Hey y’all, it’s Lainie here! Turkey season is one of those things where you figure out real quick what works and what doesn’t. I’ve carried way too much, not enough, and everything in between over the years, and I’ve finally gotten my vest setup dialed depending on how I’m hunting. Because here’s the truth, every hunt is different.

Some mornings I’m covering ground trying to strike a bird, and other days I’m set up in one spot letting everything come to me. My vest changes depending on that. So here’s my real, field-tested breakdown of what I carry for both run & gun and sit-and-wait setups.

Run & Gun Turkey Vest Setup

When I’m running and gunning, I’m not trying to carry a bunch of extra stuff. I want to move fast, stay light, and be ready to set up at a moment’s notice.

What I Carry

Calls (Keep It Simple)

I don’t overcomplicate this.

• One box call
• One slate or pot call
• A couple diaphragm calls

That’s it. Calls like a box call are what I’m using to strike birds early and reach out over distance. Once I get one working, I’m switching to a slate or pot call to soften things up and bring him in. And my mouth calls are there for when things get close and I don’t want to move.

Ammo

I always keep a few extra shells on me.

Usually:

• 3 to 4 shells
• Somewhere I can grab them quick without digging

I’ve learned the hard way… you don’t want to be unprepared if something happens fast.

Lightweight Essentials

I keep this part super simple:

• Face mask
• Gloves
• Thermacell

That’s all I need. I won’t be bothered by mosquitoes and there’s nothing extra slowing me down.

Vest Setup

If I’m running and gunning, I’m using something lightweight that doesn’t feel bulky.

I want to be able to:

• Move easy
• Sit down quick
• Get up and relocate without thinking twice

What I Leave Behind

Most of the time, I’m not carrying:

• Decoys
• Extra gear
• Anything I don’t absolutely need

If it slows me down, it’s not coming with me. Sometimes I’ll bring just a fan to throw in my vest instead of a decoy and I’ve been pretty successful doing that too. Doesn’t work for everyone but it works for me!

Sit-and-Wait Turkey Vest Setup

Now this is a completely different mindset. If I know where birds are and I’m planning to sit on them, I’m bringing more gear and getting comfortable. Because if I’m uncomfortable, I’m moving… and if I’m moving, I’m getting busted.

What I Carry

Calls (More Options)

When I’m sitting, I like having options.

• Box call
• Slate or pot call
• Multiple diaphragm calls

I’ve got time to work a bird the right way, so I want different tones and sounds ready depending on how he’s reacting.

Decoy Setup

If I’m committing to a spot, I’m usually running decoys.

So I’ll have:

• Decoy stakes
• Backup pieces if something breaks

When a bird hangs up, a good decoy setup can be the difference.

Ammo

I carry a few more shells here since I’m not moving as much.

Usually:

• 4 to 6 shells

No reason not to when I’ve got the room. Most of the time you need something when you don’t have it so I save myself the trouble and bring them along in the event they're ever needed whether it’s for myself, a friend, or a client.

Comfort Setup (This Is Huge)

This is the biggest difference for me. At the end of the day, I’m just a girl and your girl needs to snack. Comfort is key for long sits so I’ll make sure to have:

• Built-in seat or cushion
• Water
• Thermacell
• Small protein snacks

If I’m sitting for a while, I want to be comfortable enough to stay still no matter what. Being hangry is not an option!

Extra Essentials

Same basics as always:

• Face mask
• Gloves
• Phone (on silent… always)

Run & Gun vs Sit Setup (My Take)

Run & Gun

• Light
• Fast
• Minimal
• Always ready to move

Sit and Wait

• Comfortable
• More gear
• More patience
• More control

Honestly, I use both depending on the situation. Some mornings just feel like one or the other.

What I’ve Learned

The biggest thing I’ve learned over time is this…your vest setup shouldn’t be the same every hunt. Birds change. Pressure changes. Weather changes. And if your setup doesn’t match that, you’re already behind.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not about carrying more, it’s about carrying what actually matters. Everything in your vest should have a purpose. It should be easy to get to. And it should help you stay ready when things happen fast. If you’re trying to get your setup dialed before the season, swing by Springhill Outfitters or Check Us Out Online. We’ve got everything you need to build a setup that actually works in the field. Because when you hear the drumming of a gobbler… there’s no time to figure it out!