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General

17 Sections

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When I started bowhunting turkeys, I thought it would be a lot like bowhunting deer. I quickly learned that turkeys are a different game altogether. Between their incredible eyesight, unpredictable behavior, and uncanny ability to pick up the slightest movement, bowhunting turkeys requires a whole new level of preparation and patience.

Over the years, I’ve developed a system that’s helped me consistently bring gobblers into bow range. This field guide is a culmination of everything I’ve learned through real-world experience, trial and error, and hours spent patterning birds in the eastern U.S. Whether you’ve just completed the Turkey Hunting Masterclass for Bowhunters or are diving into turkey hunting for the first time, this guide will give you a field-ready resource to reference before, during, and after your hunts.

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Turkey Hunting Masterclass for Bowhunters

Scouting and Patterning Turkeys

3 Sections

Understanding Turkey Behavior by Season

To kill turkeys consistently, you need to know what they’re doing and why. This Section breaks down the key seasonal shifts in turkey movement, gobbling, roosting, and flock dynamics — so you’re always one step ahead.

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Roosting: Finding Where They Sleep

This Section teaches you how to locate turkey roost sites using terrain, sign, and sound — and how to do it without blowing birds out before the hunt. Roosting is the foundation of next-morning success.

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Predicting Travel Corridors and Midday Movement

Once a bird hits the ground, where is he headed? This Section shows you how to find natural turkey movement routes using terrain funnels, strut zones, and sign — especially in the Eastern hills and mountains.

Calling to Kill (Not Just Talk)

3 Sections

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The Core Calls You Actually Need

Forget 12 calls and fancy sequences. This Section shows you the 3 vocalizations I rely on every season — yelps, purrs, and soft clucks — and when each one gets results.

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Timing Your Calling for a Bow Kill

Most gobblers hang up just out of range. This Section walks you through how to control the timing and intensity of your calls to get that bird exactly where you want him — for a stationary, ethical shot.

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Challenging Hens to Pull the Whole Flock

If hens are dragging your gobbler away, it’s time to flip the script. This Section teaches you how to call to the lead hen, not the tom — and pull the whole group back into range.

Decoys, Setups, and Blinds That Work with a Bow

3 Sections

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Run and Gun Mobile Turkey Hunting

Turkeys don't sit and wait for you in one spot, they are always on the go. That's why its important to learn how to locate birds and then move into position strategically. In this Section, we'll dive into how to be a light and mobile turkey hunter.

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Decoy Setups That Fool Turkeys

Want to trick a turkey into coming right to you? Decoys are the answer.

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Blind Placement That Won’t Get You Busted

You’ll learn where to put your blind, how far from the decoys, and how to blend in with natural terrain so you can draw undetected and execute a clean shot.

Shot Placement and Recovery

3 Sections

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Shot Execution and Placement for a Clean Turkey Kill

Turkey anatomy is unforgiving. This Section breaks down the best shot angles, where to aim, and which shots to avoid — so your arrows hit hard and your birds go down fast.

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Field Recovery & Follow-Up After the Shot

Even perfect hits don’t always mean easy recoveries. I walk you through how to mark shot location, read bird reactions, and follow up for a successful recovery.

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Post-Kill Recovery, Processing & Meat Care

Gear and Other Essentials You Need for Success

5 Sections

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Camo, Movement, and Fooling a Turkey’s Eyes

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What’s in My Turkey Vest (and Why It Matters)

Subscribers Only

Essential Turkey Gear for Bowhunters

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Turkey Broadhead Selection

Subscribers Only

Modifying Gear for Blind and Field Use

About the teacher

Mike Manley

Mike is a 21-year Veteran, retired Sergeant Major (E-9), and U.S Army Green Beret who served in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Mike has extensive combat experience with 9 combat tours and served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and other locations in the Middle East. Mike grew up hunting in the mountains of north central Pennsylvania and is a highly experienced bow hunter who uses his military knowledge to advance and grow his mobile hunting skills.