Traditional Bow Hunting Turkey - 2019 Turkey Season

This week Clay Hayes is bow hunting wild turkeys in the Idaho mountains with Matt Schuster, the current Presendent of the Professional Bowhunter's Society PBS.
Although turkey hunting is a challenge no matter what weapon or method you choose, hunting turkeys with a traditional bow and without a blind is borderline impossible. Join Clay and Matt as they try to call in and put an arrow into one of these keen eyed gobblers. Matt is hunting with his longbow and Clay with an osage selfbow recurve.
Right from the start the guys are into birds with a Jake and nice Tom coming in to the decoys. But when bowhunting, getting close is just the beginning. You still have to draw and shoot which, with wild turkeys, can be the most difficult challenge.
Killing a wild turkey with a longbow isn’t a difficult thing. You scout out a good location, set up a popup blind, set out a decoy or two, and wait. When the birds show up, you shoot one. Easy peasy! But like a lot of bow hunting, the hunt is what you make of it.
Turkey hunting is intoxicating, consuming, maddening. When I first started turkey hunting in Mississippi I was a little lukewarm to the whole affair. Afterall, it’s a big bird with a brain the size of a pea. How challenging could it possibly be?! But after a few frustrating hunts I began to understand how the wild turkey could attract such a devout following across the southern states.
That first turkey season was also my first spring in grad school at Mississippi State. With a lite course load and classes not starting until later in the morning I was free to hunt. And hunt I did. Forty of the forty five day season I was chasing those damn public land birds. The other 5 days were probably storming…
I would get up well before daybreak to try’n catch a gobbler still on the roost, get setup, listen to the woods awaken around me, listen to the birds fly down and, more times than not, head the other way with an entourage of hens. Then I’d formulate a sure fire plan for the next day only to be fooled again. But through sheer stubbornness I was able to finish that first season with 3 public land toms in the freezer. That was with a shotgun.
Fast forward a few years and I find myself living again in the middle of some great turkey hunting in north Idaho. But unlike the unbelievably paranoid Eastern subspecies of Mississippi, the western Merriam’s would let you get away with so much more. So I took to hunting them with my selfbow… and no blind.
The whole no blind thing is where the difficulty comes in. Finding birds is easy. Calling them in isn’t too terribly difficult either. But getting to full draw on an unsuspecting animal with zero curiosity and eyes like an eagle is damn near impossible. Damn near but not totally! That’s what I keep telling myself anyway. I’m beginning to question that.
With most of this spring spent in Florida I was only able to hunt turkeys for about a week this year. But even though we ended yet another season turkeyless, we had a great time. I was able to get one shot at a jake but shot just high as he was running from my moving shape tucked into the brush. Next year though. Next year it’s gonna happen.
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[@theguyinmaine]

I have found a new intense niche. Odds are horrible, the intensity, off the charts. Fall bow stalking a moving group of toms, 7 birds, 14 eyes. Using the dips in the field, the tree lines, hills, valleys, brooks to get close, get in front. Predicting their moves. Moving faster without being seen. I pray to god every year, please give me one more season.

[@Creekstain]

I was already jacked up for spring season and now I am extremely motivated to get it done. First time. The start of a tradition. Please put a bird in front of me mother earth. I will make it an ethical kill and I will use everything I can from it out of respect. What my wife and I don't eat, my dogs will ( trimmings ) and I'll use the feathers for arrow fletchings. One day I will make my own bow and hunt them with 100% self made materials. Red fox or yucca for the string. Osage for the bow. Cedar for the arrows. Fletched with the sacred prowess of a previous turkey. I want to do it 100% pure like the indigenous did.

[@waynepatton689]

Turkey hunting. The most frustrating and mind warping challenge in the woods. While possibly one of the most fun! I know this, I do not have near the patience and focus to chase them with any sort of archery gear! Nice job Clay. You are a great asset to the outdoor community for making these videos putting into words what most of us can’t define.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Wayne

[@brucewilder2308]

Thanks, Clay. My compound bow has been hanging in the garage and I've been shooting my recurve almost everyday day since the New Year. Nothing else like it. I joined the professional bowhunters society as a result of watching this video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Great to hear, they’re a good group of guys!

[@scottyoung6119]

It's a passion it's a addiction I can never get enough. I'm 57 and hope for another season after season after season. Keep up the great work.

