I searched the web & came across a couple of ideas, but figured you all were the authorities on the best way to carry a bird in from a long off spot in the woods. I've got a daughter that I'll be hunting with, and if we both get a bird, she'll have to carry hers in by herself. Figured I'd be smart to get some sort of shoulder contraption for her in advance.
And while I'm asking, she intends to mount her Turkey if she bags one, and our taxi made it clear to be gentle with the turkey and try to carry it by the legs. So, to make it even harder, is some sort of contraption that fits that bill as well?! Tough I know, but she's all into this & I said I'd ask you all!
I came across this, but hadn't seen any reviews on it from hunters yet...
The video shows 3 of there items, I was thinking the 2nd item, the Turkey sling, would fit our needs the best...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWrsRJo_7as (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWrsRJo_7as)
i just sling mine over the shoulder and carry it that way, but i'm only 25 and in pretty good shape. i don't know what type of terrain you'd be hunting, but a sort of pull behind sled she could throw the bird in and then hook it to her waist or torso and drag it behind her might be the ticket. maybe a wheelbarrow? haha.
I'm thinking something more compact to fit in our vest OR pack. Although, that is something I'm looking at for deer, a wheeled thingy, as we had to drag our deer together out from 3 miles in the steep hills and woods last year. She drug about 200 yards of that! Luckily I actually had a drag system & it helped to make the trip easier, but I still about croaked in the last 1/4 mile!
I usually carry my birds in the orange bags that Hunter's Specialities sells. I think they only cost like $10 and I'm always hunting public ground so it's nice to be visible to other hunters.
That is a good option.
I came across this as well. A bit pricey at $29, but most likely supports the bird better & the weight is distributed between the waist & shoulders, and has the orange as well.
http://www.turkeyslingr.com/?view=featured (http://www.turkeyslingr.com/?view=featured)
Quote from: Rio Fan on March 18, 2013, 02:44:28 PM
I usually carry my birds in the orange bags that Hunter's Specialities sells. I think they only cost like $10 and I'm always hunting public ground so it's nice to be visible to other hunters.
What The Turkey Sling'r looks like in action! Thought the photos was worth a grin!
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/hidkevin/26003_4050208981509_792709438_n_zps2a39e12b.jpg)
I've been carrying them with a tote like this for about as long as i can remember.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/P3310050.jpg)
I'm thinking about getting something like what you have there for myself & getting something more like the Turkey Slingr for my daughter. We'll actually be hunting with bows, both of us most likely, and I'll have my full size pop blind that I'll have on my back & we'll both be carrying bows, so this isn't an easy fit! Holding out for some more suggestions in the mean time!Quote from: guesswho on March 18, 2013, 03:22:14 PM
I've been carrying them with a tote like this for about as long as i can remember.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/P3310050.jpg)
Quote from: guesswho on March 18, 2013, 03:22:14 PM
I've been carrying them with a tote like this for about as long as i can remember.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/P3310050.jpg)
Is that a decoy?
Quote from: Spring_Woods on March 18, 2013, 03:31:09 PM
Is that a decoy?
Yes, almost as effective as my Badonka-deke line. Turkeys see you carrying around what appers to be a dead turkey and they lose all fear of you, knowing you have already filled your tag for the day. They just walk right out in front of you. I call it the Doppelganger-deke.
Quote from: guesswho on March 18, 2013, 03:41:07 PM
Quote from: Spring_Woods on March 18, 2013, 03:31:09 PM
Is that a decoy?
Yes, almost as effective as my Badonka-deke line. Turkeys see you carrying around what appers to be a dead turkey and they lose all fear of you, knowing you have already filled your tag for the day. They just walk right out in front of you. I call it the Doppelganger-deke.
Makes perfect sense! I could see a turkey buying it. :D
Like the turkey slings seen above I have used just an old shotgun or rifle sling , put it in my pack and two or three strong zip ties (long enough to do the job) to attach to the head area and legs.
Best to use a sling you don't want to put on a gun again...the swivels (if metal) rust pretty bad from Turkey blood!
