What do you know about wild turkeys? They can see about 270 degrees. Because they can see so far, they are one of the hardest game birds to get close to, especially for bow shooters. To successfully bow hunt for turkeys, you need to be accurate, patient, and have the right plan.
In this post, we’ll learn a lot about bow hunting for these alert birds. We’ll show you the steps you need to take to go from being a beginner turkey watcher to a pro. It’s not enough to just shoot an arrow; you need to know how turkeys behave, how to hide, and how to read your surroundings.
So, where do you shoot a turkey with a bow?
Shooting a turkey with a bow requires precision and understanding of the turkey’s anatomy. Here are some aiming points depending on the turkey’s position:
- Head-On: Aim dead-center, just above the beard. This shot is 100% lethal, and the beard gives you a precise aiming point whether the bird is in full strut or not.
- Broadside: If the turkey is in strut, find the dark triangle where the dark line of feathers on the side or neck and chest meets the point formed by the upper and lower wing. Aim an inch behind this triangle. If the bird is not strutting, aim in line with the legs a little more than halfway up the body.
- Quartering To: Run your pin up the far leg until it’s even with the base of the beard and shoot.
- Standing Upright, Facing Away: A shot that will break the bird’s backbone is a high percentage shot. To get a chance at a spine shot, you have to wait until the bird is standing erect, with its back toward you.
- Standing Upright, Facing Towards: Aim 4-inches below the base of his neck. If you can hit this area with precision, your arrow will break his back and also should hit a portion of his vitals.
- Strutting, Facing away: Aim for the vent (base of the tail/anus). This is when a great penetrating broadhead is needed.
- Strutting, Facing Towards You: This is the reverse of the shot situation above.
So, let’s get started.
Contents
Turkey Vitals Diagram
When aiming to harvest a wild turkey with a bow, understanding the anatomy crucial for a humane and effective shot is key. The primary targets are the turkey’s lungs and heart, with secondary options being the neck and head for more skilled archers.
The following table outlines the vital regions:
| Vital Area | Description | Shot Placement Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Heart and Lungs | Located in the center of the body, just above the keel bone (sternum) and beneath the spine. | Aim for the lower part of the neck where it meets the body, particularly when the bird is in a broadside position. This shot maximizes the chance of striking either or both vital organs. |
| Neck | A smaller target requiring precision, the neck contains the spinal cord and major blood vessels. | Best aimed at when the turkey’s head is up and steady. Accuracy in this area can lead to an instantaneous kill by severing the spinal cord or major arteries. |
| Head | The head shot is challenging due to its small size and constant movement. | Effective when the bird is in range and momentarily still. A successful head shot can disrupt central brain functions, ensuring immediate cessation of activity. |
For those who seek the thrill of bow hunting turkeys, remembering these tips can help:
- Broadside Shots: Ideal for aiming at the heart and lungs. Position yourself perpendicular to the turkey’s side. Aim just above the leg, and beneath the wing to hit the vitals.
- Strutting Tom Shots: When the turkey fans its feathers and struts, aim for the area right beneath the base of the tail (known as the vent) or just below the beard. This requires poise and precision as the vital organs are obscured.
- Forward Quartering Shots: These are more complex because of the angle, but aiming slightly ahead of the wing joint can drive the arrow diagonally into the vital organs.
- Using a Rangefinder: This tool can be indispensable for accurately gauging the distance to a quietly strutting or feeding turkey, increasing the chances of a successful shot.
Mastering these areas and coupling your efforts with patience and practice can significantly heighten the odds of a rewarding turkey hunt.
Turkey Shot Placement
When you’re out in the woods, bow in hand, and a wild turkey struts into view, knowing where to place your shot can mean the difference between a rewarding hunt and a frustrating day.
For archers, the wisdom lies in aiming for the turkey’s chest cavity, a tactic that marries precision with practicality.
Ideal Shot Placement for Bow Hunters:
The chest cavity of a turkey, robust and vital, presents the archer with a target that, when struck, promises a humane and effective harvest. To narrow it down:
- Aim Point: Target the middle of the chest, a tad above where the legs meet the body. This area is rich with vital organs, including the heart and lungs, ensuring a lethal shot.
- Avoid: Shooting too low is a misstep you’d want to dodge. A shot placed too low might only wound the bird, leading to unnecessary suffering and a likely loss of your quarry.
Here’s a simple table to summarize the key points for a clearer understanding:
| Target Area | Aim Point | Common Mistake |
| Chest Cavity | Middle, slightly above the legs | Shooting too low |
| Vital Organs | Heart and lungs | Not accounting for bird’s movement |
Remember, the trick’s not just in knowing where to aim but also in mastering the patience and skill to wait for the right shot. A broadside position of the turkey offers the best scenario for such an aim, providing a clear path to the vitals. When the moment arrives, steady your nerves, focus your aim, and let your arrow fly true.
Equipped with this knowledge, you step into the hunter’s dance with the wild turkey, a dance as old as time, requiring respect for the animal and the land.
Tips for Better Accuracy
| Aspect | Technique | Benefit |
| Grip | Light, Consistent | Reduces torque, enhances shot consistency |
| Breathing | Steady, Focused | Improves concentration, steadies aim |
| Practice | Close Ranges, Regular | Builds accuracy, enhances muscle memory |
| Posture | Stable, Aligned | Ensures shot accuracy, reduces strain |
| Equipment | Custom-Fit, Quality Arrows | Improves arrow flight, ensures consistency |
| Draw Weight | Suitable, Monitored | Enhances comfort, improves shot precision |
Incorporate these techniques into your training regimen to transform the art of turkey hunting into a symphony of precision and skill.
Conclusion
While we’ve learned a lot about the complicated dance of bow-hunting birds, our main goal has been to find a balance between skill, knowledge, and care for nature. With its sharp eyesight and strong reflexes, the wild turkey is a dangerous prey that requires more than just accuracy from the shooter. To combine the hunter’s aim with the right moment of stillness, you need to know a lot about how it acts, choose your gear strategically, and be very patient.
To be a good turkey hunter, you need to learn how to hide, make the most of your gear, and get better at making legal shots. It is polite and useful to shoot for the turkey’s chest area, especially just above where the legs meet the body. When combined with the ability to sneak up on your target and place your shot just right, this important information turns the chase into a polite conversation between the hunter and the prey.
As you get ready to walk into the woods with your bow, keep in mind that this is more than just a test of your skills. It’s an old custom that honors the bond between people and nature. Now that you know these things, you’re not just after a game bird; you’re in a timeless dance that needs your full attention, respect, and care.
