Top 10 Accessories for Turkey Hunting
From roost to roast: gear that helps you tag a gobbler and get it table-ready for Thanksgiving.
Calls that bring them, gear that seals the deal, and extras with a Thanksgiving twist.
Planning a Thanksgiving turkey hunt? This field-tested list of turkey hunting accessories covers the essentials—calls, chokes, optics, concealment, and comfort—so you can focus on ethical shot placement and a clean harvest. We use “gauge” for shotgun shells and “caliber” for rifle/handgun cartridges (note: spring/fall turkey is overwhelmingly a shotgun game), and we avoid mixing the terms. Always follow safe gun handling, pattern your shotgun with your chosen load and choke, and double-check local regulations—states vary on legal shot, minimum shot sizes, decoy rules, and tag requirements.
1) 12-Gauge Turkey Choke Tubes
A dedicated turkey choke tightens your pattern so pellets stay dense on a small vital zone. Pattern your gun at 20–40 yards with the exact load you’ll use on the hunt, then note the point of impact for a confident Thanksgiving-week shot.
Best For
- Denser patterns with #4–#9 turkey loads
- Extending effective range responsibly
- Fine-tuning POI/POA for your shotgun
Setup & Use Tips
- Start at 20 yards to verify center impact; move back in 5–10 yard steps.
- Test two or three loads; record hits in the head/neck zone.
- Re-check choke tightness during the hunt.
Why It Helps
- Higher pellet count on vitals
- More forgiving of slight aim errors
- Confidence boost for holiday hunts
Notable Brands
- Carlson’s
- JEBs
- Primos TightWad
2) Red Dot Sight for Shotguns
A lightweight red dot helps you keep both eyes open and place the dot precisely on the head/neck—especially helpful from a seated position in a blind or vest seat when that longbeard struts in on Thanksgiving morning.
Best For
- Fast, precise sight picture
- Low-light fly-down windows
- Patterns that print off-bead
Setup & Use Tips
- Confirm your mount (receiver rail or drilled & tapped).
- Zero at your pattern distance (often ~30–35 yards).
- Carry spare battery in your vest.
Why It Helps
- Eliminates bead alignment errors
- Improves low-light accuracy
- Great for youth or new hunters
Notable Brands
- Vortex
- Holosun
- Burris FastFire
3) Turkey Decoys (Hen/Jake)
Realistic hen and jake decoys can pull a wary tom those last few yards. Around Thanksgiving, midday setups near feeding areas can shine if morning pressure was heavy.
Best For
- Drawing in hung-up gobblers
- Field edges and open timber
- Solo hunters needing visual confidence
Setup & Use Tips
- Stake the hen 15–25 yards out; angle for a broadside shot.
- Use a jake only where legal and appropriate.
- Reduce shine with matte finishes in bright sun.
Why It Helps
- Gives birds a focal point
- Buys you time to shoulder the gun
- Pairs perfectly with soft calling
Notable Brands
- Avian-X
- Dakota Decoy
- Montana Decoy
4) Mouth (Diaphragm) Turkey Calls
Hands-free yelps, clucks, and purrs seal the deal when a tom is in tight. Practice while scouting so your Thanksgiving hunt sounds natural and controlled.
Best For
- Close-range finishing calls
- When you must keep both hands on the shotgun
- Minimal movement setups
Setup & Use Tips
- Carry multiple reed cuts for different tones.
- Rinse with water and store in a vented case.
- Blend soft purrs with scratching leaves for realism.
Why It Helps
- No hand movement required
- Wide range of turkey vocalizations
- Light and inexpensive
Notable Brands
- Primos
- WoodHaven
- Zink
5) Box Turkey Calls
Loud, consistent, and easy to run—box calls are perfect for striking birds on windy late-fall days as you cover country before the family dinner.
Best For
- Locator calling over distance
- New callers learning cadence
- Cold hands/gloves
Setup & Use Tips
- Chalk the lid lightly; avoid over-tightening the screw.
