Beginner Tips: Opening Day Of Turkey Season In Montana

April 15th marks the kickoff of Montana's Spring Turkey Hunting Season! I've been counting down the days to opening morning, and I can't wait to get back in the woods chasing thunder chickens.

I grew up hunting turkeys in the Southeast, where turkey season is basically a religion. In our house, it went: Church first, SEC football second and turkey hunting a close third.

When I moved out West, I quickly realized turkey hunting doesn't get quite the same hype as elk or mule deer—but I've still managed to find a few bird brains like me who get just as fired up about it.

If you're new to turkey hunting or just curious about what it takes to chase these incredible birds, I've got a few beginner tips that might help you on your journey.

Fair warning: Turkey hunting is highly addictive. It'll break your heart, confuse the heck out of you, and test your patience—but the payoff and experience are unforgettable.

Beginner Tips for Spring Turkey Hunting

1. Gear Up (But Keep It Simple)
You can go all out on gear, but I like to keep it light with a basic run-and-gun setup:

• A turkey vest with a built-in seat
• Box call, slate call, and a diaphragm (mouth) call
• A good pair of binoculars

2. Camouflage Is Everything
Turkeys have insane eyesight—one of the best in North America. Their vision spans nearly 270 degrees, they see color, and even detect UV light.

So what does that mean for you? Cover up HEAD TO TOE: face mask, gloves, hat, and camo that blend with your environment.

Pro Tip: Avoid using laundry detergents with color brighteners. They can make your clothes almost glow to a turkey's eyes—making you stand out like a sore thumb.

3. Early Hunter Gets The Bird
Sure, turkeys can be hunted at any time of day, but your best bet is early—Like really early.

Turkeys roost in trees overnight and will start gobbling while still in their elevated bedroom. That's your window to slip in, locate the birds, set up, and make your first moves. Early mornings are prime time for action because the gobblers are looking for hens and more likely to respond to calls.

Later in the day, gobblers tend to go quiet until the afternoon, so don't miss that early morning chatter.

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As I said, these are just basic tips to help you start your journey. There are tons of resources out there, and there are varying opinions. The best and most important tip I can give you is to get out there and put in the time. You only learn by making mistakes and trust me, even the best turkey hunters get skunked. Good luck this season, and happy hunting!