1. Shooting at movement, sound, or a flash of color instead of a clearly identified, legal bird.
2. Stalking turkey sounds or calls (you may be stalking another hunter).
3. Carrying a harvested bird or decoy openly so it looks like a live turkey to someone else.
4. Setting decoys where they are visible to other hunters in a way that creates a dangerous line of fire.

A consistent recommendation is to separate "moving" and "hunting" modes:

1. When moving to and from your setup:

• Wear hunter orange (hat and/or vest) so other hunters can see you on trails, roads, and through timber.
• Use a flashlight or headlamp in low light, and keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.

2. When you are set up and calling:

• Sit with your back against a wide tree, stump, rock, or blowdown that protects your blind side.
• Choose open timber where you can see approaching hunters. Avoid hiding so deeply that you lose awareness of your surroundings.
• Keep hands, face, and exposed skin camouflaged to avoid being mistaken for part of a turkey.
• Some safety guides suggest wrapping a hunter orange vest or cloth around the tree behind you to help others notice your location.

• Positively identify the entire bird before aiming. Do not shoot at sound, movement, or color.
• Confirm it is a legal turkey for your season and unit (for example, many spring seasons are bearded bird only).
• Identify what is beyond your target. Other hunters may be behind brush, in shadows, or over a rise.
• Keep the safety on and your finger off the trigger until your sights are on a clearly identified target and you are ready to shoot.
• Pattern your shotgun before the season and know your effective range so you do not take unsafe or unethical shots.

• Be careful with gobbler calls. The sound and motion can attract other hunters.
• Never stalk a gobbling turkey or turkey sounds. If you suspect another hunter is already working the same bird, leave the area.
• Place decoys so they are not visible to other hunters in a way that could draw fire in your direction. Transport decoys concealed in a bag or vest.
• If another hunter approaches, remain still and announce yourself in a loud, clear voice (many agencies recommend shouting “STOP”). Do not wave and do not make turkey sounds to signal your location.

• After firing, put your gun on safe and approach the downed bird with the muzzle in a safe direction. Never run with a firearm.
• Do not carry a harvested turkey in the open. Cover the head and body in a game bag, camouflage bag, or blaze orange cloth. Do not let wings hang loosely or the head display like a live bird.
• When walking out, consider putting hunter orange back on and keep the bird fully covered.