How to Hunt Turkey in Arizona
Around 40 per cent of the 114,000 square miles of Arizona is open to public hunting. Turkeys can be hunted both in the spring and in the fall, though a number of rules and regulations are in place to ensure steady bird populations and public safety. It's important to learn these, and to brush up on turkey hunting tips, before you try your luck in the field.
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Instructions
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Obtain all the necessary hunting permits and learn the rules covering turkey hunting in Arizona. Under the rules set out by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, you'll need a permit to hunt turkeys, whether you're an Arizona resident or a visitor, with special permit tags allocated through a drawing system organized by the state. If you're planning on hunting with a bow, however, non-permit tags are also available over-the-counter for fall turkeys. (See Resources.)
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Get the necessary tags. State regulations require hunters to tag turkeys immediately after they are killed, and the animal must remain tagged until it reaches its final destination. In cases where a turkey carcass is to be processed or transported by someone other than the hunter, the tag needs to be separated, with the relevant sections being filled in by the appropriate parties. Penalties are in place for hunters who fail to comply with the rules.
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Purchase a good-quality turkey call. "Game & Fish" advises hunters that effectively mimicking the call of the hen is one of the surest ways of enjoying success on a turkey hunt. Be sure to practice a range of turkey calls before heading out to hunt.
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Stock up on proper turkey hunting gear. Camouflage clothing can help you get a jump on gobblers. Since this is Arizona, be sure to take sunscreen and water out into the field in the spring hunting season. Insect repellent can also be used normally, as turkeys have no sense of smell.
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Choose your hunting ground. Six government agencies operate public land across Arizona, including the U.S. Forest Service, and it pays to do some research on the territory before you arrive. Scouting the location, knowing the lay of the land and good hiding spots and studying the patterns of the birds there can help you go home with a full bag. Should you wish to hunt on private land, be sure to obtain the express permission of the landowner beforehand.
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Make sure that your movements out in the field are as quiet as possible. Turkeys can be easily spooked, so practice moving stealthily and reloading your weapon as quietly as possible.
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Aim carefully when you have a turkey in your sights, as you want to get a clean kill. If you don't manage to kill a turkey first time, be sure to put the bird out of its misery as cleanly and humanely as possible.
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Remember to tag any fallen birds right away, in compliance with state regulations.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit turkey image by Terry Reimink from Fotolia.com
