Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

How do y'all sit when your planning on being set up for a while? I have a hard time being comfortable in one position too long. When I slide down to keep my gun on my knee, my tailbone goes numb. If it sit with my legs straight out, I'm not as ready.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A lot of the time i take a nap... with a gun beside me ...

A turkey chair, you can sit as long as needed.

i was looking at those chairs, they where too big and heavy to be carried anywhere, so i passed on them,, but they did look very nice to sit in..

I got one of those turkey lounges.  Darn good investment IMHO.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk

Turkey lounger chair made a world of a difference for me. I can sit still for much longer periods of time and stay drier and warmer. Great for a nap as well. Well worth the extra weight to carry around.

Turkey chair, PERIOD.  Being patient plus being comfortable equals SUCCESS IMO!

On vest cushion, big tree background, legs up, gun resting across legs using sling to prevent it from sliding. You have to be ready for a quick encounter for sure. If I am working a gobbling bird, gun is on knee ready to just put my cheek on the comb.......this works for me......

No right way. If I'm going into an area to set up, I like the chair. Otherwise it's a small pad like comes with a vest. Sometimes I'm more comfortable leaving it behind my back...Truthfully IMO, you are going to move some to restablish blood flow and comfort. For me: I hate wide open woods. Mississippi gobblers oftentimes advance on your position (silently much of the time) and periscope you . If they're out of range when they do, and he doesn't see the object of his desire, he pushes the Ol Fade button. All this to say, choose your set where you most likely can move some especially into shooting position before this happens. If you could stay at 100% alert and ready comfortably I assure you, he would come in from the other way, LOL

Here's a pic of how my vest sits when deployed. When I'm up against the tree I'm slouching so to speak. My butt does not sit squarely on the ground. It's held off the ground by the straps connected to the side of the seat pad. The padding is actually not needed while sitting like this and the straps on the pad actually support the upper portion of my hamstrings.

My tail bone rests on the ground. My lower back rests on the small pack that has my rain pants and later in the day maybe my jacket or a hoody stuffed in if it gets too warm. If it's warm to begin with the rain jacket and pants start out in the pack. The middle and upper back rests against the tree.

By sitting like this the pressure point that is usually just on the butt cheeks gets spread across the backside of my body from the back of my upper legs up through the back of my body to a point between my shoulder blades.

When I sit like this the gun rests on my shoulder and knee pretty much parallel the the ground almost at eye level.

Pretty comfy, actually almost to much so as I find myself falling asleep instead of fidgeting trying to release the pressure on my numb but cheeks.

Here's a pic of me sitting with the vest on. The pad between my shoulder blades is actually a zip out game pouch. Most of the weight is spread evenly along my lower back, tailbone and upper butt cheeks with more weight seemingly taken up by the pack on my lower back. I'll have to correct myself a little as a small portion of the seat padding cushions my upper butt cheeks and tailbone.

My gun is either laying lengthwise along my leg on ground or across my lap. I have never had the need to sit with my gun in the ready position. I only do that when I see or here one coming. I could imagine the discomfort sitting like that for an extended period of time. One of those turkey chair would help

Quote from: worth612000 on May 21, 2023, 04:45:06 PM
My gun is either laying lengthwise along my leg on ground or across my lap. I have never had the need to sit with my gun in the ready position. I only do that when I see or here one coming. I could imagine the discomfort sitting like that for an extended period of time. One of those turkey chair would help

I couldn't sit like I am in the pic above without having the vest set up as it is. There must be some article of clothing in the pack to add support to the lower/middle portion of back. I'm guessing it's like sitting in the turkey lounger some here talk about. Every pressure point has padding and the pressure is spread out instead of concentrated in one area.

My arms aren't always up like in the pic. The gun rests on my knee and against/on my shoulder on top of the front pocket that has strykers, a pruning shears, and a can of bug spray in it adding support for the stock to rest on. The gun in usually rolled on its side. All I have to do is slide my hands into position and roll the gun and it's ready to fire.

I can sit like that with the way the vest supports me for a long time. I usually have to get up and move because I'm too sleepy and not focusing or I roll over and actually nap because I can't sleep in a sitting position.

If a gobbler comes in from the off hand position its no problem too roll to my right enabling me to cover my right flank without much movement. Same can be said for a bird approaching from behind except I'll roll to my left to allowing me to cover my rear posistion. If I feel in have time I'll spin my position on the tree. If I don't I'll roll to my side. If he's there before I can roll I'll give him a nod and let him walk.

Like I said the pack needs clothing in it. If not, I'm suffering from a numb butt because sitting like in the pic won't work.

I don't knock the way someone hunts. I know movement is your #1 enemy, but I know myself I couldn't  keep my knees raised for long, I have back problems. There's  no right or wrong way and members throw out some of their experiences and others may or may not use any of it. I get butt hurt too sitting at a tree and have to shift my body often

Hate to carry the lounger but hate not having it worse.  I deal with it for the comfort factor.

