How to Make a Turkey Tail Fan

Photos: How to Make a Pheasant Tail Mount

Rooster ring-necked pheasants are the most beautiful upland game bird. You can’t change my mind. I’m likely biased because I’m a native South Dakotan who’s been lucky enough to chase these birds for over three decades. But even after all these years, I’m still in awe every time I pick one up. The colors, patterns, and sheer splendor found on a mature rooster make each a trophy in its own right. That said, when it comes time to clean a bird, I...

Video: How to Make a Wingbone Turkey Call

The wingbone turkey call is a classic tool that’s as old as turkey hunting itself. These are a blast to make, fun to use, and most importantly, can help you kill a gobbler. Now that doesn’t mean I’ll be tossing out my Phelps Jake Brake or box call anytime soon. Using a crafted wingbone is like shooting traditional archery—there are far better options, but it still has its time and place. I prefer to use the wingbone to supplement my diaphragm. A...

How to Reap a Turkey

The beauty of spring turkey hunting is that success can be achieved through multiple hunting styles. You can run-and-gun with a shotgun or set up shop in a hub-style blind with your bow. You can crawl around and bushwhack them, or put out a whole spread of decoys and only take the safety off when a gobbler struts in to put on a show. Or you can reap. Reaping is the act of crawling into a longbeard’s guard and popping up a fan or a decoy built...