Chapter 2 – Gear, Shotgun Patterning, and Safety

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Overview

There are a few essential pieces of turkey hunting gear you’ll need every time, as well as a handful of tools you’ll be glad you brought. See what the Mossy Oak crew won’t do without when chasing gobblers.

Patterning your turkey gun is a key step in setting yourself up for success. Learn how to achieve a dense pellet count at your max range so you can take a lethal, ethical shot when the opportunity presents itself.  

Beyond that, we’ll cover precautions you can take to keep safety at the forefront of your hunts, such as what colors to avoid wearing and how to safely run decoys, especially on public land.

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Chapter 2 – Gear, Shotgun Patterning, and Safety

Chapter 2 – Gear, Shotgun Patterning, and Safety

Learn about the gear you’ll want on hand, how to prepare your firearm for maximum effectiveness, and important safety considerations.

Skill Level: Beginner

Videos

2.1: Turkey Vests 101

Duration 3:30

Choosing the right turkey vest is largely a matter of personal preference. Still, a few tips will help you find the right one.

What You’ll Learn:
• Key features of various turkey vest designs.
• Pocket must-haves.

2.2: Must-Have Turkey Gear

Duration 3:51

Shotgun? Check. Good boots? Check. Turkey vest and calls? Check, check. You’ve got the essentials, but what other must-haves are you missing? Hit play for gear you’ll be glad you brought into the turkey woods.

What You’ll Learn:
• The inside scoop on the items the Mossy Oak crew keeps in their turkey vests.

2.3: Choosing Camo Patterns

Duration 3:48

How much does camo matter in the turkey woods? Listen in as the Mossy Oak crew explains their approach to choosing camo along with considerations for matching camo to the terrain.

What You’ll Learn:
• Considerations to keep in mind when choosing your camo patterns.

2.4: Understanding Shotguns and Turkey Shells

Duration 5:31

Learn about different gauge options and how turkey ammunition has evolved over the years.

What You’ll Learn:
• Types of shotguns.
• TSS advantages.
• Choke tube considerations.

2.5: How To Pattern Your Shotgun

Duration 2:44

Patterning your shotgun is arguably the most important and often overlooked process in preparing for turkey season. Learn the basics so you don’t miss an opportunity this spring.

What You’ll Learn:
• Basic patterning.
• What you can do to compensate for a firearm that doesn’t shoot straight.

2.6: Safety in the Turkey Woods

Duration 3:40

Brush up on key safety precautions to keep top of mind throughout the season. 

What You’ll Learn:
• Key firearm safety measures.
• Proper decoy handling.
• Considerations for approaching hills and fences.
• Colors to avoid wearing when turkey hunting.

Go back to review terminology or move ahead to learn about scouting for turkeys.