The straps on the side of seat take the weight of my legs and transfers it to the waist band of the vest acting as a lumbar support for my lower back. There is no holding my knees/legs up as the vest does it for me in just need to make sure the straps are adjusted properly. To tight and it's hard to get the seat to flip into the sitting position, too loose and they don't support your legs. I actually keep the seat in the sitting position as I'm walking through the woods. It stays tucked close my body and I hardly know it's there.

There was actually quit a bit of thought that went into the designing of this vest. In Didn't realize it at the time of purchase. I bought it because I was looking to upgrade my old Old Tom vest because I kept losing stuff out of the pockets because I'd forget to zip them and I was trying to stay away from the bulkiness of the full body type vest.

Took my a while to realize that the pack was not just a fanny pack. With the way it hangs only attached at top and with clothing inside could be properly positioned in the gap between the ground, the tree, and my back giving me the proper support for that area. It's moveable and can be placed exactly where needed for support and still be attached to the vest.

After realizing this I started messing with the seat and the straps and found with the right tension on the straps and most of the seat raised off the ground it cradled my lower body kinda like a cross between a chair and a hammock.

I'm not one to tell another man how to hunt either but feel you'd be doing this vest a disservice because you think it looks uncomfortable without actually trying it.

I got stuck on the bare ground, awkward lean on a tree with hens and a gobbler around me for an hour 2 years ago.  I was literally sore for a week - back, thighs, knees.  I was 58 at the time. 

This year, got stuck for an hour with 2 hens and 2 gobblers in visual range off and on and was sitting a Millenium chair and was not sore in the least.  I have to have my arse up off the ground or my legs go numb.  I was not flexible when I played football at 16 and 17 and it ain't got any better.

I do not keep the gun up, but I keep it shouldered and across my legs. Unless the bird is close.

I do not keep the gun up, but I keep it shouldered and across my legs. Unless the bird is close.

Here is some advice, USE a chair and get comfortable for a more enjoyable hunting experience.  When sitting in a chair, set with your knees up and lay the stock of your gun sideways on the top of your shooting shoulder and the barrel on the off knee.  You will be hands free to use both hands for calling and your gun will ALWAYS be at the READY with very minimal movement.

I'm definitely getting a chair before next season. I'm glad y'all reminded me of those.

I used them a couple of time last year (my first season) during a weekend in AL. I actually killed my first turkey from one.

I just didn't what the extra weight, because I have to so much walking. But this weekend in KS involved doing a lot of "deer hunting" a flock of turkeys that didn't want to play. I think I was too restless most of the time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If I know I'm going to sit for hours...it's the turkey lounger, hands down. Worth the weight regardless of how far I have to carry it. There's been some great posts of many other options you can look into. But for me, I still have the original turkey lounger from cabelas. It broke this spring, still workable but I'm going to look at other chairs this off-season.

If I think I'm going to run and gun. It's the cushion on my vest and I'll make it work. I've made it work a ton. But the older I get the more I like my chair.

So what chairs do y'all recommend? Excuse my ignorance, but I figure they're like camping chairs, and all about the same, and that I'd go with whatever Academy is selling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Depends a lot on your weight and height.

The lounger style are great.  They take a minute to deploy and you have to sit and rise carefully if you are a big guy.  I broke a bunch over the years and got tired of buying a new one every few years.  I went with the MILLENNIUM OUTDOORS FIELD PRO TURKEY SEAT.  It is cumbersome at times, but slung over and behind it is not that bad.  I have hunted it for 2 years and think I will need to work to break it.  I am happy with it, but it is not for everyone.  I got it on a mega sale (like $40) and decided to try it.  Still have a lounger style, but I find myself grabbing the millennium. 

Alps, Browning are quality turkey chairs.  Many will be on sale this time of year to clear out inventory.  Check your local Walmart for the Mossy Oak chair clearance as well.  Normally $30 or less.

Quote from: 3bailey3 on May 20, 2023, 03:53:51 PM
A turkey chair, you can sit as long as needed.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

Lone Star Eastern, I have one I made like 25 years ago. It has legs of tube alum.... cannot break or bend...3" wide web seat and web back that folds over for carrying....legs like 4" front and 3" back...that way your legs up a little and not perfect level. Weighs like 4 lbs so real light. I carry it with a strap that snaps together around my upper chest hanging to my right side. Both hands free when walking and when I want to sit just unsnap....it drops down ready to sit. Need to market it because I know it would sell but never have. Only chair that I could sit in all day and never get tired or butt/legs hurting. By being all welded there is no noise. Sit with gun in lap. range finder hanging around neck, mouth call so no hand movement when working a bird. Can shoot off either shoulder if need be.

I just came back from my local Walmart and ALL of their Turkey stuff is marked down.  The Mossy Oak chairs were $25 and they had their Flextone decoys marked down as well as all the calls.