I use a mesh laundry bag, pick them up cheap and toss it in your vest. Throw your bird in and cinch it up tight. The shoulder strap makes carrying it out a breeze!
My vest has a zippered Game Bag in the back that keeps the bird comfy during that long walk back to the truck.
Game bag on my vest.
I use a turkey tote handle. It is basically a loop of rope tie thru a wooden handle, loop the rope around the birds feet sling over your shoulder and carry by the wooden handle.
I make two styles of turkey totes, i have new pictures of these on my facebook page.
These are custom made so i can do any color.
www.facebook.com/DenneyTurkeyCalls
Over my shoulder with my chest puffed out! :funnyturkey:
I use this primos sling. easy on the shoulder for a long carry, you can keep the tail fan looking nice, and the bag keeps blood off the back of my pants so I can get in the truck without having to clean up first. Big fan of it.
http://www.amazon.com/Primos-Turkey-Strap-Sling-Bag/dp/B002L9AMLK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
x2 on the Primos Sling, check out Wings Supply they had them for $3.95 + shipping. Here's the link: http://www.wingsupply.com/closeout-closet/closeout-hunting-accessories/primos-turkey-strap/
Also, saw this: http://nepoutdoors.com/products-page/accessories/turkey-casket-bag
Strap vest.
The Avid Turkey Tool with an orange newspaper bag rubber banded over the head to prevent blood on the back of pants and for safety :icon_thumright:
Quote from: mnbirdbuster on March 19, 2013, 12:01:48 PM
The Avid Turkey Tool with an orange newspaper bag rubber banded over the head to prevent blood on the back of pants and for safety :icon_thumright:
Ditto with the newspaper bag and rubber band. Also use a braided paracord carry tote around the legs / feet, easier on the hands when you are climbing up a mountain ridge.
Guesswhos is the best way to carry em. If you are planning on mounting it then carry a panty, paper towel and rubber band. Slide the panty hose over it to keep the feathers protected and stuff the paper towel down its throat and around its head to keep the blood off the feathers. That primos sling does look like it would work.
These are supposed to work pretty nice.
http://themeateater.com/gear/turkey-sling/
i'm not going to mount them ,so I tie a piece of cloths line around their neck ,take a couple wraps around my hand and drag 'em out :newmascot:...........don't have to do this often though :-\
I have a gerber tote, the one with the ruler on it. I also have a blaze orange "bag" its more like a ladies stocking, i found it on ebay fairly cheap. It rolls up and both fit nicely into my vest.
Sent from my ZTE-Z990G using Tapatalk 2
The paper towel in the throat is a great idea. Added it to our list! thanks.
Quote from: turkey_slayer on March 19, 2013, 01:55:26 PM
Guesswhos is the best way to carry em. If you are planning on mounting it then carry a panty, paper towel and rubber band. Slide the panty hose over it to keep the feathers protected and stuff the paper towel down its throat and around its head to keep the blood off the feathers. That primos sling does look like it would work.
Why would you carry a turkey in?
I prefer to carry one out whenever possible.
If you are going to mount the bird then you are going to want to take care of the feathers and head. Wrap the head in paper towels and put the bird in a pair of panty hose going head first. This will keep the feathers nice and slicked back. Just carry it out like you normally would after that but I wouldn't use a strap around its neck. I'm sure you could be a nice dad and place it in the back of your vest and hike back to the truck.
I have been known to grab both legs with my right hand and sling over my shoulder. I stop when I get to the truck.
Is this a serious question?
I just do it simple an old military laundry bag inside a large backpack that doubles as a seat while hunting I can have all my calls packed away during travel plus my blind hooked on
SGT. Carter
Quote from: guesswho on March 18, 2013, 03:22:14 PM
I've been carrying them with a tote like this for about as long as i can remember.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/P3310050.jpg)
I use something similar but not as fancy. I took some nylon cord, measured it to how long I wanted, doubled it over and cut it. Then I tied the end together making a big circle. I take one end and loop it around the head and loop the other around the feet. Easy, cheap and can fit in my pocket if needed.
