Turkey Hunting Safety

There are several safe hunting practices for turkey hunting. By following these simple rules, you can reduce your risk of being mistakenly identified as a wild turkey by hunters. Look through the following list of safe turkey hunting practices.

• Positively identify your target. Be absolutely certain it’s a legal turkey before pulling the trigger.
• Wear and display the required amount of fluorescent orange.
  • Helps you to be seen by other hunters.
  • It’s the law!
• Never carry harvested turkeys in the open. Cover with a fluorescent orange vest, or completely conceal from view in a game bag.
• Never stalk turkey sounds. This could be another hunter calling.
• Protect your back.
• Sit with your back against a large tree, rock, or other large natural barrier.
• Shields you from unseen hunter approaching from the rear.
• Shout “STOP” at hunters who approach you—don’t move. Alert hunters to your presence without moving. Movement could cause them to fire.
• Never wear red, white, blue, or black, the head colors of a male wild turkey.
• Pre-select a zone-of-fire. Shoot at a turkey only in the predetermined area.
• Choose safe and responsible hunting partners. Don’t hunt with anyone who is not safe and responsible.