| 

Don’t Chase Gobblers Without These Essential Tools

Category: article

 Aug 23rd, 2022 by Keith Worrall 

Modified Aug 23rd, 2022 at 12:01 PM

Essential Tools for Turkey Hunting

Five Quality Choices for Both On and Off the Field

By Kristine Ostertag

Quality tools are essential for making your turkey hunting season a success. There are five tools you should never leave home without when heading out to the turkey fields. I have found these to be essential for my success in the field, and to make quick work of turkey processing after filling by tag.

Smith’s Folding Limb Saw

I have found a folding saw to be very useful when setting up my blind or creating a hiding spot on the ground. I do not set my blind up in the middle of a field; rather, I try to hide myself in field edges or along wood lines, as turkeys have exceptional eyesight. There are always branches that are in the way that need to be cut down in order to get the blind where you want it. Also, fresh-cut branches are also useful for crafting a ground blind. Without a good saw, these tasks can be challenging. I have used many different folding saws, but have found that Smith’s Folding Limb Saw is the best. It has very aggressive teeth and a longer blade than most folding saws, which makes cutting a breeze. It cuts anything from small to medium branches and limbs. It also comes with a tooth sharpener built into the handle, which is convenient when out in the field and your saw blade needs to be sharpened. Smith’s Folding Limb Saw has an MSRP of $21.99.

Smith’s EdgeSport Folding Knife

I always carry a knife with me, as you never know when you might need one – even if it’s for opening a pack of goose sticks for snacking. It never fails that when I don’t have a knife, I always with I had one. I use Smith’s EdgeSport Folding Knife for a wide range of field tasks, including basic bird processing. It makes skinning my bird and cutting off the beard and fan easy work. If I decide to clean my bird in the field, it is also durable and sharp enough to complete the whole process. It comes with a pocket clip and is easy to open and close. It also stays secured when open. I also like the bright color, making it easy to locate when I set it down somewhere. Smith’s Edgesport Folding Knife has an MSRP of $28.99.

Smith’s Pack-Pal Diamond Combination Sharpener

Always, always, always have a knife sharpener handy when you head out in the field or when you are processing your bird. Trying to clean your bird with a dull knife can be a nightmare. Smith’s Pack-Pal Diamond Combination Sharpener is fantastic for bringing along everywhere – in the field, back at the shop, and even out in the boat after I’ve filled my tag. It has both fine and coarse surfaces and can also sharpen pointed tools. My favorite feature is the sliding design, where you can slide the stones into the handle for safekeeping and easy packing. Smith’s Pack-Pal Diamond Combination Sharpener has an MSRP of $32.99.

Smith’s EdgeSport 6-Inch Boning Knife

If you want to make processing your bird a breeze, I highly recommend investing in a good boning knife. Boning knives are long, thin and flexible and designed to cut through tendon and ligaments while cutting meat from the bone with ease. The EdgeSport 6-Inch Boning Knife from Smith’s Consumer Products is very reliable. I have found it to be very sharp, easy to grip, and has made cutting the breast and leg meat off my turkey very easy. With its flexible design, I can follow the breast bone and cut around joints without leaving behind meat and making a mess of my cuts. It also comes with a quality protective sheath to keep your knife sharp while also making packing much safer. Smith’s EdgeSport 6-Inch Boning Knife has an MSRP of $28.99.

Smith’s EdgeSport Camp Cleaver Combo

I have always wrestled with the wings and legs of my turkey when using a regular knife. A cleaver is designed to cut through connective tissue and bone, and Smith’s EdgeSport Camp Cleaver Combo is a great choice. It has a 4-inch blade, so it can handle the bigger bones of a turkey while staying compact enough to pack along on every turkey hunting adventure. The Combo also includes a Cordura sheath to protect the blade, and a sharpener to ensure it’s always ready for the job. Smith’s EdgeSport Camp Cleaver Combo has an MSRP of $44.99.

Don’t forget to pack all the essentials when you are gearing up for next turkey season. You never want to be caught without the proper gear while in the field. These five tools are easy to pack and can make your time out in the field more successful and enjoyable.

About the Author

Kristine Ostertag grew up in rural Wisconsin and was raised on the water and in the woods. She is passionate about the outdoors and spends each and every spare moment chasing something with fins, fur, or feathers. Follow along with Kristine’s outdoor adventures on Instagram @sportswomankristine.