Spring turkey season has arrived, but that doesn’t always mean mild, comfortable mornings in the woods. Early-season hunts often bring frosty mornings, biting winds, and unpredictable temperature swings. In 2012, I set out on a hunt with my late friend, who sadly passed away unexpectedly a few years ago. Despite the bitter cold and strong winds, I met him at his house that morning before heading to his farm. We settled along a fence row well before daylight and waited for the first gobble. As expected, the cold and wind kept the turkeys silent on the roost. However, as the morning light gradually illuminated the spring woods, I spotted two gobblers roosting in the same tree. We watched them shift back and forth on the limb for the next thirty minutes without making a sound. Sometimes, turkey hunting comes down to luck, and luck was on our side that morning. When the two toms finally flew down, they landed in the open fence row within forty-five seconds. We managed to take one of the birds, and I was grateful for a clean shot, allowing us to walk back to his house with a turkey draped over my shoulder.
Choosing the proper clothing can be the deciding factor in whether you will wait it out until a gobbler finally struts into range or retreat to the truck, cold and discouraged. That’s where ScentLok gear proves invaluable, keeping you warm and offering durability and scent control that can make or break a turkey hunt. So, before packing away your deer hunting clothes, consider their value for those frigid, blustery mornings when staying in bed feels easier.
Stay Warm on Chilly Spring Mornings
Spring weather can be deceptive. While the afternoons may warm up, mornings can still feel like winter. Cold temperatures can be especially brutal if you’re sitting still, waiting for a gobbler to come within range or, as I have done in the past few years, hunting steep river bottom country that typically stays a few degrees cooler early in the mornings. ScentLok’s cold-weather gear is designed to provide warmth without adding bulk when deer hunting and using a treestand. However, these same features also allow you to stay comfortable and mobile while navigating the turkey woods.
Layering is essential for spring hunts, and ScentLok’s versatile apparel makes it simple. A moisture-wicking base layer helps regulate body temperature, while an insulated mid-layer provides warmth. A windproof and water-resistant outer shell keeps the chill at bay when the early morning winds pick up. Many turkey hunters wear some type of turkey vest, which can be used to carry all decoys, calls, and other gear. Additionally, a vest can help transport the outer layer of clothing when temperatures rise throughout the day. The ability to shed layers as the day warms up ensures you remain comfortable from sunrise to sunset.
Durability for the Demands of Spring Hunting
Turkey hunting can be tough on clothing. Whether crawling through the brush to set up on a distant gobbler, sitting against damp tree trunks, or trekking through thorn-covered fields, you need gear that can endure the wear and tear. Many turkey hunters wear lightweight hunting clothes, believing it will be cooler on warm spring days, only to be disappointed when their gear gets ripped, torn, or ruined from traversing brush or crawling through wet grass and dirt to reach a gobbling bird. ScentLok’s durable outerwear is designed to withstand rugged conditions, making it an excellent choice for turkey season. It protects you from scrapes, snags, and the elements without damaging your gear, remaining flexible and comfortable for long sits and quick movements.
Scent Control: A Hidden Advantage in the Turkey Woods
One of the biggest failures in the hunting industry occurred many years ago when a popular deer scent company decided to market a turkey scent. Many hunters know that turkeys do not rely on their sense of smell for survival, and they soon discovered that a turkey scent did not work. While turkeys primarily rely on their incredible eyesight to detect danger, one overlooked factor that can ruin a hunt is spooking deer in the area. If a group of deer picks up your scent and bolts through the woods, their sudden movement and alarming snorts can send a cautious gobbler running in the opposite direction.
This is where ScentLok’s Carbon Alloy® technology comes into play. It is designed to trap and neutralize human odor, significantly reducing your scent signature and helping to prevent deer from winding you and alerting every turkey in the area. Although turkeys may not rely on their noses, other animals in the woods do, and their reactions can directly impact your hunt.
Be Prepared for Any Conditions
Adaptability is often essential for success. Whether facing freezing temperatures, unpredictable weather, or wary game animals, having the right gear can make a significant difference. Keeping your ScentLok apparel accessible ensures you stay warm, protected, and concealed, giving you the best chance of filling your turkey tag this season. Don’t let cold weather cut the hunt short or spooked deer ruin the setup. Gear up with ScentLok and stay prepared for whatever challenges the turkey woods present this season.
