Shooting a turkey with a bow can be an extremely challenging and rewarding experience. It takes patience, practice, and skill to get within range of a turkey and take it down with a well-placed arrow. But the satisfaction you feel after completing the task is unmatched.
You just got a bow, but now you are confused about how to shoot a turkey. So, no need to worry and let’s find out the 3 exciting ways you can shoot a turkey with a bow perfectly.
Related Article: How to Sight in a Bow | 5-Step Beginner Guide
Shoot a Turkey with a Bow Placement
While hunting turkeys with a bow, it is important to understand the best places to shoot them. The main aim is to kill a bird with one shot, which cannot be easy if you don’t know where to aim.
So, here we will discuss 5 key areas you should target when shooting a turkey with a bow.
1- Broadside Shots
When shooting a turkey with a bow, it is best to wait for a broadside shot. This will give you the largest target to aim at and the greatest chance of making a successful kill.
Mainly broadside shots occur when an animal faces directly toward or away from the hunter, presenting the target with its full body circumference. Remember to account for the animal’s movement as you take your shot, and always err on caution because a missed opportunity is better than wounding an animal.
Good to know: This type of shot presents the greatest margin for error, as even a slight miss can result in a complete miss of the animal.
2- Quartering Shots
Quartering shots ensure the arrow will pass through the turkey’s breast to ensure a clean kill. These shoots play an important role in hunting because the turkey’s breast is on the opposite side of the turkey’s body from the hunter’s; with that, you can play a quartering shot in 4 ways.
- Quartering Away shots are best when the turkey is facing away from the hunter.
- Quartering Towards shots is best when the turkey is facing towards the hunter.
- Quartering Upshots are best when the turkey stands on higher ground than the hunter.
- Quartering Down shots are best when the turkey is on lower ground than the hunter.
Each type of shot has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for the situation. We strongly recommend aiming for the turkey’s breast regardless of the type of shot you choose.
3- Straight On
As the name suggests, “straight on” means aiming slightly above the turkey’s back, ensuring the arrow will hit the mark.
It is one of the best ways because by remaining still and waiting for the right moment, you can avoid detection and get a clear shot. Moreover, you will also be able to take advantage of the turkey’s natural camouflage.
So, with Straight On, you can be sure your arrow will find its target.
4- From the Rear
From the rear, a turkey appears to have a very large and thick body. The thickest part of the turkey is its breast, which is why it is an ideal place to hunt but also a difficult part to hit because it constantly moves.
However, if you are patient and take your time, you should be able to shoot a turkey from the rear with no problem. Remember to aim for the breast, be patient, and rest; you will achieve the target.
5- Neck and Head Shots
Neck and Head Shots are the most popular choice for bowhunters who else want to hunt a turkey.
The biggest reason is that the chances of getting a complete pass-through on a Neck or Head Shot are significantly higher than on any other part of the turkey. When you make a Neck or Head Shot, your arrow will almost always exit the far side of the turkey’s neck, ensuring you get a lethal shot.
The Neck and Head Shots also offer the best chance of dropping a turkey in its tracks, making them ideal for those who want to avoid tracking down a wounded bird. That’s why Neck and Head Shots remain a good choice for bow hunters looking to take a turkey with a bow.
FAQs
It depends on several factors, including the time of year and the specific location. Some states generally considered good places to hunt turkeys with a bow include Arkansas, Missouri, and Ohio.
You can do a few things to increase your chances of success when hunting turkeys with a bow:
Ensure you understand the best places to shoot a turkey with a bow.
Practice your shooting before heading out into the field.
Be patient and wait for the right moment to take your shot.
There are a few different ways to scout for turkeys. One method is to use turkey calls to attract birds to your location. Another is to look for areas where turkeys have been recently active, such as where there is a sign of scratching or dusting. You can also try using a decoy to lure birds into your shooting range.
Final Thoughts:
In a nutshell, the best way to ensure a successful turkey hunt is to aim for the heart and lungs. But the same doesn’t go for all, as some hunters prefer aiming for the neck and spine, leading to quicker kills. But remember, these shots are harder to make successfully, especially with a strutting tom. That’s why we had stated the exciting 5 placements to shoot with a bow but more conveniently.
Hopefully, this information helps you bag your next turkey!
Have you ever gone hunting for turkeys? If so, what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.