[@smokyriverbushcraft]

Been watching turkey bow hunt videos and i am beyond excited that i stumbled across this. Everything Clay puts out is gold! 🥇

[@Black_Fox_OZ3]

Hello i like your hunting video. I am not a hunter, i do fishing. Hunting with bow & crossbow is illegal in Japan. I think hunting & fishing is same. Take life, eat, feel it is delicious & thanks to life & nature. I have a question. When you catch a turkey, can you make arrow feather from turkey, & how many arrow's feather can make from turkey you caught? I always thinking after fishing what i can do other than eating, because i want to thank & respect the life i caught. Sorry my English is not good. I like you bow video, hunting video & life style!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes, I use turkey feathers to make fletchings. There are about 40 good wing feathers on a turkey, some of them will yield two fletchings.

[@ToughWitty]

Jeez no bow hunting 😓😢😭

[@germ187]

I want to learn how to use a recurve. Something about it being so primal seems so cool and challenging.

[@TheSpeyfisher]

Outstanding Clay, I'm trying to explain that to grand daughter who is 12 years old. That you don't get them everytime but the beauty in the challenge is God given. Very nice video my friend!!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@nik57nik57]

Man I love how you present hunting to the world. Thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@blakeumthun8128]

I love the "Doing it on my terms. Eating it and butchering it." That's how we do it in my house. Now, if I could just figure out my damn recurve.

[@bogenstark_kai8461]

So much wisdom in this video! Not only about hunting, or archery but life in general!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@austinwinkles3146]

Man I love your videos! You have made my shooting improve so much in the little time since I switched from compound to a recurve and you truly embody the principles of why I wanted to make the switch. Awesome watching someone else enjoy these idaho mountains as much as me!

[@billmckechnie7491]

Great vid. Matt echoes so many of the same sentiments that I feel and attempt to share with others. Clay I feel the same way about Turkey's, love hate relationship. Glad to see you back in the Gem state.👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Bill

[@Rotscrek]

I gotta say, i discovered your channel not long ago and have been binge watching your content since. You have great content and clearly love your craft and hunting, you're down to earth and avoid the flashy excesses. You got a new fan, and i'm getting ready to begin my bowbuilding journey. Ty again for these videos and your channel

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 🙏

[@Flyfisher79]

I’m determined to chase gobblers next month in Utah with my recurve. It’s like you said, I wanna do it on my terms 🏹

[@jeffray3143]

About time a real hunter does it right.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

"I love turkey hunting, but MAN, I HATE turkeys" about sums it up.

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

You'be inspired me so much through my bow hunting journey. Been at it for about 7 years now and it's been great!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Awesome!

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

@@clayhayeshunter I would love to see you do a sinew harvesting and processing video, maybe even tanning a hide and using the bones and other parts of the animal. Also, do you think you'd be able to eventually make a longbow with horn tips? If you haven't already that is. I find your process and skills to be quite incredible!

[@clayhayeshunter]

@@the.reel.mccoy. I did a video showing how to remove sinew lasf fall. It was really about processing an elk backstrap but I show the sinew stuff there as well. Also there's one about hot to flish a deer hide. I haven't done the tanning video yet but fleshing is the first step. ch

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

@@clayhayeshunter Sweet, thanks Clay, I'll check them out for sure!

[@annehighley-smith5472]

CLAY! when are we going to see some more traditional bow, run n gun, turkey hunting?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Maybe this spring!

[@LordSquee]

Clay you have just the best attitude toward hunting, about how good it feels to succeed and about how it's not the end of the world (even if you wanna wring something's neck!) when you don't. Look forward to what you show us next hunt, mate.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@bf1610]

Who would dislike one of Clay's videos? Crazy person!!! Great content and can't wait to see more!

[@clayhayeshunter]

😆 there’s always one!

[@hillbillyheadcam1729]

I seriously think its an accident lol and they dont realize they accidentally hit the dislike button

[@hillbillyheadcam1729]

Or its peta people lol

[@nickfairchild2118]

Another great video!! I killed a tom in Georgia out of a blind with a recurve a couple years ago I was as sneaky as I could be and he still seen me I shot him as he was moving away like you tried on those jakes but I tucked it right behind his wing he ran 60 yards and died!! I have always wanted to try it without a blind and this video pushed me over the edge I will be trying it this spring!! I can't wait

[@clayhayeshunter]

Turkeys are tough!

[@jimfrattaroli9]

Great stuff Clay, really gets me fired up to chase those long beards!

[@matthewcooksey5411]

Its the closest you can be to the true nature of things. I wasnt raised a hunter but gravitated towards traditional hunting due to the current sotuation. Its tough starting @ 30 when I could've spent a lifetime doing it but I know its the right thing to do.

[@johndaileytraditionalarcher]

Awesome video Clay. Hunting turkey with a traditional bow and no blind is fun. I've been trying to hunt turkey that way since I started shooting a traditional now. Had some good memories with no bird harvested but enjoying the chase. Last year I got in at 22 yards on a turkey on one occasion and a another trying to stalk a bird and only to stale mate at 30 yards. I wouldn't hunt turkey no other way. I've set my mind to hunt turkey with no blind and a traditional now and I hunt only a traditional now for other game. Good luck in turkey season and thanks for sharing

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks John, it’s definitely the toughest way to hunt them!

