I can't over
emphasize the importance of using special tracking equipment when bow hunting turkeys. These birds are tough if they aren't dropped in their
tracks. Most will run or fly away, even with an arrow
in them. And...the worst part is no blood to follow
because their feathers absorb any blood.
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Imagine you have spent
weeks scouting, days setting up blinds, more days hunting, and finally you get your chance
to arrow a nice gobbler and you cripple him. It lifts off and flies across the next
ridge with an arrow in it and acts like it wasn't even hit. Your arrow hit a little
too far back, but high. The bird's liver was pierced, but no damage to its wings or
legs. That bird will leave no blood or feather trail and you'll probably not find
him. He's certainly dead of his wounds, but has hidden under one of the dozens of
brush piles in the area. A needle in a haystack? You bet.
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If you weren't using
special tracking equipment, the chances are poor that you will find the bird...a sickening
feeling.
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I recommend using
two systems to ensure that these problems won't ruin your hunt. Always use a String
Tracking Unit. Usually a bird won't break
a 17# Line that comes with the best units. It doesn't matter whether your
arrow goes through or not, you'll have either a single or a double line to follow.
As an important backup, in case the string breaks (which it will do), use an Electronic Arrow Tracking System.. A transmitter that come with the System, fits inside a regular hollow aluminum
arrow shaft and provides an electronic method of recovering the arrow, with hopefully a
nice trophy attached to it. The System is very simple and easy to use. I suggest that you use the Penetration Limiter that comes with the System on your arrow. In essence, it is
a small grabber device that fits behind the broadhead and slides up to the fletching when
it encounters resistance. It will stop an arrow from traveling completely through a
turkey.
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With both of these systems
in place as back up to each other, you have the best possible methods of recovery of a
turkey that doesn't drop in his tracks.
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A good bird dog may be
able to follow and recover a wounded turkey too. If you are going to do this, try it
right away when the turkey's scent is still fresh. You should also check your
state's hunting regulations to see if using a dog is legal. One reason I don't like
this method is that a dog will foul up my hunting area for several days afterward.
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