To the avid turkey hunter, there might be no other place greater than the Southwest to hunt. With all of its stunning natural beauty that is full of an abundance of wildlife, this region is slowly becoming a popular destination for hunters looking to challenge themselves and hunt more often.

But turkey hunting in the Southwest, namely Arizona and New Mexico, is not as easy as it might seem. Many hunters have come here in search of the elusive birds that roam these forests and are left empty-handed. Luckily you have come to the right place, as we will cover some valuable tips and insights to help you become a more successful turkey hunter in the Southwest.

Whether you are a seasoned pro that wants to venture out to new areas or a novice that is just getting started, these tips will help you improve your chances of bagging that big gobbler that the Southwest is famous for. Let’s get started!

The Planning Phase

The first step for any hunt is planning. Without proper planning and preparation, your hunt could be doomed from the start. Looking at New Mexico and Arizona turkey hunting specifically, let’s first cover the necessary steps to plan out a Southwestern turkey hunt and all of the different aspects you should consider.

Research and Finding Units

The first step is to figure out where you want to go hunt. After selecting a state, you need to put a little time in on the computer to figure out where you are able to hunt and how you can go about getting a tag for that area. In the Southwest, turkey units are very clearly laid out by each state’s wildlife agency to make this process much easier. Turkeys are not found throughout the entire state, so there are specific units and areas that you must hunt.

One of the best resources is the hunting regulations published each year. These provide detailed information on the hunting season, bag limits, and the specific units where turkey hunting is allowed. Be sure to take your time to thoroughly read and understand these regulations before making any plans for a trip.

In order to help narrow down your search for the right unit, decide what is most important to you. Are there a specific species of turkey that you want to hunt? Is there a specific type of terrain that you prefer? Do you want to hunt this year or are you willing to wait to draw a tag in the perfect unit? The answers to all of these questions can help narrow down your search for the right unit to hunt.

Obtaining Tags

New Mexico and Arizona function in similar ways when it comes to obtaining turkey tags. There are two types: draw tags and over-the-counter tags. Each type of tag is only good for select units, so this is why it is so important to carefully read through the regulations.

Regulations can also change from year to year, making it even more vital to do plenty of research. This is your best bet for obtaining a tag, and both states have plenty of options for non-residents to enjoy. In both states, there are many draw units that are loaded with turkeys, as well as great over-the-counter opportunities for both archery and shotgun hunting.

E-scouting for Turkey

After deciding where you want to hunt and figuring out how to obtain a tag for that unit, now is the fun part of looking for specific areas to begin your hunt. Thanks to technology, this can all be done with a computer before you ever set foot inside the unit. By e-scouting ahead of time, you can at least have a basic understanding of where you can start searching for turkeys.

Spring Vs. Fall Seasons

One last consideration while planning a turkey hunt to the Southwest is the option of hunting in the spring or fall seasons. In both states, fall turkey tags are generally much easier to obtain. These can be a great way to fill an empty hunting season, although you will be battling warmer weather and the deer/elk hunters out in the hills.

Spring seasons are also great and it is still very easy to obtain tags. There are few other hunts this time of year so you will not run into as many other hunters while in the field, and the turkeys will be in their breeding season. The weather is typically much cooler this time of year with even the occasional snowstorm rolling through.

Both the spring and fall seasons can be great for harvesting turkeys in the Southwest, and it really comes down to what you are looking for in a turkey hunt. Most turkey hunters choose between the two depending on their availability and schedules.

In the Field

After planning out a hunt and nailing down the details, it’s time to make the most out of your turkey tag and head out into the wilderness of the Southwest. Turkey hunting here is a lot different than in many other places, so here are a few tips to hit the ground running.

On the Ground Scouting

Unlike many other states or areas where turkeys can literally be found everywhere, the Southwest can be hit or miss in many areas. Even units that are abundant with turkeys can vary from year to year depending on the available water and feed for the birds. This is why getting out and getting boots on the ground is so important.

While e-scouting is great and can get you started, there is no substitute for getting out there and seeing these places in person. While not everyone has the luxury of being able to scout before the season, even taking a few hours out of your hunting during the season can be beneficial to get an idea of where the turkeys might be hiding. I love to use the middle of the day to check new areas on my map that I have e-scouted in order to come up with the best possible game plan for my morning and evening hunts.

Turkey Terrain and What to Look For

So what makes a good hunting spot for turkey? Here in the Southwest, the birds will never venture too far from water. And with limited water sources, you can have a simple and great starting point. From there, slowly branch out and look for feeding areas and roosting trees in order to get a more complete picture of where the turkeys are in the area.

I typically like to see open meadows near a water source where the turkeys have plenty of feed, with nearby canyons or dark timber that they can roost in. As you search, keep an eye out for tracks and scat on the ground in order to determine if there are any turkeys using the area. If not, it might be worthwhile to head to a different area until you find plenty of turkey sign.

Turkey Hunting Gear

A hunter is only as good as his gear. Thankfully you don’t need a lot when it comes to turkey hunting, but there are a few best practices that will ensure you have everything you need when it comes to successfully harvesting a big gobbler.

