How To Hunt Turkey - Head Shot: Bowhunting For Turkeys episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 50 MIN

How To Hunt Turkey - Head Shot: Bowhunting For Turkeys

from Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting · host Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network

Join us as Derek Craig shares over two decades of turkey hunting expertise, covering the transition from shotgun to bow hunting, the importance of decoys, shot placement, and the ethical considerations of predator kills. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, learn how to maximize your success and respect for these magnificent birds.In this episode:Derek's journey from shotgun to bow hunting turkeys and his preferred gear setupsThe evolving technology in turkey shotguns, including TSS and chokes, and their impact on rangeThe role of decoys in close-range bow hunts versus traditional calls and blindsHow to identify the best shot opportunity based on turkey behavior and positionDifferences between body and head/neck shots, including equipment choices and ethical considerationsInsights into recording hunts with multiple cameras for high-quality footageThe significance of posting decapitation videos, social media's influence, and ethical debatesThe historical changes in turkey hunting pressure, costs, and accessible hunting locationsDerek's ongoing season plans and reflections on the progression of turkey huntingTimestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Derek Craig and today's turkey hunting tips(02:13) - The importance of decoys in bow hunting and shot distance expansion(04:10) - Practice and shot placement: body vs. head/neck shots(06:42) - Do decoys help hold turkeys in place for decapitation shots?(09:17) - The evolution of realistic decoys and their setup(11:14) - What to look for in a turkey's behavior to ensure a clean shot(14:08) - Equipment differences: body shot vs. head/neck shot setups(16:34) - Adjusting bow setup for turkey head-chopping heads(21:02) - Reflecting on bow hunting versus gun hunting for turkeys(25:24) - How to record multiple camera angles during a turkey hunt(28:50) - The viral decapitation footage: context and social media aspects(33:25) - Ethical debates about posting decapitation videos(37:38) - The marketing use of graphic kill images in hunting industry(42:02) - Respecting animals while celebrating hunting successes(44:55) - The emotional thrill of successful shots and practice dedication(46:43) - Closing thoughts: current season plans and future hunts Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code SE for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Nathan and Sons at https://nathanandsons.com* Check out Outdoorsy and use my code EMPIRE for a great deal: https://www.outdoorsy.com* Check out Troll Co Clothing and use my code EMPIRE25 for a great deal: https://www.trollco.com/huntingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 30, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

How To Hunt Turkey - Head Shot: Bowhunting For Turkeys

0:00 50:11

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting?

This episode is 50 minutes long.

When was this Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting episode published?

This episode was published on April 30, 2026.

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!