How To Hunt Turkey

Most hunters overlook a vital component of social media — and it’s threatening the future of hunting content. Paul Campbell, a legendary turkey hunter and record-holder, reveals how YouTube’s crackdown on firearm content could wipe out years of effort, and why the platforms hunting relies on are in jeopardy. This episode isn’t just about turkey hunting — it’s an eye-opening look at the fragile acc...

Most turkey hunters blindly chase gobbles—until they realize patience and strategy are the real keys. Parker McDonald reveals how sitting tight and knowing when to shut up can turn a missed shot into a trophy. In this no-nonsense episode, Parker breaks down the nuanced art of turkey hunting across five states, sharing hard-earned lessons from two decades in the field. You'll discover how weather,...

Most hunters dream of a flawless turkey hunt—surrounded by gobbling birds, with every shot feeling like fate. Mason Valenstein’s season was almost too good to be true: four birds down before noon on the first day, in the middle of a year that’s been tough for many. How did he do it? Mason reveals the unconventional tactics, real-time decision-making, and subtle patience that turned his season into...

Unlock the secrets behind wild turkey populations and find out how cutting-edge research is shaping the future of turkey hunting—and conservation. If you're a hunter, conservationist, or just fascinated by these iconic birds, this episode is your must-listen. Dan Johnson sits down with Patrick Wightman, the new National Director of Wild Turkey Research and Science at the NWTF, to dive into groundb...

Join us as Derek Craig shares over two decades of turkey hunting expertise, covering the transition from shotgun to bow hunting, the importance of decoys, shot placement, and the ethical considerations of predator kills. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, learn how to maximize your success and respect for these magnificent birds. In this episode: Derek's journey from shotgun to...

Get ready for a nostalgic and candid conversation about turkey hunting, friendship, and lessons learned in the woods. Dan Johnson joins his longtime friend Brent Rich to reflect on their wild, memorable hunts, evolutions in their passion, and the importance of tradition and persistence. From their first turkey hunting trip in Iowa in 2002 to the makeshift camps and camaraderie that shaped their ea...

Most turkey hunters struggle with pressure and unpredictable wake-up calls—until now. Discover how seasoned hunters like Jimmy Smith master turkey hunting in crowded fields, stubborn gobblers, and tough conditions, turning pressure into opportunity. In this candid, down-to-earth episode, Dan Johnson sits down with turkey hunting expert Jimmy Smith to share real-world tactics for navigating pressur...

In this episode, expert turkey hunter Erik Barber shares his strategies for successful turkey hunting across multiple states, discussing logistics, weather considerations, gear choices, and tactical approaches to different terrains and conditions. Key Topics: Logistics of multi-state turkey hunting Adapting strategies to terrain and weather Gear choices and decoy selection Reading turkey behavior...

Join Dan Johnson and Scott Cronin as they discuss turkey hunting strategies, habitat impacts, and the importance of travel and gear in enhancing your hunting experience. Discover insights on turkey population trends, conservation efforts, and how to make the most of your spring season across different states. Key Topics: Turkey population trends in Kentucky over the last 10 years Impact of cicadas...

