How to Bowhunt Turkeys from a Ground Blind

Bowhunting turkeys is a fine art. And bowhunting them from a ground blind is, too. It isn't easy. But nothing worth doing ever is. That's why we've got a step-by-step list of the things you should do in order to be successful.

1. Locate turkeys. Decide where the most likely encounter will be. If you're simply ambushing them, set up on the best-known travel routes between roost sites and quality food sources. If calling and decoying birds, you also have the option of focusing on strut zones, open areas and other likely spots.

2. Put the blind where you have a good vantage point, but close to where birds have been seen traveling.

3. Some people pop up blinds in the open, going as far as to put them in the middle of an open field. That works. Turkeys are different than deer. They don't react to blinds the same way. However, if you're not convinced, or you just want to feel more concealed, brushing in a blind on the edge of cover works, too.

4. Leave the back and side windows closed. Give your best guess as to which direction you believe the birds will come from. Then look at where you have the best shot opportunity. Make sure the blind is positioned to cover those areas (as good as possible) with one window. That's the only window that should remain open.

5. Make sure the other windows can be easily taken down in case a bird spooks or hangs up. Remove all Velcro from the side windows. If they won't stay up without Velcro, use large paper clips (the kind with springs) to keep the windows up. These can be quietly removed. But remember, if you have to change positions and open a different window, close the front one first so the blind isn't flooded with light.

6. Sound-proof everything. Rake all leaves, grass and debris out from the inside of the blind. I prefer bare dirt unless it's raining. Then I leave the grass and/or some wet leaves to keep everything from getting too muddy.

7. Ensure the blind is fastened down securely. If the blind is on uneven ground, the slightest touch against the inside walls will make the blind rock back and forth. That'll send a turkey packing in a hurry. Whether you're on flat ground or not, secure the blind down with stakes.

8. Place decoys no more than 10 to 15 yards from the ground blind. Doing so will bring birds in close. And if they hang up, hopefully they'll still be in range for a shot.

9. Draw your bow back inside the blind before the hunt starts. Make sure your chair is in the right position to shoot. Depending on whether you're a righty or lefty, and which direction you anticipate the turkeys will come from, should dictate which side of the blind your chair should be on.

10. Always remember to look at your broadhead before loosing an arrow on a turkey. It's a common mistake to clip the edge of the blind window. Always make sure your raised up high enough to clear the bottom of it.

Read: 5 Reasons You're Missing Turkeys with a Bow

Watch: How-to Video Tips for Bowhunting Turkeys with Kirsten Godfrey

Click here for more bowhunting articles, galleries and videos.

Follow us on Facebook.