Carried my last one in sandwich bags..gallon size..two of them. Rolled the head and cape up and put in big trash bag, then stuffed in my turkey vest.
I'm a grab-the-feet-and-throw-it-over-the-shoulder guy myself. It is a tradition that I started back in the 1970's and I plan on doing it that way until I can't anymore. There is just something about the great feeling of balancing a gobblers breast on my shoulder with its wings falling down on both sides and the head bumping against my back that is just satisfying to me. I won't do it any other way no matter how much easier it might be.
As for a carrying method for a to-be-mounted bird, the key is just to not break, crush, or otherwise damage the feathers on the bird. Most of the real damage comes at the point the bird is shot,, is flopping around, and/or the hunter runs up and grabs it by the neck. Do not do that, or carry the bird by the neck. Just take care with the bird and understand that every feather that is broken, crushed, or pulled out during transportation to the taxidermist just makes it that much harder for the guy doing the work on the mount.
Well, thanks to guesswho, whom contacted me & offered me a Custom Turkey sling, I had a sling for myself. Thanks again Ronnie.
I also went ahead and bought my kids a nice Strut Zone Turkey Vest & a Super Elite Hybrid Vest, as after thinking about all the posts & seeing one of these vests in person, it seemed smart to kill 2 birds with one stone & get a carrying system for the bird & a way to carry all your other goodies in and out as well.
So, there you have it!
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/hidkevin/mo4366ob__30311136070261612801280_zpsfa6c7c43.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/hidkevin/mo4441__64559132898003312801280_zpsb17b581c.jpg)
AND, Ronnies sling for me!
Quote from: guesswho on March 18, 2013, 03:22:14 PM
I've been carrying them with a tote like this for about as long as i can remember.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/P3310050.jpg)
primos makes a pretty good one
I always throw mine into my vests game bag.
Longest haul was a 21 lb gobbler (my first longbeard) just a hair under a mile back to where I parked. I walked out with a guy from Arkansas who was visiting for the week to turkey hunt - we both killed a bird that morning. He had come in after me and set up a blind and decoys and killed one and then I killed one. But I just carried the bird over my shoulder, did have to switch sides now and then. I am 20 and in shape but real skinny especially in the upper body, so I can get a bit worn out holding one over my shoulder for a while.
However the worst was a hike of just over half a mile to the truck, but I had a buddy help me. i killed 4 birds in a row during the fall season and while they were smaller birds (hens and jakes) it's difficult to carry 4 over your shoulder without any strap. so I carried em across one field and set them in the shade, and when my buddy showed up he had a strap for 2 of the birds and I carried the other 2. Would have been a task doing it by myself. Probably would have found some rope at the truck and gone back to rope them out myself.
I picked up the Primos turkey sling from Wingsupply. Has a orange bag to cover head and stop blood from getting on your clothes and a loop for legs. Carry it same as that fellow standing in the rain. It was less than 5 bucks and I also picked up a Pretty Boy Jr for 20 bucks. Only turkey purchases this year and both seem great.
Orange bag from hunters specialties works great. Safe, comfortable and convenient
This is what i use, just a simple peice of leather with leather laced slip knots. fits nicely in my vest and carrys the turkey quite well,
Preacher
Quote from: 30_06 on March 18, 2013, 10:20:02 PM
I use a turkey tote handle. It is basically a loop of rope tie thru a wooden handle, loop the rope around the birds feet sling over your shoulder and carry by the wooden handle.
This^^
I used a wooden rod about 4 inches long. Drilled a hole in the middle of, tied a small rope into a ring with the knot big enough to not pull through. Wrap rope around turkey legs, push wood rod through middle of loop, sling turkey over shoulder. The wooden handle makes it easier to hang on to him. Takes up very little room in the vest.
I like to take a small plastic bag (bread sack is perfect) and a zip tie to bag it's head so i don't get blood everywhere and then I do it the old fashion way. I grab it by the legs, throw it over my shoulder and start walking.
