Spring Gobblers and Early Mornings: Turkey Hunting in Middle Tennessee
There’s just something about spring in Middle Tennessee.
The mornings are cool, the dogwoods start popping, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear that first gobble roll through the hollers right as daylight breaks. For me, turkey season isn’t just another hunt, it’s a tradition. It’s early alarms, thermoses of coffee, and slipping into the woods while most of the world is still asleep.
Every season teaches you something new, but one thing never changes: preparation matters.
My Go-To Shotgun: Beretta A400
When that longbeard finally commits, you don’t want to be second-guessing your equipment. That’s why I’ve come to rely on the Beretta A400.
It shoulders naturally, shoots smooth, and handles recoil better than anything else I’ve carried into the woods. Whether I’m tucked against a big oak or kneeling behind a blowdown, the A400 feels balanced and dependable. Middle Tennessee birds don’t always give you much time, so having a shotgun that cycles flawlessly and points true gives real peace of mind.
Talking Their Language: Slate Calls, Mouth Calls & Power Call Pro Packs
If you’ve hunted turkeys here long enough, you know these birds can be downright stubborn.
That’s why I never head out without a mix of calls.
My slate call is usually the first thing I reach for. There’s just something about the soft yelps and subtle purrs you can pull from slate, especially when birds are hung up or easing along a ridge.
I keep mouth calls ready too, mainly for those moments when a gobbler sneaks in quietly. Being able to cluck or purr without moving your hands has saved more hunts than I can count.
And when I’m trying to cover different tones or adapt to changing moods, I lean on Power Call Pro Packs. Having multiple call styles gives me options, and options matter when a bird won’t play by the script.
Disappearing in the Woods with Sitka Camo
Turkeys see everything.
One bad move, one shine of fabric, and it’s over.
That’s why I trust Sitka camo. It blends perfectly into Middle Tennessee hardwoods, breaks up your outline, and stays comfortable during those long sits. Whether I’m sweating on a warm afternoon hunt or freezing on a cold opener, Sitka keeps me focused on the bird — not my gear.
Capturing the Moment: Sony A7III
Over the years, I’ve started filming more of my hunts not just for content, but for memories.
The Sony A7III has been a game changer. The low-light performance at sunrise is unreal, and the autofocus tracks birds even when they’re weaving through brush, a big help when there is little time to manually focus. From the first gobble to the final strut, it captures every detail in beautiful 4K.
Some of my favorite moments aren’t even the shot, they’re the quiet yelps, the leaves crunching, or that heart-pounding silence when a gobbler finally steps into view.
What Turkey Hunting Means to Me
Turkey hunting in Middle Tennessee isn’t about limits or trophies.
It’s about mornings in the woods. It’s about learning birds. It’s about calling one in that everyone said couldn’t be killed. And it’s about sharing those moments with friends, family, and anyone who loves the outdoors as much as we do.
With the right setup, a Beretta A400, trusted calls, Sitka camo, and a Sony A7III, you’re not just hunting turkeys. You’re building stories that last long after the season ends.
And honestly… that’s what keeps me coming back every spring.