blake
Life Member
Recovering your wounded turkey
Even with a lot of practice, the bowhunter can experience a less than prefect shot. When you take a shot at a turkey don’t assume that you’ve missed if the bird runs off or fly’s away.
After the shot always watch the gobbler for as long as you can see him. This is especially true if the bird takes to the air and fly’s off. Now what? Go to the spot where the tom was standing when you shot at him and check for blood, bone fragments, or feathers. Crippled turkeys will generally fly less than 100 yards. Try to listen for the bird landing as they will usually make some noise when landing wounded.
Wait for about an hour then begin your search. Look around fallen trees, thick brushy cover, over grown fence rows and creek banks where a bird may have gone to hide. While searching these areas move slowly and use your eyes a lot. Hopefully you will find a bird that has expired. But if you spot the bird and he is still alive get into position and look for the safe and humane follow up shot.
Should your turkey remain on the ground and run off after the shot, be patient Give the bird time to settle down and then go try to recover him. Turkeys normally won’t run far if they’re hit often only 30 to 50 yards. Look for the bird that remains on the ground in the same hiding spots as mentioned above.
If all else fails contact someone who owns a good bird dog. They will usually be able to find your lost gobbler.
Good Luck!