Traditionally bow hunting has had the fall and turkey hunting has had the spring. If, when bow hunting for deer, a turkey happened to wander into range, it became fair game. However, spring turkeys are typically taken with a shotgun.

But it doesn’t need to be that way.

Turkeys and bow hunting are natural matches. Both are done up close and personal. Both involve convincing your quarry to come within a short distance of your position. Both are also one of the most exciting experiences you can have without going to jail. It only gets better when you add the two together by taking a spring gobbler with a stick and string.

However as an archery bow hunter, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind if you want to achieve success.

Shot placement is crucial. This is not a new revelation to any experienced bow hunter. Regardless of what species you are targeting, every bow hunter knows that good shot placement is necessary for a quick, ethical kill. However, many turkey hunters do not realize how small the kill zone is, because with a shotgun, there is some forgiveness.

Not so with an arrow. A little bit off target, and you will miss the celebration as your prey runs off into the woods, wounded but not recovered.

There are two primary target areas for the bow hunter: the base of the head or slightly behind where the wing joins the body. Each is about the same size, but a hit to the head almost guarantees a clean kill.

The choice is yours however.

Your deer hunting bow may not be the best setup. I prefer a short axle-to-axle bow for both species, so transitioning from deer to turkey is not a problem. However hunters who opt for longer bows during deer season may find this setup is poorly suited for hunting from the ground or in a tight blind.

Paired with a broadhead that includes a wide cutting diameter, razor-sharp edges and a sharpened chisel point, you have an excellent chance of filling that gobbler tag.

Finally, you need to get the turkeys close. Every turkey hunter knows that success requires getting the target bird in range. Bow hunters already know the importance of doing so as well. After all, this same principle applies to deer as well. Getting this done is a combination of equipment and tactics, including concealment, decoys, calling, and stealth.

Ideally you want to set up with a clear, unobstructed shooting lane, with trees or shrubs behind you to reduce being shadowed. The decoy should attract birds but encourage them to approach in a way that reduces their probability of seeing you.

To bring it all together, it is important to know your effective range and mark it off for quick reference.

There is a good chance that your first time, or even your second and third times, hunting spring gobblers with a bow will not be successful. However, harvesting a bird is a bonus.

The real excitement, the real thrill is from getting close enough to get the chance to see or even shoot at a turkey with a bow in your hand rather than a firearm.