- Store in a rubber band to keep it quiet when walking.
- Pair with a mouth call for hands-free finishing.
Why It Helps
- Volume to cut wind
- Easy to learn
- Versatile yelps and clucks
Notable Brands
- Lynch
- HS Strut
- Quaker Boy
6) Pop-Up Ground Blind
A compact blind hides movement, blocks wind, and makes long sits more comfortable. Great for setting near fields where birds feed before a Thanksgiving warm-up.
Best For
- Hunting with kids or new shooters
- Field edges and scratching zones
- Cold, windy fronts
Setup & Use Tips
- Brush-in the outline with local vegetation.
- Set decoys 15–20 yards out with clear shooting lanes.
- Use a low chair to stay concealed and steady.
Why It Helps
- Masks movement
- Warmer, longer sits
- Ideal for filming/photographing the hunt
Notable Brands
- Ameristep
- Primos Double Bull
- Barronett
7) Turkey Vest with Seat Cushion
A good vest organizes calls, shells, and tags—and the built-in seat lets you settle in quietly at gray light. Tuck a pair of game shears for quick field care before the Thanksgiving brine.
Best For
- Run-and-gun setups
- Long sits against a tree
- Keeping small gear organized
Setup & Use Tips
- Stage mouth calls, box call, and locator in separate pockets.
- Stow tag/license where it’s reachable and weather-safe.
- Clip a small pruning tool for brushing in a quick hide.
Why It Helps
- Quieter, faster setups
- Less movement when birds are close
- Comfort increases patience
Notable Brands
- ALPS OutdoorZ
- Knight & Hale
- Nomad
8) Shotgun Sling
A padded sling keeps your hands free for calls, glassing, or decoy stakes. It also makes hiking to a late-season roost site easier when you’re layered up against Thanksgiving cold snaps.
Best For
- Hands-free hiking
- Carrying decoys and blind components
- Safer muzzle control while moving
Setup & Use Tips
- Use swivels sized for your studs; test at home.
- Adjust length for hands-off balance and control.
- Check screws and stitches periodically.
Why It Helps
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves safety during hikes
- Pairs with vest carry system
Notable Brands
- Butler Creek
- Magpul
- Viking Tactics
9) Electronic Hearing Protection
Amplify quiet woods sounds yet block the shot. Electronic muffs or in-ear plugs protect hearing while letting you hear drumming and soft yelps on a frosty holiday hunt.
Best For
- Calling and listening simultaneously
- Youth and new hunters
- Cold mornings where muffs add warmth
Setup & Use Tips
- Test volume at home to avoid fumbling afield.
- Pack extra batteries or a charged case.
- Choose low-profile cups that won’t hit the stock.
Why It Helps
- Protects long-term hearing
- Improves awareness of approaching birds
- Comfort in cold weather
Notable Brands
- Walker’s
- Howard Leight
- AXIL
10) Rangefinder (Pattern & Distance Check)
Knowing exact distance prevents marginal shots. Range your decoys and common approach lanes so you keep birds inside your proven pattern range—especially with dense holiday timber or field-edge illusions.
Best For
- Marking max ethical range
- Field edges with depth-perception traps
- Quick confirmation before a shot
Setup & Use Tips
- Range decoys after setup and memorize yardages.
- Practice reading trees/rocks to estimate quickly.
- Record your gun’s effective range after patterning.
Why It Helps
- Fewer lost/crippled birds
- More confident shot calls
- Works for deer and small game too
Notable Brands
- Leupold
- Bushnell
- Sig Sauer
Safety, Ethics & Regulations
Treat every firearm as loaded, keep the muzzle in a safe direction, and know your target and what’s beyond. Take only clear, ethical shots at a steady, motionless bird. Regulations vary by state—shot sizes, decoy use, tagging, season dates, and public-land rules differ—so always verify current laws before your hunt.