Turkey Hunting Necessities: What I Always Carry in My Vest

Turkey hunters all carry their gear a little differently, but there are a few things I make sure I have with me every time I step into the woods. After chasing these birds for a lot of years, you learn pretty quick what you can’t afford to forget.

Some of these items help you call better. Some make the hunt easier. And one of them might just save your day entirely.

Here are a few turkey hunting necessities that stay in my vest.

1. A Conditioning Stone for Friction Calls

If I’m carrying a glass, crystal, or ceramic friction call, I always keep a conditioning stone with me.

I don’t like fooling with sandpaper. A conditioning stone is easier to keep up with, easier to use, and it does the job right. If your call starts getting slick, a quick touch with the stone and you’re back in business.

Trust me, you will thank me later.

2. An Extra Striker

Always carry an extra striker.

There is nothing more frustrating than hiking a half mile into the woods, reaching into your vest to run a friction call, and realizing your striker is gone.

Let’s be honest. You aren’t getting a peep out of that call using your finger. Keep a spare striker in the vest and save yourself the headache.

3. Keep Your Turkey Strap in Your Pocket

My turkey strap never stays in my vest. It stays in my pocket.

Why? Because I will drop that vest in a second when it’s time to go after a turkey. When that bird is down, that turkey tote strap is what gets him out of the woods.

That strap is irreplaceable when you are hauling out a gobbler.

4. A Mouth Call Pouch Around My Neck

My mouth call pouch is just as important to me as my turkey strap.

Instead of digging around in my vest for calls in the dark, I keep my mouth call pouch around my neck. That way it’s always right where I need it when I’m setting up on a gobbler.

I’ve been known to take off after a turkey with nothing but my gun and that pouch around my neck. I like to go light when I can.

5. A Big Piece of Chalk for Box Calls

For you box call guys, get yourself a big piece of chalk.

Yes, we send a small piece of chalk with your box call order, but a larger piece will last you several years. Box calls don’t work well without chalk, and when they need it, they need it right then.

It’s better to have more than you need than not enough.

6. A Locator Call

Whether it’s an owl hooter or a crow call, a locator call is something I always have with me.

If you can hoot with your voice but can’t crow with your mouth, carry a crow call. If you can crow but can’t hoot, carry an owl hooter.

If you can do both with your mouth, well, you’re in the one percent and ahead of the curve.

Personally, I can’t crow with my mouth, and since we make a jam-up crow call, that’s the one I tend to carry and use the most. When I need one, I’ll grab my crow call.

7. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper might be the most important necessity you can own in the turkey woods.

Doesn’t matter what brand or model.

Nobody has a good day missing a sock.

8. Enjoy the Hunt

More than anything, enjoy your time outdoors.

The world of the wild turkey is something special. Win, lose, or draw, it’s a blessing to be out there chasing them.

Key Takeaways to Make Your Hunts Easier

• Carry backups for important gear. Extra strikers, chalk, and locator calls can save a hunt.
• Keep essential gear easy to reach. Mouth calls and straps need to be easy to grab without digging through your vest.
• Locator calls help start the hunt. Owl hooters and crow calls can help shock gobblers into sounding off.

Turkey Hunting Questions

What should every turkey hunter carry in their vest?

Most turkey hunters carry mouth calls, friction calls, a striker, locator calls, and a few essential accessories like conditioning stones and chalk.

Why carry a locator call?

Locator calls like owl hooters or crow calls can make gobblers shock gobble, helping hunters pinpoint their location.

Get Your Turkey Hunting Gear Ready

Before you hit the woods this season, make sure your vest is stocked with the necessities. Having the right calls, gear, and a few backups can make all the difference when a gobbler fires off on the limb.

If you need to pick up a few things for your vest, you can find all of our friction calls, mouth calls, locator calls, and turkey hunting gear right here:

Shop Houndstooth Turkey Calls and Hunting Gear

Get your vest ready, get in the woods early, and enjoy every minute chasing that longbeard.