Article by Guest Contributor: VENKU.com

When it comes to chasing Eastern turkeys in Missouri, few guides know the game better than Venku outfitter Kinser Madison of Wildman Outfitters. With years of experience hunting the hardwood ridges and rolling pastures of the Midwest, Kinser has fine-tuned his approach to calling in big toms and creating unforgettable hunting experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to add another longbeard to your record or a newcomer eager to tag your first bird, Kinser’s expertise ensures a hunt filled with excitement, strategy, and success.

A Guide’s Go-To Turkey Hunting Firearm

Every hunter has a favorite shotgun, and for Kinser, nothing beats the Winchester SXP Upland Field 12 gauge. Originally his go-to for upland game, this lightweight, versatile shotgun quickly proved itself in the turkey woods as well.

“I never realized how much I would like it for turkey hunting until I had no other choice,” Kinser recalls. “The day I had to bring it along for a turkey hunt, walk a little over a mile, and make a reactive decision to get my first bird down with it—it made all the difference!”

What makes the Winchester SXP Upland Field 12 Gauge stand out? Its reliability in all conditions. Kinser has taken this gun from the humid, rainy turkey seasons of Missouri to the frigid, wind-blown pheasant fields of South Dakota and Minnesota. No matter the conditions, it has never let him down.

“I’ve left it in the snow, exposed to freezing temps while capturing content or picking up birds, and I still have yet to have any trouble with this gun. I recommend cleaning and maintaining your firearm, but if you ever forget, this one won’t let you down,” he says.

Best Shotgun for Beginner Turkey Hunters

For those just getting started in turkey hunting, Kinser recommends his trusted standby: the Winchester SXP Upland Field 20 gauge.

“Whether you’re young or old, this gun is a perfect fit. It’s lightweight but still packs the punch you need for a turkey hunt,” he explains. The reduced recoil and easy handling make it ideal for hunters of all experience levels, especially those getting comfortable with turkey loads and calling birds in close.

Field-Tested Gear That Holds Up

When hunting Eastern turkeys in Missouri, adaptability is key. Spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable, with temperatures swinging from 35-degree mornings in April to 90-degree afternoons in early May. Kinser trusts Gamekeeper’s DTB Britches and Skinning Shed Quarter Zip to keep him comfortable in any condition.

“They’re lightweight, comfortable, quiet, and both rain- and wind-resistant,” he says. “Plus, the Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is perfect for disappearing into the hardwoods.”

Tips for a Successful Missouri Turkey Hunt

Kinser emphasizes that turkey hunting in Missouri is about the chase. “There is nothing more rewarding than tracking down an elusive gobbler and beating him on his turf,” he says.

Some key tips for success:

• Embrace the early mornings – Get set up before dawn and listen for that first gobble.
• Be ready to adjust – If a bird won’t cooperate, be willing to move and strategize.
• Pack for changing weather – Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons heat up fast.
• Bring a fishing rod – After tagging a tom, enjoy some of Missouri’s best bass fishing.

For hunters looking for an action-packed, traditional turkey hunt in some of the best gobbler country in the Midwest, Kinser Madison and Wildman Outfitters offer an experience like no other. Whether you’re chasing that heart-pounding close encounter or waiting for a longbeard to strut down a logging road at 20 yards, this is turkey hunting at its finest. Kinser also offers these last words of advice: “Be sure to dress for both cool mornings, warm afternoons, and fishing poles for epic bass fishing after tagging that longbeard on an unforgettable hunt!”

Products:

Winchester SXP Upland Field 12 gauge:
Winchester SXP Upland Field 20 gauge:
​​Other Winchester turkey hunting Shotguns
12 & 20 GA Ammo
Turkey Hunting Blinds

Additional Links:

Wildman Outfitters
Kinser Madison (Outfitter Profile)
Missouri Turkey Hunt Listing

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Tags: Turkey Hunting, Venku