Moose population growth, ice skating turkeys and more! Here are some of the top trending social media posts:
1).
Cheers to the incredible women of #SCINashville who made the Women Go Hunting Mix & Mingle unforgettable! 🥂 From once-in-a-lifetime auction items to @LDWF‘s Madison Sheehan’s inspiring message and a global gathering of women – this event truly had it all. Here’s to celebrating… pic.twitter.com/TdgsHMsT3P
Shiras’ moose now roam Nevada, thanks to effective wildlife management! 🌿 Sustainable hunting supports conservation and habitat health. Curious to learn more about this success story? Visit here: https://t.co/xr0tpG5J3N
Ducks Unlimited and its Conservation Programs Committee congratulate the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Conservation Awards. @DUConservehttps://t.co/lYx1qmyziS
(1/2) RESCUE STORY! ⛑️ When Wildlife Manager Matthew Binney got a call about an elk that fell into a ditch, Matt quickly hatched a plan. After chemically immobilizing the elk, he used a few vehicle tow straps and a nearby excavator to pull the elk back to safety. pic.twitter.com/GcY4PiR4Mo
Follow LetsGoHunting on twitter and stay tuned for more updates from the hunting community.
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How to Hunt Turkeys: Everything Beginners Need to Know
Whether you're drawn to the crisp stillness of spring mornings or the golden hues of a fall forest, hunting wild turkey offers an exciting, accessible way to connect with nature and learn valuable skills.
In this guide, you'll learn the basics of how to hunt turkey, what gear you need, where to go and how to stay safe. We'll also walk through species identification, calling techniques, regulations, recipes and ways to get involved with conservation-minded organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
Whether you're starting from scratch or just looking for a refresher, this page will help you head into the field with confidence.
Meet America's Wild Turkeys: Know Your Subspecies
The U.S. is home to five wild turkey subspecies. Most hunters will encounter one of these four:
Eastern Wild Turkey
Location: Most of the eastern U.S.
Merriam's Turkey
Location: Mountainous West and parts of the Great Plains
Osceola Turkey
Location: Found only in Florida
Rio Grande Turkey
Location: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, parts of the Southwest
Each subspecies has its own habits and habitats, understanding this, what subspecies you are hunting should factor into how you hunt them.
Turkey Hunting Regulations: What You Need to Know
Before you hunt, it's critical to understand the rules. Turkey hunting regulations vary by state, including:
In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation discusses the importance of selecting the right gauge, shotgun, choke, and ammunition for making a clean, ethical shot on a wild turkey. It also emphasizes the need to ensure that the shotgun fits the shooter and to practice shooting at the range to ensure a consistent shot placement.
12 or 20 gauge is the most common.
Chokes
Wild turkeys are tough animals to harvest so a tight-patterning shot is imperative.
In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation explains the basics of choke types used for turkey hunting.
Ammo
Turkey loads in 3" or 3.5" shells with #4-#6 shot.
Turkey Calls
Box calls, slate calls, diaphragm (mouth) calls-learn to use more than one.
Camouflage
Turkeys have exceptional vision. Ensure you are covered Head to toe, including gloves and face mask.
Decoys
Properly set decoys can give you that little extra; decoys can give a gobbler a reason to come in when calling isn't enough.
In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation breaks down the types of decoys, strategy, set-up and safety.
Extras
Turkey Vest: Keeps your calls, shells and tags organized.
Binoculars, headlamp, field knife, blaze orange (required in some states)
Founded in 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring wild turkey populations and preserving North America's turkey hunting heritage.
Join the NWTF
Join the NWTF today and receive Turkey Call magazine, gear discounts, seed subsidies and access to mentored events near you.
There's no better time to start turkey hunting. With a bit of scouting, some practice with your calls, and the right gear, you'll be ready to experience one of America's most exciting and accessible hunts.
1 | Take a hunter safety course
2 | Learn your local regulations
3 | Gear up and scout your area
4 | Practice calling and pattern your shotgun
5 | Find a mentor or join a local NWTF chapter
6 | Enjoy the sunrise and be patient
Turkey Hunting 101
The Official NWTF Turkey Hunting Course will teach you where to hunt, turkey hunting tips and strategies, the best shotgun for hunting turkey, and much more.
By Robert Sadowski
The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots at LPVOs remain in the mix this year.
Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.
Apex Optics
Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10×24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10×24.
Check these out on: apexoptics.co
Barska
The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient night-vision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024×768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Check these out on: barska.com
Burris
The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a long-range shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance.
The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot.
Check these out on: burrisoptics.com
C&H Precision
The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun.
Check these out on: chpws.com
C-More
The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty.
Check these out on: cmore.com
Crimson Trace
Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping.
The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206.
Check these out on: crimsontrace.com
Eotech
The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9×32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets.
Check these out on: eotechinc.com
GPO
It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes.
Check these out on: gpo-usa.com
Hawke Optics
The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification.
Check these out on: us.hawkeoptics.com
Hi-Lux Optics
The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles.
Check these out on: hi-luxoptics.com
Pulsar
Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560×2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target.
Check these out on: pulsarnv.com
Riton
The new 5 Primal 3-18×50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree style set-up. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package.
Check these out on: ritonoptics.com
Umarex
The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other air-powered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More.
Check these out on: umarexusa.com
U.S. Optics
The new RISE Red Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications.
Check these out on: usoptics.com
Winchester Supreme Optics
The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lens multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces.
Check these out on: worldofwinchester.com
XS Sights
The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for self-defense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light.
