DN: The best broadhead for any situation is a sharp one. For me, a wide head such as a Magnus One with bleeders, or a Simmons Interceptor is preferable. Ultimately, turkeys are a hardy animal, and shot placement is key. NV: Aside from bow length, what are the disadvantages of hunting turkeys with a traditional bow? DN: The added movement prior to the shot for me is the biggest disadvantage a stickbow has. The lack of let-off is a close second. Most modern compounds have 85% let-off, so if your bow is set at 70# your really only holding 11#, allowing the archer to hold for much longer and limit movement. NV: Are there any advantages to using a stickbow?
NV: I understand you actually fletch your arrows with some of the birds you have killed. Do natural turkey feathers work as well as storebought feathers? DN: I am always bugging guys and gals I know during turkey season to save their wings. You‘d be amazed at how many just toss them out. There is something special about natural-barred, wild turkey feathers on the back of an arrow. Mojo aside, they are more durable and water resistant than store-bought feathers from farmraised birds, as well. NV: Point taken. When I eventually do hit the woods in search of birds, I’ll be sure to have a few arrows fletched with the genuine article for luck. Thank you for your time Dustin! I learned a lot and am certain others will as well. DN: No problem Nick. It was fun! BowAmerica
DN: I think so. You can acquire your target, and release an arrow in a fraction of the time it takes to find a correct pin in a peep sight, settle it on the target, and release. This is where the advantages of a pop-up blind really come into play. NV: Explain calls. What works the best for a traditional bowhunter from your experience? DN: I prefer friction-style calls until I get the birds in close, then I switch to a diaphragm type mouth call so my hands are freed up to draw my bow. There are 1,000s of different styles, brands, and combinations of turkey calls on the market today, but I‘m a minimalist and like to stick with the basic trio of box, slate, and diaphragm. I also carry a locator call when exploring a new area, and figure out where the birds are roosting.
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With Dustin‘s encouragement, I was hoping to apply for my first tag during the 2012 season, but things didn‘t fall into place. I‘ve got the bow. I‘ve got the arrows. I‘ve got the calls, but I‘m lacking land and knowledge. Turkey hunting is going to require a commitment. I am willing to make that commitment, but will not do so until I feel I am prepared, which means making connections, doing the research, and finding a place to hunt. Fortunately, the hunting community is full of people like Dustin who are willing to help. For those of you who are interested in fletching with natural turkey feathers, stay tuned! I‘ll be dedicating an article to that in an upcoming issue. BA