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There is a huge variety of hunting equipment available these days, due to the growing popularity of turkey hunting and ever-increasing numbers of turkey hunters. Turkey hunting was a much simpler activity in the past.

The hunter, dressed in his usual garb and hat, places his favorite slate call, box call, wing bone or scratch box into his jacket on the way out of the house. He picks up his double-barreled shotgun and a few shells in his pocket before walking out the door.

This is him, the turkey hunter ' all ready to do battle with a wary old gobbler. But what other equipment will he have with him?

Having lots of choices and options is a very good thing when it comes to hunting equipment. Today's modern turkey hunter has more choices than he ever had. But sometime, it becomes overwhelming to a beginner. Before going to hunting, you have to decide first what you are going to use to haul all of your equipment. This will also help determine the type and amount of gear you carry with you into the woods.

Turkey Vest, Back pack, and fanny pack are the three basic choices for packing turkey hunting gear.

These vests come in many different styles including the full vest or jacket style. Some prefer vests because of the many separate pockets and the game bag on the back that lets you carry decoys easily plus the gobbler if you are successful that day.

Backpacks allow you to carry much more gear than the vests. They also can be removed and even used as backrest if necessary.

The least expensive option are the fanny packs. They are popular to many hunters since you can carry some gear but you are not weighed down as much as with a backpack or vest. They also provide quick access to everything inside.

Many hunters will carry along a laser range finder and this is perfect, especially for those hunting with a bow.

Do you need to carry that lots of calls with you? No, absolutely not, but if you want to, there are now vests available that allow you to carry them and much more.

Here are some basic needs and optional gears you might consider:

' Basic needs include shot gun, shotgun shells, full camo outfit including cap, and favorite calls. Turkey tag pencil or pen to sign tag. Gloves, head net or face mask. Bug spray for mosquitoes and ticks. Water and drinks, compass, toilet paper and knife are some of the few things that are usually brought.

' Optional gears include decoys, turkey tote, extra set of gloves and facemask, extra strikers for slate calls, and other local calls like owl, gobble tube, hawk, goose, coyote, peacock and woodpecker. Leather type multi-purpose tools, flashlight, matches, cellphone, walkie talkie, 2-way radio, GPS, topo map and aerial photos for hunting area. Rain gear, binoculars, camera, camcorder, tripod, laser range finder, ratcheting pruners, folding saw, ground blind or square piece of camo cloth, Snacks/food, moistened hand wipes, seat or pad and snake bite kit.

Having all these gears will certainly not guarantee that you would become the best turkey hunter in the world, but they can help boost your chances of having a turkey dinner when you go home for the day.