[@johndaileytraditionalarcher]

You're welcome

[@jonpatterson7211]

Clay, your videography continues to amaze me, never mind the content. The whole package is awesome. Did I catch a glimpse of Flip Pallent? How the hell did you get him off the water?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Haha, Flip wouldn’t rather be walk the woods with a longbow than polling a skiff😉

[@matthewcooksey5411]

Its the closest you can be to the true nature of things. I wasnt raised a hunter but gravitated towards traditional hunting due to the current situation. Its tough starting @ 30 when I could've spent a lifetime doing it but I know its the right thing to do.

[@hillbillyheadcam1729]

Me too brother! Just started at 36 years old. Better late than never. Excellent idea to become proficient with trad bows because in times of crisis you can feed your family without worrying about all the maintenance of a compound bow. Happy hunting! Put your trust in Jesus during these rocky times!

[@donttreadonme1367]

Clay, I’m following your story. I’m on my third year with my recurve, no blind, public turkey quest. Not there yet.

[@clayhayeshunter]

It’s a tough one!

[@theintenseoutdoors6999]

I love traditional hunting

[@davidpate2237]

I like your videos a lot they are very very informative

[@davidketchell5900]

Appreciate the philosophical backstory. Well done.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks David

[@brettconway4789]

I agree with what he's saying 100% and this is why I bow hunt.

[@donniewillis2926]

Great job as always!!

[@cornholio8098]

you guys realy make me want to go bow hunting, ure doing it exacly the way i would like to approach it just for my own table only a couple of times a year. sadly i got to wait till its possible to do in germany.

[@kentonward97]

Even after watching this 3 times I can still feel your frustration, close so close but they just don’t get there

[@sihunter2920]

I try in arizona this year with my bow no blind,decoy and I can say it was hardest hunt but the best hunt!!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

They'll make you crazy!

[@mikegray7326]

I know the struggle, I hunted all season with my bow without a blind. If I had a shotgun I could have killed a handful, and regretted not using one at times of frustration. I also had an awesome season with beautiful bird activity within ten yards or less! If I had a shotgun I would have been done the first morning and would have never made the memories that I did this season. 👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Exactly!

[@davidpate2237]

What draw weight would you just for somebody beginning in turkey hunting

[@biglumpy12]

Another fine video. Thanks Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Shawn

[@adrianbusinesstime2797]

Amazing video. Loved the voice over about the Ethos of bow hunting. Shame this one didn't show up on my feed on Wednesday when i was expecting it. Gonna have to sign up so you tube dosn't bury these videos.

[@clayhayeshunter]

The bell icon will turn on notifications.

[@johnmachner6450]

Love your videos I have been shooting a recurve for the he past 15years and live it I was querious what poundage do you shoot for elk

[@clayhayeshunter]

Usually somewhere better 55-60

[@rangerlee3286]

You should try spot and stalk hunting sand hill cranes in Alaska now there's a challenge I wish I knew when to give up.

[@the.reel.mccoy.]

First viewer? How cool! Great stuff yet again Clay!!!

[@robertschweppie5256]

YOU ARE SO CORRECT I LIKE YOUR HUNTING IDEAS, REALLY I DO.I'M IN SOUTH AFRICA

[@Hitman25100]

As usual a well presented video, a pleasure to watch.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Dave

[@rj_geary]

Great video. Topped it off with some wise words as well. Well done

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@garyv3588]

I really do make a conscious effort to try to support American made products and to my surprise the majority of these wooden bows being sold on Landcaster Archery or Amazon are all bows made in Asia. The only true reputable American brand I know is made by Fred bear and generally a wooden Recurve bow from them starts around $400 price point. Makes me wonder if there’s a genuine craftsmanship and quality difference from the cheap Amazon $200 Asian bows to something like a Fred bear recurve bow ? This is all stuff I need to do research on. What’s your thoughts on the subject is there a difference in quality and craftsmanship ??

[@markhill8276]

i know i make the mistake at times to use profanity but we need to stop dropping F-bombs. Clay you have a huge following and young kids watching your every move and these things (even though being real) we must go above and beyond to show a better way.

[@lonewolf8820]

Hi Clay, at what distances do you shoot your trad bow?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I shoot at all kinds of distance. I prefer shots at animals to be somewhere between 10-20 yards.

[@fishhateme14]

Great video, Clay.