In this engaging episode, Dan Johnson and Parker McDonald dive into the intricacies of turkey hunting, sharing their personal experiences and expert insights. They explore the challenges and rewards of hunting in various weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of patience and strategic use of locator calls. Through humorous anecdotes and thoughtful discussions, they reveal how turkey huntin...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, Dan Johnson chats with John Mulligan about his journey into turkey hunting, his experiences with archery, and the challenges he faced while completing a Grand Slam. They discuss the importance of preparation, the thrill of hunting in different states, and the unique story behind John's turkey call company, Bourbon Barrel Calls. The conversation hi...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson speaks with Zach Haas, a land management expert, about the intricacies of creating and maintaining optimal habitats for turkeys. They discuss the importance of water sources, nesting sites, roosting trees, and the impact of predation on turkey populations. Zach shares insights on how to restore turkey populations in areas where th...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson speaks with turkey hunting expert Matt Morett about his lifelong passion for turkey hunting, the importance of conservation, and the experiences at the NWTF convention. They discuss the evolution of turkey calling competitions, the significance of patience and strategy in hunting, and the growing role of women in the sport. Matt s...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson engages with Scott Ellis, a seasoned turkey hunter and competitive caller. They discuss Scott's extensive experience in turkey hunting, the nuances of competitive calling, and the strategies for hunting pressured birds. Scott shares insights on the importance of realism in calling, the techniques for engaging with both hens and go...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, host Dan Johnson and guest Jimmy Smith delve into the world of turkey hunting, exploring its passion, techniques, and the community surrounding it. They discuss the significance of the first gobble, the journey into competition calling, and the strategies for hunting different turkey subspecies. The conversation also touches on the importance of s...

In this episode of the How to Hunt Turkey podcast, Dan Johnson and Graham Cronin discuss the excitement surrounding turkey season, the application process for turkey tags in Wisconsin, and the balance between work and hunting. They share insights on post-hunt meals, youth hunting opportunities, and strategies for planning multi-state turkey hunts. The conversation delves into hunting techniques, i...

In this episode, Dan Johnson interviews Josh Dahlke, a passionate turkey hunter who shares his obsession with the sport. They discuss the psychological aspects of turkey hunting, the preparation involved, and the various challenges faced in different states. Josh explains the concept of the Super Slam and the different types of turkey slams, as well as his favorite species to hunt. The conversatio...

In this episode, Dan Johnson and Aaron Warbritton discuss their experiences and insights into turkey hunting. They share personal stories about their early days in the field, the challenges of learning the craft, and the social aspects of hunting. The conversation delves into the differences between turkey and deer hunting, the importance of observation, and effective strategies for using decoys....

In this episode, Paul Campbell and Dan Johnson dive into the world of turkey hunting, discussing the cultural differences between turkey and deer hunting, the passion for turkey hunting in the South, and personal stories of how turkey hunting has impacted their lives. They explore the challenges and joys of turkey hunting, the community around it, and the life-changing power of the outdoors. Takea...

In this episode, we dive into the must-have gear for turkey hunting—whether you’re just getting started or want to fine-tune your setup. From picking the right shotgun to using decoys effectively, this episode covers all the essentials to help you gear up with confidence. You’ll learn: What to look for in a turkey hunting shotgun Why binoculars are more useful than you think The role of decoys in...

On this episode I discuss the things getting me through to next turkey season. From boat breakdowns to bigheads and from roadside jeep troubles to car conundrums I talk about a little bit of everything in this podcast. I even dive into strategies on brownie points with the family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

In this episode, we dive into one trait that separates successful turkey hunters from the rest: commitment. From waking up before dawn to hiking into unfamiliar territory, to pushing through the tough mornings when gobblers go silent — it all comes back to how much you're willing to put in because of how much you love it. We talk about: Why committing to hunting new places sharpens your skills and...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most underrated but critical skills for successful turkey hunting: patience. Whether you're sitting in the woods waiting for that gobbler to come into range or navigating life’s challenges, patience can make all the difference. I share how my early days of fishing helped me build patience and how those lessons carried over into the turkey woods. We'll also...

On this week's episode of the How To Hunt Turkey podcast I dive into the details of changing your Turkey Hunting tactics to find success. I talk about letting the Turkeys tell you what they want and what you might need to change or do differently to find success. I also share some practical examples from my own turkey season where changing something either worked or didn't and what helped me have...

In this conversation, Jase Greer and Conner Mobley discuss the intricacies of filming hunts, particularly focusing on turkey hunting. They explore the urgency of capturing footage during the short turkey season, the challenges of balancing filming with hunting, and the gear setups that work best for capturing high-quality video. The discussion also touches on audio considerations and tips for simp...