Since you are packing your blind, stools, and couple of bows. I would seriously check out some yard sales/pawn shops and pick up a golf bag carrier. The one with 2 wheels and a handle. I am sure you could rig it up to hold all your belongings and strap a turkey to it.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 22, 2013, 06:11:01 PM
I'm a grab-the-feet-and-throw-it-over-the-shoulder guy myself. It is a tradition that I started back in the 1970's and I plan on doing it that way until I can't anymore. There is just something about the great feeling of balancing a gobblers breast on my shoulder with its wings falling down on both sides and the head bumping against my back that is just satisfying to me. I won't do it any other way no matter how much easier it might be.
As for a carrying method for a to-be-mounted bird, the key is just to not break, crush, or otherwise damage the feathers on the bird. Most of the real damage comes at the point the bird is shot,, is flopping around, and/or the hunter runs up and grabs it by the neck. Do not do that, or carry the bird by the neck. Just take care with the bird and understand that every feather that is broken, crushed, or pulled out during transportation to the taxidermist just makes it that much harder for the guy doing the work on the mount.
+1 A turkey is too fine a thing to go hanging crap off it. Take your time walking out with a bird in hand, savoring the moment.
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 22, 2013, 06:11:01 PM
I'm a grab-the-feet-and-throw-it-over-the-shoulder guy myself. It is a tradition that I started back in the 1970's and I plan on doing it that way until I can't anymore. There is just something about the great feeling of balancing a gobblers breast on my shoulder with its wings falling down on both sides and the head bumping against my back that is just satisfying to me. I won't do it any other way no matter how much easier it might be.
Didn't start in the 70's (maybe the late 80's/early 90's) but was taught to carry it out like this by my grandfather. I usually place a walmart bag over the head so my pants are not covered in blood & the sound of that bag hitting my leg lets me know that my hard work has paid off.....
With a great big smile on my face that I can't wipe off! :TooFunny:
I take a big ziploc take the breast out get the beard for my collection and head towards the truck. This is only when im a long ways back if its a close walk less than a mile i put him in my game bag on back of my vest.
Quote from: Rio Fan on March 18, 2013, 02:44:28 PM
I usually carry my birds in the orange bags that Hunter's Specialities sells. I think they only cost like $10 and I'm always hunting public ground so it's nice to be visible to other hunters.
That's the way I do it. :icon_thumright:
After packing out turkeys throwed over my shoulder, and in my vest storage, The primos turkey tote is by far the most confortable method I have found yet.
It has a bloodproof bag that slips over the head/neck area and the other nuise end ties to the leg/feet area and is nicely padded on the shoulder strap, plus it's in florescent safety orange color. Give this a try I think you will be very surprised on how easy long walks can be with your prized bird.
Here is the one I use. Looks kind of complicated at first, but does a fantastic job of distributing the weight. Price is a little more than some others, but you're only going to buy one in a lifetime (unless your buddy steals it).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg0kGIkA8Bc
Turkey Sling'r
I bought a sling from the meateater website...The brand is "Real avid". It's on a link called Pro Guide Direct. I think that may be one of the best investments in ease of getting a turkey out of the woods that I've ever made. It's durable and comfortable (distributes weight very well) and it's orange so you have some visibility...Easy to use...I can recommend it without reservation!
The last gobbler I killed was very easy to get out of the woods. I had my 14 year old son carry the bird for me! :TooFunny: Sorry I could not resist. On a serious note though, you fellas who carry your birds out over the shoulder in the traditional manner should display a bit of hunter orange just to be on the safe side. ;)
Quoteuse a mesh laundry bag, pick them up cheap and toss it in your vest. Throw your bird in and cinch it up tight. The shoulder strap makes carrying it out a breeze!
That's an easy fix to an age old problem. Thanks
I usually carry it over my shoulder. I have used a Tom Koffman pack frame to carry one out couple time, worked okay. going in all you need is medium orange tarp in cargo pocket and 550 cord.
I put them in a garbage bag and then put them in my game bag on my turkey vest. The garbage bag keeps the blood out of my vest.
Bring a camera, ziplock bag and a good knife and clean one of them in the woods. If its legal of coarse.
I'm pretty much over pics myself as most turkey pics look the same.