Archery

Hunting turkeys with archery equipment can be incredibly challenging but rewarding at the same time. Both Arizona and New Mexico have ample archery opportunities for the avid bowhunter, with both draw and over-the-counter seasons that provide plenty of time to chase the birds around. But in order to kill a turkey with a bow, you are going to have to get close.

You really don’t need any special bow or equipment to shoot a turkey here, and your favorite bow and arrow setup that you use for deer will most likely suffice. Neither Arizona nor New Mexico has broadhead restrictions, and their minimum draw weight is 30 pounds in Arizona (no minimum in New Mexico).

There have been some specially made broadheads specifically made for turkeys that work quite well, such as the Xecutioner Broadhead.

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Shotgun

Most hunters will opt to use a shotgun to pursue turkey. Shotguns provide hunters with a wider range and increased accuracy, making it easier to hit a turkey’s vital areas. But it is very important to be using the right ammunition and choke tube while hunting with a shotgun, as the wrong combination can lead to missed shots or wounded birds. Both Arizona and New Mexico allow you to use a shotgun during specific seasons and hunts.

In New Mexico, your shotgun must be shooting shot. The best for this is a dedicated turkey load with a turkey hunting choke installed. This provides the best pattern for sometimes longer shots on birds. Arizona has the same rule, and most experienced turkey hunters recommend using a 12-gauge shotgun with a 3-inch or 3 1/2-inch magnum shell loaded with #4, #5, or #6 shot. For a lighter recoil, however, 20-gauge shotguns are allowed in both states and do a fine job of killing turkeys as well.

Camo

Many turkey hunters will underestimate the power of good camo. Turkeys have excellent vision, so camo is more important to wear while turkey hunting than hunting other types of animals. In the Southwest, you will encounter a variety of different terrains and colors so you will want a camo pattern that helps you to blend in.

The actual colors of your camo is not as important as the pattern and its ability to break up your outline. Choose camo patterns that have both large and small designs that will be able to help you blend in with the surrounding land features. Whatever you do, avoid wearing any solid colors as these can make you stand out against the trees, shrubs, and foliage that these birds call home.

Vest and Other Gear

Besides your weapon and a good camo outfit, bringing along a turkey hunting vest and various other accessories can help you have a much better hunt. Turkey vests are an easy way to store and organize all of your gear while hunting, and many even have padded seats or decoy storage areas built into them. When hunting in Arizona or New Mexico, you will likely be covering a lot of ground while chasing birds so these vests can help comfortably carry all of your additional gear.

In addition to a vest, don’t forget to fill it full of your favorite turkey calls and decoys. Other important items to bring along include binoculars, a GPS (if you are not using your cellphone), sunscreen, plenty of water, food, and a battery charger for your electronics. The more prepared you come, the more likely you are to find success during the hunt with all of the necessary gear.

Bird Down

So you did all of the right things and were able to successfully tag a big gobbler, now what? You will need to take care of your bird as soon as possible or risk the warm weather spoiling the meat. Here are a few things to remember once you tag out on your turkey.

Cleaning a Turkey

The first thing you need once you get to your turkey is to tag it and then begin the cleaning process. Proper field care will not only make sure the meat is safe to later eat but it also helps to keep the quality and flavor. In order to clean a turkey, hang it from a nearby branch or tree. All of the feathers and internal organs should then be removed, with the body cavity cleaned out thoroughly. From here, try to get your bird chilled as soon as you can.

This can be done by placing the bird in a cooler or ice chest, but just make sure you avoid getting any water on the carcass as this can cause bacteria to spread. If it will be some time before you can get it to one of these options, ensure it stays in the shade as much as possible. Taking the time to properly care and clean the turkey after the harvest will ensure you have some of the tastiest meat around.

Transporting Your Turkey Home

After properly field dressing your turkey, now it’s time to get it home! Assuming you drove to Arizona or New Mexico to hunt, transporting your harvested turkey is pretty simple. The first thing you will want to do is check the rules and regulations of the state that you’ll be transporting the turkey to. Every state has different rules regarding the transport of game meat, so you will want to ensure you can legally bring your turkey home with you.

Before leaving, pack your cooler with enough ice or frozen gel packs to keep the turkey completely cooled while traveling. When crossing state lines, ensure that you have your hunting license and turkey tag still with the carcass in order to prove you legally harvested the animal. As long as your turkey tag is attached to your turkey while transporting, both Arizona and New Mexico allow you to take your prized game meat home with you wherever that is!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, venturing to the Southwest on turkey hunt is an adventure that few hunters could deny. Whether it’s in Arizona or New Mexico, these places offer diverse terrain, amazing bird populations, and an experience that is hard to replicate. If you have ever wanted to go on a new type of turkey hunt, give the Southwest a hard look. With the right planning and preparation, a successful turkey hunt can create memories that will last you a lifetime!

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Southwestern Turkey Hunting: Bag A Bird This Season