I've eventually ended up using a chair.  I have to be comfortable to enjoy a hunt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If I think I'll be sitting for some time I bring this little folding stool. It's about 7 or 8" off the ground which makes a huge difference in comfort and circulation to legs and back while I sit still. It's made a big difference in my comfort level and doesn't weigh too much. When I use it, I leave my vest cushion up on my back and that provides a nice comfortable backer against the tree bark.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

Most of my kills in the last 6 or 7 years have found me with the gun across my lap sitting in a lounger when the bird comes in silent, if he gobbles of course the gun will be up on my knee but usually they're coming in silent and there's always been an opportunity to get the gun up and get a shot, I know it will cost me one day but being comphy is so important in keeping still.

Quote from: Paulmyr on May 21, 2023, 03:07:17 PM
Here's a pic of me sitting with the vest on. The pad between my shoulder blades is actually a zip out game pouch. Most of the weight is spread evenly along my lower back, tailbone and upper butt cheeks with more weight seemingly taken up by the pack on my lower back. I'll have to correct myself a little as a small portion of the seat padding cushions my upper butt cheeks and tailbone.

I'll have to give this a try!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lafuma low chair, under 2lbs and has a carry strap, I use it a lot where there are no large trees and can just hide in brush or if I know I may hang out a while.

I didn't read every single reply but if I am planning on hunting a strut zone, or maybe a field edge that might require decoys and some time in the same spot, I am not sure that you can beat a chair, personal opinion. Some guys I have talked to seem to love Mrs. Glenda Greens seat she makes. Might want to check it out. It is an inflatable innertube covered in Bottomland camo. You can add air or take away, whichever one you want.

I do try and downsize and not carry a lot of Shtuff. Chairs are definitely great especially for my old rump. I use a wedge seat now in addition to my seat vest cushion. It has a shoulder strap, light and Ez to carry. This is not it but same shape.

https://thermaseat.com/product/self-support-series-s2-hunting/

I use a turkey chair but also carry shooting sticks.   I prop my gun up on them and tuck the stock into my jacket.   I point my gun slightly towards the expected direction of the turkey's route(which is always wrong).   But the adjustment to move the gun to them is less than picking it up from the ground. 

 LOL. I would say second day I carried one of those chairs I would leave It hanging in a tree for the next guy to take home with him. I have spent money to lighten up the best I can. I am guessing lots of guys ain't covering much ground.

Alps 4 vest seat early season, chest rig with no seat late season.

Quote from: WV Flopper on June 02, 2023, 10:13:48 PM

Alps 4 vest seat early season, chest rig with no seat late season.

This tells me I'm substantially older than you.  No cushion or seat?  No way! :toothy12:

Turkey chairs are nice but it's hard to turn in one.  I tried a Glenda Green inner tube cushion this year and really like it.

Quote from: Tail Feathers on June 02, 2023, 10:51:20 PM

Quote from: WV Flopper on June 02, 2023, 10:13:48 PM

Alps 4 vest seat early season, chest rig with no seat late season.

This tells me I'm substantially older than you.  No cushion or seat?  No way! :toothy12:

I'm in my 20's and there's no way I'm not going without a seat at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those chairs are nice IF you are not a big person and you have the knees to get out of them. I would have to roll over and flop to my sides to get out of them if I even fit in one. I really want to try one of Glenda's inner tubes. I tried sitting on the ground the second to last day and in all honesty it went better than I thought other than my toe on my left foot causing problems, I could not even sit a few minutes because of that. My worry other than the toe is weight on my tailbone, that is a total killer for me, since my car accident I do not got to picnics or Fourth of July events anymore if I have to sit on a picnic table, they are so incredibly painful.

 I may be younger than you, maybe a lot younger but I am 50.

I guided a guy for a few seasons that had one arm, he was older as well, so he couldn't do well without a tripod for his gun, had him sit in a regular chair and brushed in his tripod making a blind out of it basically.

Would be tough early season without maybe a 3d camo material for the tripod, but with some foliage or cedars around it worked great, he had a better view being up higher as well and often spotted birds I did not see coming.

Run n gun is me, my vest and gun. Set up with the wife for fly down or in the rain is in the blind in comfy chairs. We use decoys in this set up. Z

Turkey chair is a must.  Then I have 1 of these. I wish knight still made theirs.  I got a bog chair this last season.   Its mediocre at best.  Wont ever order from them again. Customer service still hasn't emailed me back.  I can setup in a bush or pile of debri and don't need the back support since I've got a chair. After initial setup though if I begin moving on a bird I usually leave everything at original setup for speed and stealth unless I know I gotta go a long distance. With that gun rest I can get comfortable and steady while working a bird and using a call.  (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230604/a9530ec4e5f3dc5786c09cdcace58710.jpg)

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I have a 4oz klyma air cushion I added ontop the vest seat. The air cushion really takes all the pressure points you get with compressed foam seat pads. For the last three years I've been meaning to design my own Frankin seat with the help of a sowing friend but time always gets away from me

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk