Now is the time to look at your turkey hunting gear and determine any additions and upgrades for better success in the field this spring. (Photo courtesy of Viper Optics)
February 24, 2025
By Zach Bowhay
It’s late February, and with spring turkey season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to audit your gear setup, identifying what’s working well and what might need an upgrade. Established brands continue to push the envelope with innovative new products, while other companies are stepping into the turkey hunting space with fresh offerings explicitly designed to pursue longbeards.
No matter where you stand with your current gear, there’s no shortage of new products to explore. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or want extra excitement to this already thrilling time of year, the latest gear releases have something to offer.
Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Photo courtesy of Blocker Outdoors If you’re like me and prefer to keep your gear organized yet easily accessible, the new Finisher Chest Pack from Blocker Outdoors is an exciting addition. This well-designed rig features dedicated exterior pockets for pot calls, box calls, diaphragms and strikers, ensuring your essential tools are always within reach.
Inside, you’ll find slots for shotshells, secure pockets for your license or conditioning stones, and plenty of room for binoculars, gloves, a facemask, or any other must-have gear. Whether running and gunning or setting up for an extended sit, the Finisher Chest keeps everything organized and right where you need it. MSRP: $89
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KUIU Rival Turkey Vest Photo courtesy of KUIU If you’re looking for a way to carry more gear without the hassle of a full backpack, the Rival Turkey Vest is worth a serious look. Like most KUIU products, this vest is meticulously designed, featuring dedicated call holders for all types of turkey calls, convenient shotshell slots, and ample storage for smaller essentials up front.
In the back, you'll find a spacious backpack compartment perfect for carrying extra layers and gear, as well as a dedicated decoy bag for the vest.
One of the standout features is the deployable seat pad, paired with an innovative strap system that wraps around your feet. This built-in tension system provides full back support, making long sits much more comfortable. Be sure to check out the video on the product page to see this truly innovative design in action. MSRP: $249
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Spring Legion Spring Hunting Run & Gun Bundle Photo courtesy of Spring Legion If you're a turkey hunter who likes to stay mobile and travel light, the Spring Legion Spring Hunting Run & Gun Bundle is built for you. This kit includes everything you need to keep comfortable and concealed without the extra bulk.
The Turkey Pant II is designed for durability and breathability, allowing you to move through thick cover without restriction. A loose-fit half mask provides lightweight concealment, while the fingerless gloves keep your hands camouflaged without sacrificing dexterity. The included gaiter helps keep brush and debris off your legs and to top it off, you get a classic Spring Legion hat to complete the look. Available in Mossy Oak patterns and a solid, they are sure to have an option for everyone. MSRP: $149
Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed 1X Photo courtesy of Viper Optics For those looking to improve accuracy and target acquisition, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed 1X is a game-changer. This enclosed red dot is built specifically for shotguns, featuring a rugged, weatherproof design that keeps dust, debris and moisture out, perfect for unpredictable spring turkey conditions.
The optic mounts directly to a drilled-and-tapped shotgun receiver, eliminating the need for extra adapters, and offers multiple reticle options, including 3-MOA red dot and circle-dot combinations. With 12 brightness settings and a long-lasting battery, you’ll always have a crisp sight picture, whether hunting in low light at dawn or under bright midday sun. The red dot is motion-activated and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff. If you want to gain an edge on tough-to-hit gobblers, the Viper Enclosed 1X is worth a serious look. MSRP: $499
Hawke Vantage IR 1-4x20 Turkey Dot Reticles Photo courtesy of Hawke Optics If you're looking for a scope that blends precision with concealment, the Hawke Vantage IR 1-4x20 Turkey Dot Reticle in Mossy Oak Greenleaf is built for the turkey woods. Designed specifically for shotgun hunters, this optic features a 1-4x magnification range, giving you quick target acquisition up close and precise aiming at longer distances. The illuminated Turkey Dot reticle is dialed in for gobblers, with a 2-MOA center dot surrounded by a horseshoe that helps frame your shot. With a compact build, 4 inches of eye relief and a Mossy Oak Greenleaf finish, it not only performs but also keeps you concealed when it matters most. MSRP: $279
Slayer Calls Crystal Queen Pot Call and Striker Photo courtesy of Slayer Calls A good pot call is a staple in any turkey hunter’s vest, and the Slayer Crystal Queen Pot Call and Striker brings some serious volume and realism to the woods. The crystal surface delivers sharp, high-pitched yelps and cuts that carry well, making it a solid option for striking birds at a distance, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. Paired with a composite striker, it runs smoothly and consistently, even when humidity and moisture start creeping in. Whether working a fired-up tom or trying to pull a stubborn bird those last few yards, this call has the range and versatility to make it happen. MSRP: $86
Knight & Hale Long Range Hen Box Call Photo courtesy of Knight and Hale When you need to reach out and fire up a gobbler hanging way off, the Knight & Hale Long Range Hen Box Call is a great tool to have in your vest. This double-sided box call lets you run the sounds of two different hens, giving you extra versatility when working pressured or call-shy birds.