So clean yours and you carry hers back for some extra pics.
I made a shoulder sling out of paracord.
I like the blood slinging over the back of my pants and vest. I have never considered making a "device" to carry out a 20 lb animal. It's not like you are toting out a boar hog.
I just switch shoulders every 75 yards.
My dad has always grabbed them by the neck and gets blood all over him. I always carry them by the feet and get blood all over me. I have had a few totes, but they often end up being another thing to carry around.
I just fold them up, and put them in the game pouch in my vest.
My son shot his on youth weekend, and we stuffed him in the vest. About halfway out he says, "I didn't realize how heavy these birds were!"
I just laughed. There is nothing like toting one out, and feeling that heavy weight on your back.
I won't trade that feeling for anything! :icon_thumright:
Mine go in my game bag. I have a tactical tat'r where the bags attaches separately. Nice feature.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
with a big grin on my face
I don't!! I sit by the truck and call them in from long distances. Boom!! Pick them up and put them in the truck. Man, you are green!! :emoticon-animal-005:
He-He-He. Best of luck friend.
One year while hunting with a buddy i was fortunate enough to kill a double. He shot first and missed and i followed. up taking two of the three with two shots. we were pumped up big time then he said your gonna have fun packin both of those birds back to the truck!! What!! I said your not gonna pack one? He said nope! You got a game vest to put one in and you can throw the other over your shoulder.lol But he did carry my Five lb gun for me!!even though it was a mile walk or better i was still pumped up enough to carry em a lot farther!! Fast forward a week or so. I called in three for him and he took two. We hi fived and took pics then i said you know what? He laughed and said let me guess these two birds are gonna get awful heavy before i get back to the truck!!lol I started laughing and said nah I'm gonna do ya one better than you did me! And carried one out for him. He was a little shocked i think. Anyway id just throw one in my vest and carry the one to be mounted over my shoulder with a turkey carrier or tote. i made one out of a piece of deer antler and a leather string..very comfortable to use and very compact in your vest. never know its there!!
Quote from: trkehunr93 on July 18, 2013, 06:46:34 PM
I just switch shoulders every 75 yards.
Same here....however if it's a good one, I'll switch shoulders more like every 40yds :toothy12:
I have used the gun slings that have loops that fit over the barrel and stock. Just put his feet through the loops then put the strap over your shoulder. Works great.
With my hand,tom slung over my back...
Quote from: trkehunr93 on July 18, 2013, 06:46:34 PM
I just switch shoulders every 75 yards.
more like 50!!!!! :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Id be carrying out two birds one slung over each shoulder while my daughter carried two UNLOADED guns... those here who cover the bird and don't want to get blood on your vest or clothes? really this is hunting? I have some of the nicest hunting clothes money can buy and a vest to match with a carrying pouch. my vest will have blood stains until I retire it and not inside a pouch. ill wash my clothes. Not trying to sound like a *** here but it is part of the sport and saying your daughter will carry her bird? really? I hope she is not young because that's a great way to deter a child. it amazes me how many people here have bought something to carry your bird. no wonder primos stays in business. most birds will be short of the 20lb mark and no offense but if you cant carry that (aside from older folks and people who are not able) maybe you should consider another pastime?
Quote from: ksgoosekillr on February 14, 2014, 02:37:15 PM
it amazes me how many people here have bought something to carry your bird. no wonder primos stays in business. most birds will be short of the 20lb mark and no offense but if you cant carry that (aside from older folks and people who are not able) maybe you should consider another pastime?
Really?
Some folks spend money on something to help carry their bird out. Others spend it on something like a decoy or blind to help get a bird in range. Whatever, it's their money.
No offense but if you cant get a bird in killing range without a decoy or blind maybe you should consider another past time. Again, whatever, it's not my money.
Quote from: guesswho on February 14, 2014, 04:23:29 PM
Quote from: ksgoosekillr on February 14, 2014, 02:37:15 PM
it amazes me how many people here have bought something to carry your bird. no wonder primos stays in business. most birds will be short of the 20lb mark and no offense but if you cant carry that (aside from older folks and people who are not able) maybe you should consider another pastime?
