makes turkeys commit instead of hanging up out of range.

• Avian-X LCD Feeder Hen – Ultra-realistic and collapsible for easy transport. A lone feeding hen tells gobblers it’s safe to strut in.

• Higdon Hard-Body Hen Decoy – Durable and affordable. Pair it with a jake decoy for an irresistible challenge to dominant toms.

Accessories That Save the Day

• Turkey Vest with Seat Cushion – Keep your calls, ammo, and snacks organized while staying comfortable.

• Mosquito Repellent – Because swatting bugs is a terrible way to blow your cover.

• Headlamp & Water Bottle – You’ll need both. Don’t learn the hard way.

Final Thoughts

Gear up right, stay patient, and let the turkeys make the mistakes. With the right calls, camo, and firepower, this season could be your best yet. Stop by Fort Thompson Sporting Goods and get everything you need before opening day!