[@kepaloha]

I'm with you that you can use a gun at 100yrds, but with a bow at least than 20yrds with a bow, and fill your fridge and eat it.. Forget the picture crap, there is something primal and getting in touch with your past. Now if you can do it with an AtAtle, that has got to be even a better personal feeling. Love your attitude.

[@RedmanOutdoors366]

Better luck next time on that Turkey 🦃

[@larryreese6146]

Sure agree with that guys philosophy. Theres sure a difference between the guy who picks up a gun, kills his game at a distance, and takes it to the butcher shop and the guy who limits himself. You want to be a woodsman, pick up a stick bow. You'll learn and experience so much more. Nothing harder than killing a sharp eyed Turkey. They're pure turds. I lovem. I hatem. Never even tried with a stick bow because the hand is seldom quicker than the eye as far as they're concerned. Clay, saw you off some aluminum shafts with practice heads on them to set up your decoys with. Here in northeastern Oklahoma we've got nothing but rocks to drive stakes into. Aluminum shafts sawn off the right length gp into and come out of the ground pretty easy and you can stick them far enough in that they dont blow over so easy.

[@jamesk8730]

Wow, your hair grew back fast!

[@clayhayeshunter]

🤣 overnight!

[@mthompson]

What's the song at the end? Nevermind 12:27

[@clayhayeshunter]

He’s got some good stuff!

[@paleodynamics6333]

Another great video, could you do a video on heat treating bow belly’s

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ve covered that and much more at Patreon.com/clayhayes

[@gregwonders1004]

Who sings that song in this video

[@kristophersmallsr.9395]

No No Clay , No fletchings for you !

[@wyattbrandt3598]

Is that will harrison singing?

[@clayhayeshunter]

It is

[@nickericson6070]

Hey man would love to take a turkey like you do in this video any tips for a new Colorado hunter?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Just stick with it!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Just stick with it!

[@miked2329]

I missed 3 of those buggers this year... lol

[@clayhayeshunter]

Doh!

[@ILhamKambaa]

Good spot

[@cadirgemont5900]

Kinda agree with the theory of obstacles but I personally think it's not a lack of obstacles but more the wrong obstacles. Humans weren't meant to do taxes, work for 90% of their life in a monotonous lifeless job... we came from hunting, surviving and being free to explore and the majority don't have the opertunity and governments prevents us.

[@brantmoose5551]

Awesome video...

[@clayhayeshunter]

thanks

[@brantmoose5551]

@@clayhayeshunter I'm so glad to see that you are still trucking at it on your archery videos. Ive watched them for along time. Archery is a passion of mine also. Primitive and traditional. A lot of the other channels I used to watch dont really put out videos anymore. It's kinda sad. Keep it up man. God bless.

[@GustavoCastillaEtherDreams]

where are you hunting for Elk?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Idaho

[@GustavoCastillaEtherDreams]

@@clayhayeshunter Meed to come to NM!

[@customhaines2510]

I would love to hunt hogs with Mr. Schuster. Or spend any time afield with either of you gentlemen, there's no gauging what I would learn.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Consider joining PBS.

[@DirtRoadGroceryStore]

The fact that you get good footage of the birds is a large part of what makes that so difficult. It won't make good video, but you up your chances if the bird has to come within 20 yards to look at you. And it'll save you having to tote those dolls around.

[@brettdwilliams662]

What type of broadheads are you using?

[@clayhayeshunter]

I don’t recall what I was using on this hunt but I usually use some old Pearson deadheads for turkey.

[@brettdwilliams662]

@@clayhayeshunter Thanks Clay, appreciate it. Love your channel!

[@rockyridge5006]

I love the state of mind .I'm the same way in life a challenge is always there for a reason and to attack that in life is what others are all missing or walking right by.stay true stay strong minded and always smile.100% wild is the way if life. Love to talk and chat.hit me up

[@josegodoy9160]

Ademas del señuelo poner comida granos de mais

[@lamontgray6015]

I want my first animal to be with a bow and it is a journey

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes it is!

[@jamesbrandongooch]

Is it really that difficult to kill a Turkey with a longbow where you live? We must have domestic “Wild” turkeys here lol

[@jarnodatema]

I’m Turkish and i’m offended

[@clayhayeshunter]

😂

[@closeproximity-J.K.B.]

Been there done that...still doing it...I self film so I’m not trying to go primitive or traditional yet...I submit myself to enough punishment as it is lol...southeastern turkeys don’t play they are a different breed especially on public land down here.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Agreed! I learned to hunt turkeys on public land in Mississippi.

[@closeproximity-J.K.B.]

Clay Hayes enjoyed this video. Nice story build.

[@n.c.108]

I Stopped Watching at 9 second mark☹️

[@clayhayeshunter]

Congrats 🎉

[@RyanWilliams-uy8os]

Terrible song at the end