The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153.
XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions.
While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight.
Check these out on: xssights.com
X-Vision Optics
The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount.
You may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/firearms/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2025/
Eastern Turkey Hunting Tactics for Short Hunts: Decoys, Calls and Smart Setups
By Bethany Beathard
I've heard it said, " Easterns make you a turkey hunter." These birds are smart, skittish and not known for making anything easy. Add in limited time and you've got to be sharp with your strategy from the first setup to the final call. Eastern turkeys are no joke. I've hunted them for a couple of seasons, and there is a difference between them and other turkeys I've also hunted. They're arguably the most hunted and pressured subspecies in the U.S. and they act like it. These birds are smart and quick to bust you if anything feels off. Dense woods, thick underbrush or wide-open fields only add to the challenge, with such a wide variety of hunting terrain.
To stack the odds in your favor, it helps to understand their daily rhythms. Mornings usually start on the roost with some gobbling; if you're lucky, then birds fly down and head to feeding spots. After that, there's often a mid-morning lull when gobblers get tight-lipped but might still be on the move looking for hens. If you can key in on where they like to strut or travel during this time, you will have a better chance of intercepting them.
If you're crunched for time, lean on digital scouting tools like onXhunt to pinpoint potential hot spots, think open ridges, food plots or scratchy leaf-covered areas where birds have been feeding. Better yet, get out the evening before your hunt and just listen. A gobble or some fly-up noise can tell you exactly where to start the next morning.
Time-Smart Setups for Success
When you've only got a day or two to hunt, you can't afford to waste time sitting in dead zones. The goal is to be where the turkeys already want to go, not just where you think they might wander. Start by sneaking close to the roost if you can do it safely and without bumping birds. Get set up early and stay quiet. A hen decoy and soft tree yelps at fly-down time can sometimes pull a tom in right off the limb. If that doesn't work, shift gears and think mid-morning movement, focus on trails, field edges or known strut zones where a gobbler might swing by solo.
It's a balance between patience and mobility. If you know a spot is usually productive, it might pay to stay put. But if you're not hearing or seeing anything, don't be afraid to pack up and move. Just be smart about it, listen for gobbles, look for fresh sign and use the terrain to stay hidden as you go.
Decoy Tactics for Short Hunts
When you're working with just a weekend, there's no time for trial and error. You need a setup that works. One of the most versatile and beginner-friendly options is a solo hen. It's non-threatening, can work in almost any setting and won't spook shy toms. If you're targeting a more dominant bird and you think he's in the right mood, a jake and hen combo can spark a fast reaction. If they're fired up, that jake might be the last straw that pulls them in. Be aware that this combo can also lure in a group of jakes. They are like a group of teenage boys trying to impress everyone.
When setting your decoys out, consider the placement. You will want to set them about 15-20 yards in front of you, angled slightly, so a tom's approach gives you a clean shot. If birds are coming from a particular direction, like a trail or a known strut zone, keep the decoys just off that path to naturally steer the tom where you want him. Turkeys will be wary of going to areas they normally don't travel. I once sat in a blind out in a field and had a tom at 90 yards for 45 minutes, but he would not commit because that wasn't his usual path, and he knew something was off.
Also, don't be afraid to leave the decoys in the bag altogether. In thick woods or tight funnels, birds may be too close when they see them, causing them to hang up or get suspicious. Sometimes, especially in pressured areas, the most convincing decoy is none at all.
Calling Strategies When You Only Have a Weekend
Short hunts call for smart calling, I mean this can be applied to any hunt really. Turkey will be turkeys, and if the calling is off, they will not buy into it.
If you're new or under pressure, keep it simple. A box call or even a push-button call can sound great with minimal effort and lets you focus on your setup and shot opportunity instead of perfecting your technique.
Using locator calls, like owl hoots or crow calls, can help you pinpoint a roosted tom fast without giving away your setup too early.
Once you're working with a bird, less is more, especially with Eastern gobblers. These birds have been around the block and can get suspicious of overcalling. Stick to soft yelps, clucks and purrs. If you're working a henned-up tom, call to the hen, not the tom. Try soft, chatty clucks and purrs to irritate her. If she comes in to challenge you, the tom's likely to follow.
One underrated but powerful strategy? Go silent. You can bust your own hunt by over-calling or not using the correct sequence. Sometimes, backing off the call and letting a tom think you've lost interest can trigger him to come check your setup. They don't like being ignored and they definitely don't like thinking they missed a chance.
What Worked and What Didn't
Even on short hunts, real-world examples show how quick decisions can make or break success. One of my recent wins came from a classic morning roost setup. Kristen and I slid into a pop-up blind near the swamp edge, where trail cameras had caught consistent turkey movement. Despite a slow start and pretty quiet roost, patient calling and a solid decoy spread, two hens and a half strut jake paid off. We first had a bearded hen come in, fired up and whooped up on our hen decoy, but decided to stay and feed. It wasn't long after when a fired-up tom strutted in and committed hard to the jake decoy. He was down by 7:20 a.m., proof that being set up early, minimal calling and holding still works. But it doesn't always go perfectly. On another hunt, we had a decoy mishap where the placement was just too open in the field. A tom spotted the decoys quickly, didn't like what he saw and never committed.
Also, a reminder, when things go quiet, don't panic. Wind, hunting pressure or even temperature changes can temporarily shut birds down. Be patient and ready to move, change your calling cadence or even go completely silent and listen. Flexibility kills more turkeys than sticking to a rigid plan.
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