The 2026 National Wild Turkey Federation Convention recently wrapped up in Nashville, showcasing a flood of new turkey hunting gear designed to make life easier and more effective in the spring woods. For many hunters, it also marks the start of serious season prep as temperatures warm, grass turns green, and gobbles fill the morning air. I’ve been hunting turkeys for almost 30 years and working in the hunting industry for the past 20, testing everything from handcrafted calls to boots built for serious miles.
There was a lot to get excited about at this year’s NWTF Convention. From handcrafted pot calls and high-quality locator calls to innovative carrying systems and vests, hunting clothing, and boots built for serious miles, this year’s lineup focuses heavily on mobility, organization, and realistic sound production.
Whether you’re a run-and-gun hunter, a strategist in the blind, or simply someone who loves new gear, here’s a look at the top new turkey hunting gear for 2026.
ESH Custom Calls Champion’s Choice Pot Call
When a call is designed by a 14-time Major Calling & Call-Building Champion and NWTF Hall of Fame inductee by the name of Pat Strawser, expectations run high. The ESH Custom Calls Champion’s Choice delivers.
Built from solid zebrawood with a glass surface, this handcrafted pot call produces the full-bodied yelps, sharp cutts, and soft clucks and purrs serious turkey hunters demand. Zebrawood has long been a favorite material for achieving rich tonal depth, and it shows in this call’s versatility.
Each call includes a Dymondwood striker, glass conditioning stone, and striker maintenance pad, making it ready to hunt right out of the box.
During testing, I quickly found that with light pressure from the Dymondwood striker, this custom pot call produced very realistic yelps, clucks, and a range of tones. As I worked the striker across the glass surface, I enjoyed the sounds it made. From beginners learning proper cadence to seasoned callers chasing pressured gobblers, this is a premium pot call designed to last. MSRP: $149.99
FOXPRO Aluminum Owl Hooter
Locator calls remain one of the most effective ways to find vocal birds without a turkey call. When I began searching for new calls this year, I knew I wanted something easy to use, but that still delivered a realistic sound in the wild. The FOXPRO Owl Hooter stands out for its volume, realism, and construction.
Made from durable aluminum alloy, this hooter has the look and feel of a tactical flashlight. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for a pocket or a turkey vest. The FOXPRO Owl Hooter produces a piercing, authentic owl sound that carries, ideal for striking shock gobbles during early morning setups or when covering ground in big timber. The textured sides provide grip even with gloves or damp hands.
For hunters who rely on non-turkey vocalizations to locate pressured birds, this tool offers dependable performance with rugged field durability. MSRP $32.95
H.S. Strut Elite 6 Series Batwing 3-Pack
The legendary H.S. Strut brand is well known among turkey hunters. Now, legendary turkey hunters Paul Butski, Mark Drury, Tad Brown, and Ricky Joe Bishop have come together to design the versatile Elite 6 Batwing diaphragm pack. These three-reed calls are designed for flexibility and a realistic rasp, and I received exactly that during testing.
The triple pack includes three batwing variations: the Offset Batwing, Hybrid Batwing, and Spur Cut, each engineered to provide a slightly different tone and pitch. The .003 latex stack and unique cut patterns make these calls forgiving for beginners while still offering the subtlety and control experienced callers expect.
If you prefer to keep multiple diaphragm options in your vest for changing conditions or bird personalities, this pack provides a well-rounded starting lineup. MSRP $24.99
Knight & Hale Run N’ Gun 300 Turkey Vest
For hunters who want to carry everything while staying mobile, the Run N’ Gun 300 Turkey Vest from Knight and Hale blends storage capacity with thoughtful ergonomics.
Two things caught my eye about this vest. First, it comes in the legendary Mossy Oak Full Foliage, a pattern that screams “old-school turkey hunter.” Second, its storage in the back resembles a backpack, and the tight fit keeps everything organized and quiet.
Weighing just 2.5 pounds, this vest includes nine zippered pockets, a 375-cubic-inch backpack with hydration compatibility, and dedicated storage for calls, shells, Thermacells, phones, and more. The semi-rigid back support and six-layer cushioned seat provide comfort during long sits, and the ten adjustment points help dial in the perfect fit. MSRP $149.99
Sitka Turkey Tool Belt
This one isn’t new this year, but it still deserves a mention. Minimalists and aggressive run-and-gun hunters will appreciate the streamlined design of the Sitka Turkey Tool Belt. Combining the compact feel of a hip pack with the organization of a vest, it keeps critical gear accessible without the bulk. Like many Sitka products, quality and durability are second to none.
A molded front pocket holds pot calls, strikers, and diaphragms, while a magnetic box call pocket minimizes noise. The removable padded seat offers quick comfort when setting up on a bird, and compression straps allow hunters to carry layers for unpredictable spring weather.
When speed and simplicity are priorities, this tool belt provides a lightweight alternative to the traditional turkey vest. MSRP $229.00
Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro
One of last year’s favorite turkey hunting products was Blocker’s Finisher Chest Pack. The brand has taken it to an even higher level with the new feature-rich Finisher Chest Pack Pro model. Built for aggressive, mobile turkey hunters, this chest pack focuses on instant access and modular organization.
Like the original, the Finisher Pro is worn high on the chest. It keeps calls, shells, and binoculars front and center, allowing hunters to move quickly and set up fast when a gobbler answers. This year, the pack features a magnetic detachable seat that deploys silently. It is also MOLLE compatible, so you can customize your kit based on terrain and hunting style.
With dedicated striker holders, pot call pockets, shell slots, and silent access compartments, this system reduces wasted movement and noise, two critical elements when closing the distance on pressured birds. MSRP $139.99
ALPS Outdoorz NWTF Run N’ Gun Bino Harness
As a mobile turkey hunter, I am constantly debating whether to take my binoculars with me in my turkey vest. But the ALPS NWTF Run N’ Gun Bino Harness solves this problem. This binocular harness combines optical storage and protection with turkey-specific functionality, allowing you to carry your binos plus all your calls and essential gear.
The removable box call pocket and MOLLE webbing allow hunters to build a personalized carry setup. At the same time, the U-shaped front design ensures quick access to binos when scanning ridges or open hardwoods. Non-metallic attachments reduce noise, and adjustable straps create a snug, bounce-free fit during long hikes. MSRP $69.99
Nomad Outdoors Rub Line Field Shirt
The Nomad Outdoors Rub Line Field Shirt combines old-school durability and a classic camo pattern with modern performance. Constructed from durable, washed cotton canvas with a touch of stretch, this mid-weight button-down balances toughness with flexibility in the turkey woods. The 98 percent cotton / 2 percent spandex blend minimizes noise while allowing natural movement for quick repositioning on a run-and-gun setup.
Practical field features include double chest pockets for small essentials and an interior sunglass wipe to keep optics clear on spring mornings. With classic styling and functional performance, the Rub Line Field Shirt fits right in for hunters who favor traditional materials with modern design enhancements. MSRP $85.00
Final Thoughts
The gear unveiled at the 2026 NWTF Convention shows a clear trend toward mobility, organization, and realism in turkey hunting. From handcrafted calls like the ESH Champion’s Choice to carry systems such as the Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro and Sitka Turkey Tool Belt, hunters now have more specialized tools than ever before. Whether you’re chasing pressured public land birds or hunting a familiar ridge back home, purpose-built gear can make your season smoother and more successful.
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