Turkey hunting Vests

[bbcustomboxcalls]

I know that a lot of guys use them. But I've never used one in my 30 years of hunting turkeys. Just wondered what other guys think about wearing a vest.
A couple of hunters I know wear them even though they never walk more than 200 yards from there truck.
Do you think they are necessary or are they just a fashion statement?
Seems to me that if you're going to walk several miles in a day of hunting they would be heavy and cumbersome.
Anyone else have an opinion?
Bill

[MK-M-GOBL]

When I got into turkey hunting it was just the way it was. You had to have a vest in order to carry all the different calls that went out with chasing long beards. All so back then the vest were a lot more simple in design. I started out with a simple, light 10X vest. No that's not 10 X-Large for you jokesters out there

I still have that vest along with three other vest that I tend to switch around according to the area, temp or time of the season I'm hunting. Beside, I can't see me carrying in the woods all the stuff below with a vest

3 box calls
4 pot frictions calls
6 strikers
two crow calls
10 or 12 mouth calls
calk, Brilo-pad, sand paper extra rubber bands
TP (lots of it)
extra shells (same as TP, lots of them)
1 decoy
extra face mask & gloves
water bottle

[nastygunz]

i consider a turkey vest just like my flyfishing vest, very handy...when im going light i use a hunting belt, snaps on quick, many pockets, much cooler if its hot out....i use my turkey vest for all my other hunting too.

[bbcustomboxcalls]

O.K., you guys have convinced me that there is a need for a good turkey vest. Maybe I'll check one out myself.
Bill

[MK-M-GOBL]

You won't be disappointed if you do your research and get the right vest for you. Here are a few things & tips I look when buying and setting up a turkey vest.

Style of Vest = Pick one that find the climate you're hunting in! Warm weather hunting? You might want to look into a vented back or shoulder strap style vest.

Size = Get one that's two sizes too big! When it's loaded up, those vest get smaller.

Pockets = A lot of pockets are great! I love pockets but they can be trouble. I sometime feel the urge to fill them all

Seat Cushion = I double up on all my vest seats. Unfortunately for me all my extra body cushion is on my belly and not my butt Part 2 of this is looking for a seat that's easy to get to. I personally hunt with my seat down from the time I leave the truck. I had vest in the past where it's impossible to un-snap or un-buckle the seat with the vest pockets full of gear. Those HS Strut folding seats are sweet! Masshntr uses one and I decided to try it last year. Wish I tried them sooner

Game Bag = Make sure the vest game bag is big and easy to get to. Some vest have adjustable game bags which is great. I use mine for carrying a decoy or water bottle. If carrying a decoy(s), make sure you keep the decoy(s) head tucked in and out of sight at all times. You just never know! Look for one that's also lined to keep your turkeys blood from soaking through to your shirt.

Safety Orange = I tend to carry out more of my turkeys over my shoulder than in my game bag. Either way to decide to do it, make sure the vest you buy has a good safety orange attachment. My Mossy vest has orange ribbon that pulls out of the top back and my 10X vest has two 10"X10" square snap on for the front and back of my vest.

Gearing Up= Think about the calls you use and accessories you use a lot when setting up your vest. Don't laugh but I would put in all my gear sitting on the living room floor as if I was out in the woods. You want to be sure to can get the stuff you want with ease Remember where you put things and try to always put them back in the same pocket when you're done. When I switch vest, I always keep them set up the same (or as close to the same as I can) so I don't confuse myself looking for a call.


This is all just my of advice. I hope some of it helps you or anyone else looking to pick up a turkey vest. I'm also positive that I've missed some things that other will add on here.

[bbcustomboxcalls]

Thanks for all the great information!
Bill