Hand-tuned and pre-chalked, it’s ready to hunt straight out of the package. The cherry lid and walnut body produce sharp, realistic yelps that cut through the wind and carry across big timber or open fields. Whether you’re trying to locate birds at first light or pull a tom just a little farther, this call does precisely what the name suggests: it reaches out. MSRP: $49
MeatEater x Phelps Prime Cuts 3 Pack Photo courtesy of Phelps Game Calls If you like to mix up your calling and keep birds guessing, the MeatEater x Phelps Prime Cuts 3 Pack is a solid addition to your vest. Designed by Steven Rinella, Clay Newcomb and Jason Phelps, each call in this set brings something different.
The Rinella Prime Cut has an aggressive cut that runs easy and delivers raspy, attention-grabbing yelps. The Phelps Prime Cut balances rasp and clarity, making it an excellent choice for everything from loud cuts to soft finishing work. The Newcomb Prime Cut is built for versatility, allowing you to get loud when needed but still drop into subtle clucks and purrs to seal the deal. With this three-pack in your pocket, you’ll have the right sound for just about any situation you find yourself in this spring. MSRP: $34
HEVI-13 Turkey Loads Photo courtesy of HEVI-Shot The HEVI-Shot HEVI-13 Turkey has been a reliable choice for many hunters regarding turkey hunting ammunition. Loaded with 12 g/cc tungsten, these shells offer 20% more effective range and energy than traditional lead loads. This means you can confidently reach out to those wary gobblers who hang up just out of range. The higher pellet count ensures denser patterns, increasing your chances of a clean, ethical shot. Available in various gauges and shot sizes, HEVI-13 caters to different preferences and setups. Whether you're using a 12-gauge or a 20-gauge, these shells are designed to deliver consistent performance in the field. MSRP: $39-$50
Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey-Holosun Combo Photo courtesy of Mossberg The Mossberg 940 Pro-Turkey Holosun is built for serious turkey hunters looking for a reliable, ready-to-go shotgun. This 12-gauge autoloader features an 18.5-inch barrel with a Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo finish and a Cerakote Patriot Brown barrel for durability in the field. It comes factory-mounted with a Holosun HS407K micro red dot. It offers a 6-MOA reticle, Shake Awake technology, and up to 50,000 hours of battery life—perfect for quick target acquisition in any light.
Mossberg’s gas system allows up to 1,500 rounds between cleanings, and the enlarged loading port makes reloading a breeze. For those who want even tighter patterns, there is also a TALO-exclusive model with an Indian Creek Diamond Strike turkey choke. MSRP: $1,441
Spring turkey season is the perfect time to take advantage of the latest gear designed to make hunts more efficient, comfortable and successful. Whether it’s a new optic for faster target acquisition, an improved vest for better organization or a call that adds more realism to your setup, this year’s lineup of products brings plenty of innovation to the field. Shotguns are becoming more specialized, ammo continues to push performance boundaries, and accessories are more tailored than ever to the needs of serious turkey hunters. With so many great options available, now is the time to upgrade your setup and hit the woods with confidence, knowing you have the best tools for the job.
