(John Pennoyer photo)
March 30, 2023
By Mark Demko
Nothing gets the adrenaline flowing and the heart racing like a big gobbler sounding off at close range as it approaches your call. The only sound that’s sweeter is the whoosh of your arrow as it’s on its way to sending that longbeard down for the count.
If you love turkey bowhunting as much as we do, there’s no doubt you want to be as prepared as possible when the sun comes up on opening day. With that in mind, here are our picks for the top new gear and products you need for your spring arsenal.
Boss toms beware!
NOMAD Leafy Camo NOMAD Leafy Camo Lightweight and breathable, with an added element of concealment, the NOMAD Leafy Quarter-Zip Pullover and Pants are designed especially for turkey hunters. Featuring NOMAD’s 3D Leafy fabric, this set also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable even when on the move. The pullover, which features a four-way stretch construction, has an adjustable hood and zip-up front for venting and concealment options, as well as a zippered pouch for storing calls and other essentials. The pants, which are made from a two-way stretch fabric, have an Ever-Adjust waistband and buttoned waist and cargo pockets for holding calls, gloves, cell phone and more. Available in sizes S-XXXL. $100 each | nomadoutdoor.com
Advertisement
Primos Rare Breed Aluminum Pot Call Primos Rare Breed Aluminum Pot Call Turkey hunting aficionados looking for a new pot call will find the Rare Breed music to their ears. Crafted of the same grade of hardwood used in musical instruments, this pot call and striker are built for high-quality acoustics. The call’s durable aluminum surface is perfect for a wide range of sounds and volumes. Work the edges for higher-pitched yelps, cuts and clucks, or move to the middle to throw out deeper tones and sounds. $59.99 | primos.com
Hunt Monkey Sneaky Pete Gloves Hunt Monkey Sneaky Pete Gloves Get the best of both worlds — concealment and dexterity — with Hunt Monkey’s Sneaky Pete Half Finger Gloves. Designed for the milder weather typical of turkey season, these fingerless, lightweight gloves offer what Hunt Monkey calls a “second-skin fit,” making them ideal for bowhunters. The synthetic leather palm provides hand protection and a firm grip on the bow, while the open fingertips give you the freedom and sensitivity you need to operate calls, rangefinder and shooting release. Available in M-XXL in four camo patterns, including Mossy Oak Bottomland. $14.95-$29.95 | huntmonkeygloves.com
Rhino 180 See Through Blind Rhino 180 See Through Blind The Rhino 180 See Through Blind features two walls with see-through mesh that allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of your hunting area while remaining completely concealed from the eyes of wary turkeys and other game. This three-person, hub-style blind is finished in Realtree Edge camo and also features an oversized, zipperless door, silent-slide window technology and integrated brush loops for adding natural vegetation to your hide. Other highlights include antimicrobial and water-repellent fabric treatments and reinforced stress points for added durability. The Rhino 180 See Through weighs 16 pounds and measures 58 inches square at the base, 75 inches square at the center hubs and 66 inches tall. $249.99 | rhinoblinds.com
Advertisement
4-Play Rafter Call 4-Play Rafter Call When the 4-play Turkey Call came out a few years ago, it turned heads because of the forward-mounted wheel on one end that allows the operator to move the paddle around and strike all four rails on both sides of the call. It’s also made with four different woods, resulting in a wide array of tones and pitches to help fool even the wariest gobblers. Now, the inventive call maker has upped its game with the Rafter, a new call that includes all of the features of the original 4-Play, plus a redesigned body that expands the range of sounds the call can make. One side of the Rafter is designed for deeper tones, while the other produces higher tones. If you’re looking for a box-style call that’s totally “outside the box,” give this innovative call a try. $160 | 4playturkeycall.com
Primos Gobbstopper Strutter Decoy Primos Gobbstopper Strutter Decoy Seal the deal on that longbeard by adding the new Gobbstopper Strutter Decoy to your arsenal. This lightweight, realistic decoy is designed to lure in jealous longbeards and help position them for the shot. The decoy mimics a tom’s size, color and posture, plus you can add to the realism by swapping out the decoy’s fabric fan with your own real one. The Strutter is collapsible, making it easy to carry, and it comes with an anchor stake. Add in a Primos’ Gobbstopper Hen and Jake (sold separately) to make a spread that’s simply irresistible to any self-respecting tom. $129.99 | primos.com
Covert Scouting Cameras WC20 Covert Scouting Cameras WC20 Have a food plot or other area where birds are showing up somewhat regularly? Keep tabs on the flock with the Covert Scouting Cameras WC20. Available in two models — Verizon or AT&T — this cellular camera takes 20MP photos and 1080p video, with photos transmitted right to your cell phone via the Covert app. Other highlights include a turbo shot burst mode (1-3 shots), .3-second trigger speed and 40 IR No-Glow LEDs and 100-foot flash range, for when you use the camera in deer season. Images are stamped with date, time and other data so you know when the birds are showing up, and getting the camera up and running is easy thanks to the QR Code setup and 1.5-inch color screen. Runs on 12 AA batteries and comes with a two-year warranty. $129.99 | covertscoutingcameras.com
Millennium G-450 Ground Blind Chair Millennium G-450 Ground Blind Chair If you hunt out of a ground blind, you want a seat that’s both comfortable and easy to adjust. Enter Millennium Treestands’ G-450, based off the company’s popular G-400 ground blind chair. Sporting a Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern, the chair features four independently adjustable legs so you’re always level, even on rough terrain, and it offers 3.5 inches of height adjustment so you can position yourself perfectly for any shot. The seat swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to maneuver, and the ComfortMAX contoured, tight-sling seat ensures a super comfortable sit. The G-450 weighs 7.9 pounds; features an all-aluminum, powder-coated frame; and folds up quickly for easy transport. Weight capacity is 400 pounds. $243.99 | millenniumstands.com