Tejon Hunt : Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need full camouflage and what is the best kind?

You do need to have full camo, including a face mask, as well as gloves and socks. It is very embarrassing to locate a bird, get set up, sit down and have your white socks showing above your boots. the birds will see them. The type of camo is really not near as important as sitting still. Any of the camo patterns available will do an adequate job of masking your silhouette, but none of the patterns will mask movement, so practice sitting quietly without movement.

How warmly should I dress?

Typically it is quite cool during the spring turkey season, and it is better to be too warm than too cold, so wear plenty of clothes. Turkey hunts do not usually entail a lot of hiking, so it's better to dress a little warmer so that you will be comfortable when sitting without movement for up to an hour.

Is turkey hunting difficult?

Turkey hunting is not particularly difficult.....the walks are short and the areas that hold turkeys are usually relatively flat. The difficult part - once mastered - is the most enjoyable part of the hunt. just sitting still and enjoying the absolute beauty of an early spring morning when you can see your breath and clearly hear more bird sounds and morning sounds than you thought existed. And then when you hear the gobble of the wild turkey....it is exciting. To accomplish this requires a very patient mind set that will allow you to experience all that nature has to offer at that moment, not on your terms, but on the schedule that is dictated by the "boss gobbler" that you have chosen to hunt. When all this happens it is the most enjoyable hunt that you can experience, and it's not difficult.

Do I have to sit totally still for an hour?

Actually, until the birds come into view you can shift your weight or slightly reposition yourself. Once the birds can see you, it is extremely important that you do not move or that any slight moves be made very slowly and deliberately. That is why it is so important that you dress warmly, and that you get as comfortable as possible when you first sit down. If you have anything pressing your leg or back, or you just don't feel quite right, it will only get worse as time passes.

What is the best shot size and load for my shotgun?

Turkeys can be difficult to kill and must be shot in the head for a quick harvest. The best shot and load is the one that your gun performs the best with. Usually 3" magnums with 4-6 shot or duplex loads with a combination of shot sizes is the best, just pick the one that has the tightest pattern in your shotgun. You won't shoot these many times so it is best to buy special turkey loads that all the ammunition manufacturers produce. Even though they may be a little more expensive, they will perform better in the field.

I have hunted turkeys before, can I do my own calling?

Yes you can, however, the opportunity is not guaranteed if you do the calling. We have guided many people who are relatively proficient callers and have done their own calling successfully and in some cases may actually be better callers than the guides. If you are an expert caller just let us know and we will work with you.....don't worry about the guarantee....expert callers will get a turkey.