Springtime means many things to many people, but for the thousands of passionate hunters in the US, it’s time to head out in search of one of the wiliest adversaries in the woods from New York to Texas to California: turkeys. These sharp-eyed birds seem to have a sixth sense for detecting anything that’s not quite right, so it’s important to have the right gear in order to remain as invisible as possible when a big tom approaches in full strut.
One area that’s often either overlooked or considered only as an afterthought are gloves. The wrong pair can be cumbersome, bulky and hot; many hunters prefer to not use gloves at all because of bad experiences like this in the past, but it can be a big mistake. After all, turkey hunters use their hands for everything from calling to shooting, and it’s motion that’s the first thing a wary bird will see from a distance. It’s also important to protect your hands from thorns, vines and even pests like mosquitoes during the hunt. So, what makes a good turkey glove?
First, a good hunting glove has to be comfortable, and we mean all day long. If not, they’ll stay in the truck rather than on your hands. And you will probably need a few different pairs to match the weather conditions, which might even change during the day. For those mild days early in the season, check out the Sneaky Pete from Hunt Monkey. It’s constructed of a lightweight synthetic material with a second skin fit for the ultimate in comfort, with exposed fingertips for call management and shooting control. There’s also a synthetic leather palm for hand protection and superb grip—wet or dry—without the bulk. It’s available in two camo patterns: Marsh Camo and Mossy Oak Bottomland.
For those cool mornings and afternoons where you want something with a bit more protection and warmth, the Ridge Runner fits the bill. This is a form-fitting, lightweight full-finger glove with four-way stretch which molds to your hands for unmatched feel and control. There’s a synthetic leather palm for protection and grip plus a brushed interior for a high warmth-to-weight ratio—chilly fingertips are a thing of the past. The extended cuffs keep the backs of the hands and wrists concealed, and there’s even a touchscreen index finger which allows you to access your phone or electronics without removing the glove. It’s available in Marsh Camo and Mossy Oak Bottomland.
Need a bit more warmth? Check out the Task Fleece glove. Constructed using a technical fleece material, this is a glove that allows for superb dexterity while blocking the wind and providing great warmth. Another benefit: fleece is also completely silent in the woods. The synthetic palm has silicone grip for excellent control even when wet, and the index fingers are touchscreen compatible as well. The Marsh camo pattern blends well in virtually any environment.
For the ultimate in versatility, reach for the Monkey Hands glove liners—perfect on their own as a lightweight concealment option and also as a highly functional base layer to wear with a heavier glove as conditions change. It shares many of the attributes of the other turkey gloves, including a non-slip silicone print palm for complete control and hand protection, second skin fit and full finger concealment, with slit openings on the thumb and index finger for enhanced dexterity and a brushed interior finish for warmth. It’s available in Marsh Camo, Mossy Oak Bottomland and Black.
No matter the conditions facing you, Hunt Monkey has a glove that’s matched to the situation. Stay concealed, stay motionless and stay comfortable and you’re sure to bag more birds this spring.
