Turkey hunting is an exciting sport that requires the proper gear for the best hunting experience. Because turkeys have such excellent sight and hearing, great visual acuity, the ability to see a large range, and the ability to see in color, choosing proper clothing is crucial to prevent being seen or heard by your target.



Clothing Tips 

There’s a lot of gear that is essential for turkey hunting, and all of it should be camouflaged. When just one article of clothing is not camouflaged, it can mean the difference between success and failure. Ideally your boots, cap, vest, pants, bags, gun, gloves, facemask, and gun should all be camouflaged. You might be able to get by without having camouflaged boots as long as they are a similar color to the forest floor.

Your camouflage should be similar to the background of the forest. In the early spring season, the forest is still more brown and grey and your camouflage should be more similar to those colors, whereas later in the season camouflage should have shades of green mixed as the trees and plants begin to regrow.

Safety is of the utmost concern for any hunter. Turkey hunters should never wear any items that are blue, black, white, or red, as these colors may be mistaken for a turkey by another hunter. If your socks or other parts of your clothing have these colors, be sure to cover them up.

Head 

Turkeys have such excellent vision that they can even spot the white of your eyes and recognize your face as being a threat. Therefore it is crucial to have some kind of face or head covering that is camouflaged. Although a full facemask is probably the best option, you might also try camouflage face paint. If the facemask does not cover your hair, then you can use a camouflaged cap of any kind to cover your hair.

Hands 

You will likely need insulated gloves during the fall season and lighter gloves in the spring. A couple of good pairs of camouflaged gloves are probably the least expensive item out of all the hunting clothing you’ll need. And when the weather is cold, a good pair of insulated gloves can help keep your fingers warm and nimble for pulling the trigger fast.

Pants 

Again, in the spring if the weather is warmer in your area, you will probably be more comfortable with non-insulated camouflaged hunting pants. In the fall, insulated hunting pants will conserve heat and help you stay outdoors much longer. The lighter pants will help you maneuver around in the warmer weather. Waterproofed pants are also helpful in case it rains or if there is moisture on the ground.

Coats 

Depending on the weather, you will want to wear a light camouflaged coat or an insulated coat. You will probably want to wear 2 or 3 layers at the very least in cold weather. If you carry any accessories on your coat, be sure that they are either camouflaged or covered. Hunting vests are helpful additions to your coat due to the extra storage space for miscellaneous items like your turkey calls, portable food, knives and other equipment. Again, waterproofed coats and body layers are very helpful in the case of rain.

Boots 

Boots may not need to be camouflaged if they are a similar color to the ground you are hunting on, however camouflaged boots are recommended. The best type of boots really depends on the type of terrain in your area. Heavy duty boots with good ankle support and cushioning may be recommended for rough terrain. Softer terrain may be suitable for lighter boots with cushioning.

Insulation is better when the weather is cold, and light boots with no insulation and good air circulation are better for hot weather. Waterproofing is good for all types of weather as there is very likely will be water or moisture on the ground in many areas you hunt in, and nothing is worse than hunting in wet socks. Having an extra pair or two of socks is always good idea if your socks do get wet.

Summary 

So, your choice of the best turkey hunting clothing comes down to your local terrain, the season you’re hunting in, and the expected weather. Camouflage is extra important for turkey hunting with the wild turkey’s excellent vision and quick reflexes, and it should be on every visible item you wear. Most importantly, be sure to always follow all safety precautions to have a safe and fun turkey hunting experience.

Learn More About Turkey Hunting Clothing and Gear