The best vest-less system for turkey hunting (imo)

[WoodDuck]

This is the best part about using a hunting pack for a turkey system. Easy pack outs!

 

[Crawl79]

Bino harness, with a couple calls and a gun. Jump out the truck and get after it.

 

[Kurts86]

I’ve been pretty happy with the new Sitka turkey tool belt as a fairly minimalist turkey setup. It works for both ultralight mobile and as a good call organizer for blind based hunts. It’s by far the best pack Sitka has ever put together and it’s a more unique product than their turkey vest which is “better” but not great.

 

[ArmyAg97]

This is the best part about using a hunting pack for a turkey system. Easy pack outs!View attachment 702314

What bag is that on your SG frame?

 

[WoodDuck]

What bag is that on your SG frame?

It’s a Seek Outside frame with a Merlin talon. Has been a versatile system with a Goshawk 4800. Lots of straps though.

 

[Shadow14]

Turkey season is only two months away thankfully!

What systems are yall planning on running this year?

 

[justinspicher]

This thread has some pretty legit setups, I have enjoyed reading through them. I don’t do much differently from anything else I hunt, except I hunt turkeys with a rifle when I can. Way easier.

 

[Macintosh]

Whats the reason folks dont like vests? Been using a Mother turkey vest for 20-ish years, have never felt any urge to do different. The retractable sit pad is nice bc its often wet and cold where I hunt, so it makes my ass cozierThats important. . Then pulls out of the way when walking.
Aside from that, i just bring a couple ahells, a couple calls, and a locator call. Sometimes a collapsible decoy. The game bag on the vest is unobtrusive when mostly empty, and easily carries a decoy and/or a turkey, plus I can toss a hat or an extra layer in there. Ive tried a small pack and dont like it as much. My vest is smaller and less obtrusive than a small pack, but gives me the option to carry a turkey or decoy hands-free.

 

[dtrkyman]

I went to a Sitka vest last season, initially was not sure about the layout but it turned out to be fine, the built in tote for carrying birds is nice!

Though I am considering carrying small game bags and butchering the birds in the field on long hikes?

 

[BPT0586]

I hate vests, even though I used one pretty much from the early 2000s to about 2015 0r so. My setup is the Ol Tom vestless shirt. The one with the little call pockets on each side. Holds a couple pot calls, a locator on each side on lanyards and I use a leather mouth call case with any where from 3 to 6 calls in it depending on the year and my tastes. I have an excellent Halloran box call, but I don't carry it often. Sometimes I wear uninsulated mossy oak bibs and use the chest pocket to haul a 3rd pot call but not often. I really hate carrying too much gear, and the last 7 or 8 years since I ditched my vests I've killed as many and oftentimes more gobblers than back when I hauled a mini sporting goods store around the woods. Less gear=better especially when you realize its more about learning patience and woodsmanship than anything else.

 

[Cosmono]

Mossy Oak Super Elite II. I bought one this spring and was really pleased with it.

 

[Long Cut]

Fannypack and wear the seat as a backpack.

 

[FLS]

20 year old Mossy Oak daypack I bought at BPS. I carry 1 slate call, 1 box call, and one diaphragm, extra striker, pair of binos , 1 bottle of water and some snacks. Few extra shells. That’s it. Somebody said you kill more birds with your ass. I agree 100%.

 

[flathead#2]

Going to try my AGC Bino pack this year as I generally carry just a glass pot/striker.
Still have room for a water bottle, protein bar, TP, headlamp, etc...
Just need to find me a butt cushion that I can hook to my belt.

 

[dtrkyman]

FHF chest rig has some nice options, some new ones from the turkey world out as well, grounded has a nice one but there are quite a few out now!

 

[pirogue]

No vest. No one in my house eats turkey legs. I just pack out the breasts, beard, and spurs. Put in pack.

 

[dtrkyman]

No vest. No one in my house eats turkey legs. I just pack out the breasts, beard, and spurs. Put in pack.

Legs, thighs and wings make some damn fine soup, turkey salad and tacos to name a few. Pressure cook for an hour and the meat falls off the bones!

And leaves a hell of a broth or stock.

Well worth it to pack em out as well!

 

[Hersh]

Glenda Green satchel and an Alps turkey chair. Chair gets a bit heavy to pack a long ways but is worth it when u sit for a long time.

 

[Davyalabama]

Good question OP, everyone on this thread can get some ideas of a new system or tweaking theirs.

Me, I carry a lot of calls, I've never been a run and gun type, I'm a sit and wait his behind out type. I've hunted turkeys over 50+ years, been through a lot, tried a lot of different things, killed a whole bunch (never tried a grand slam - I'm just an old turkey hunter that enjoys who he is) - I don't show off, everyone doesn't have to know what I do, just my wife, I don't even let hunting buddies know all the turkeys I kill, I just kill turkeys, period.

Setup, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DO122XK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_66

Gootium Canvas Messenger Bag - Vintage Crossbody Shoulder Bag Military Satchel​

Use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PSTTSWP?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1 13.7 long x 5.9 wine gift bags, perfect for protecting box calls from rubbing.

I got the idea for the satchel and wine bags from Glenda Green, just didn't want to pay that steep of price. I basically made my own. Yeah, I guess I'm just a Chinese wanna-be, lol.

I also use this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9PX2CDD?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1

Swivel Portable Chair with an old ghillie poncho thrown over it - I hate black for turkey hunting. I don't use the bag to carry it, I have an old worn camo rifle sling, hook it and throw it over a shoulder go. The shoulder bag clips to the chair. That chair I've listed is so easy to set up, it's worth the price and weight for me.​

It's a little big, but man, it's worth it's weight, my old back, legs and butt ain't what they once were for sitting for hours. Now before you knock me, go back to my second paragraph, I'm the wait him out type. I may be on one turkey from before daylight until 11-12 when I kill him. If I know he's an old bird, I may get in an area about 2:30 and be sitting right there until he comes to roost at 7:30 or later come late April.

Carrying mouth calls, I have the same coin purse my aunt gave me back in late 70's, back then it was gold colored, in the 80's I taped it with some camo tape, it's been the same since.

 

[sveltri]

The sitka fanny pack is my current favorite, if I'm wearing that the Kifaru 14'r is my go to for all day hunts. With the fanny pack i just throw extra stuff in the decoy bag, if I get a bird the deke gets deflated and the bird rides with the deke.