Really?
Some folks spend money on something to help carry their bird out. Others spend it on something like a decoy or blind to help get a bird in range. Whatever, it's their money.
No offense but if you cant get a bird in killing range without a decoy or blind maybe you should consider another past time. Again, whatever, it's not my money.
you are one of those "who cares what people do with their money" types
im more of the "if someone asks for the publics opinion on an open forum about what to do with their money im gonna reply... if they don't like to hear what people think don't ask in public"
im glad you gave me your opinion though but I rarely use a decoy and never use a blind, but if you cant carry a bird how can you get your blind and decoy in? I think they make carrying straps and bags for all those too :funnyturkey:
Quote from: ksgoosekillr on February 14, 2014, 04:44:47 PM
you are one of those "who cares what people do with their money" types
If you come to that conclusion by reading my comments you need to work on your comprehension skills, or I need to work on my presentation skills.
Your "
it amazes me how many people here have bought something to carry your bird. no wonder primos stays in business. most birds will be short of the 20lb mark and no offense but if you cant carry that (aside from older folks and people who are not able) maybe you should consider another pastime?" comment struck me wrong, and I'm curious to see if others will take it the same way. I am more than capable of carrying a 20 lb. bird without the aid of a tote or game bag, as are most of our members. I just choose to use a light weight tote.
Telling people they should consider another past time is arrogant and uncalled for. My reply to your comment was to show just how asinine it really looks and sounds. You not seeing that may have something to do with your comprehension skills, my presentation skills, or arrogance. Either way you arrived at I'm a "who cares what people do with their money" type! Which is hilarious to the folks who know me. When what I was going for, was that your comment was a little on the arrogant side.
Ksgoose I assure you misread guesswho. He's been a long standing member on a few forums for a while and never stirs the pot. I've never met or even exchanged pm's with him but he's one of the good guys. You need to try one of his decoys before the states outlaw them as there like using the real deal.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/bugymu4y.jpg)
:TooFunny:
There's a long waiting list but I'd hook a brother up.
I have a vest I bought years ago that has numerous pockets all over the front and a big open netting in the back. It's impossible to load load a bird in yourself but it's nice on long hauls. As far as taxidermy usually as long as you lay the bird in in the natural direction of the feathers and carefully bring the fan in to the down position it will be fine. Good luck!
vest
I carry mine out of the woods on a ATV.
I throw em over my shoulder and get to walking. Blood on my pants is something I look forward to...
I started taking my nephew turkey hunting to solve this vary problem. He is young and gung ho.
Quote from: ctwny1 on February 16, 2014, 09:56:05 AM
I carry mine out of the woods on a ATV.
That's what I do when I don't have a "youth" along. Then he tugs it along, I carry his gun. :camohat:
Quote from: guesswho on February 15, 2014, 08:37:59 AM
:TooFunny:
There's a long waiting list but I'd hook a brother up.
Ronnie,
I can hook a brother up with one of these totes if he needs one. They are hunter grade and meant to be used.
I use a tote too and carry them over my shoulder. It's only rough if I have to carry two and it's a long walk. I'll stop to rest on those trips. Don't know about the rest of these fellas here but I almost always whistle on the carry out. Can be the most satisfying part of the hunt some days, especially on a tom that's taken more than normal effort to get.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/hattT05/P4140010_zpsecbfb70b.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/hattT05/P4150063_zps611c494c.jpg)
In back of my vest I often have long walks out
I made one using a shed deer antler for the handle and paracord to loop onto the legs.
I didn't read this one yet, if your having the bird mounted, wrap him up good in a trash bag in the back of the truck. Especially his tail fan. That 70 mph ride home will do a number on his feathers and tail fan. Better yet put him in the cab if you have room.
over the shoulder most of the time...I did use my game pouch on my vest one day when having to walk up a steep holler.
I put the gobblers legs over my shoulder and put the spurs between my index finger and middle finger, start walking and then wonder what I have in the truck to put on my seat because the back of legs are covered in blood :z-guntootsmiley: