A turkey vest is like a carpenter’s tool belt. A successful craftsman uses a multitude of tools in a day work and he can’t be climbing up and own ladders to get the right one. He not only carries his main tools on his belt, but knows where each belongs so that it can be retrieved without looking. I don’t want to get carried away with this tradesman analogy, yet there are important parallels. Spring gobblers have incredible eyesight and if one suddenly gobbles just over a ridge, you can’t be rummaging through a pack or multiple pockets to get the right call.
Multi-Purpose Vests-
Wayne Carlton, the famous elk caller from Colorado sold “elk vests” that his wife made. I bought one and actually wore it out in a host of hunting situations. Deer hunters carry deer calls, scents, wind testers, and other gear that may be needed on a moment’s notice and having them close to your body in easily accessible pockets is a big help.
Built in Features
This post from Grand View Outdoors covers the contents of a vest very well, yet’ i’d like to ask your attention to several characteristics of a good vest. First, it should have a comfortable cushion. You will need to sit comfortably for long periods of time, often an hour or more when dealing with a pressured gobbler. The more comfortable the cushion, the longer you can be still. Next, I like zippered pockets. Vests get tossed around in the back seat or bed of a truck and calls can easily fall out if they are not secured. Also, I love “vest pockets” in a vest so that I can access diaphragms, or other small items with very little movements.
As you plan for the coming season, keep these 10 items in mind:
With so many gadgets and gizmos available for turkey hunters, it’s easy to head afield weighted down like a lead balloon. I’m assuming you won’t leave the truck without your shotgun or bow. And while I may add or subtract some stuff depending on where or how I’m hunting gobblers, these essentials are always with me.
