Safe Turkey Hunting in Arizona
One of the animals that calls Arizona home and is classified as a “big-game animal” is the turkey. Arizona has three species of turkey:
- Merriam’s is the most prevalent and widespread over the state.
- Gould’s, whose habitat is found in the southeastern portion of the state.
- Rio Grande that has been introduced into the remote country of the Arizona Strip.
Turkey hunting has proven to demonstrate special safety concerns that hunters should be conscious of and ward against.
Arizona Game and Fish recommends that turkey hunters never wear the colors red, white or blue. These colors mimic those of a male turkey’s head, neck and snood (the dangly piece of flesh that hangs over a tom turkey’s beak).
It is recommended that hunters try to blend into the terrain they’re hunting in and sit against a tree or rock large enough to shield you from hunters approaching from behind. If another hunter approaches your position or blind and decoy setup, call out in a clear voice to ensure that you make your presence known to the other hunter. Never wave to alert another hunter of your presence as the hunter may mistake your movement with that of a turkey. Likewise, it is not recommended that hunters stalk through the woods calling, as if they’re a gobbler looking for hens, as this could also lead to a mistaken game incident.
Turkey hunting in Arizona is a grand adventure; please make sure you’re practicing it the safest manner possible.