Let's talk turkey

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they arent big game
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True, but they aren't exactly small game either (at least in this state), they have their own rules. For one, they require a separate license.

I think the minimum caliber in Colorado is .22WMR, but I would check the regs before I used one. Seems my son and I had this conversation before about using my .17 HMR on turkey, and decided it wouldn't meet the required energy minimums.
 
I watched my friend pop a couple of turkeys with body shots from a 10-.22, rolling them, only to have them get up and fly off. I would NOT say that a .22 LR is generally enough for turkey, as a rule.
 
Matt G said:
I watched my friend pop a couple of turkeys with body shots from a 10-.22, rolling them, only to have them get up and fly off. I would NOT say that a .22 LR is generally enough for turkey, as a rule.
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Nor would I. A .22 Magnum is about minimum. A .22 centerfire is better, with a proper bullet (FMJ) and shot that breaks the wings.
 
If you are confident enough to take a wing breaker shot, why not just take the CNS shot? Both are relatively small targets, I find the head to be more well defined and therefore an easier shot than picking out a spot on the "shoulder" that holds bone below. Just curious.
~z
 
Wing-breaker gives the spine and the lungs as extra insurance. I think my friend just shot for the middle of the turkey. :mad: Sad thing was, I had a shotgun full of BB, but it was open choke and we were 60 to 80 yards off. If he'd just held off for a few more yards, I could have helped him out.
 
Matt G said:
Wing-breaker gives the spine and the lungs as extra insurance. I think my friend just shot for the middle of the turkey. :mad: Sad thing was, I had a shotgun full of BB, but it was open choke and we were 60 to 80 yards off. If he'd just held off for a few more yards, I could have helped him out.
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They are in fact one and the same -- the wing-breaking shot is at the root of the wings, and usually breaks the spine as well. The advantage (with a projectile with enough energy to do the job) is that you have a bigger target with wing roots, spine and base of the neck all clustered together at that point.
 
Good to know, I may try that shot in the spring. I'm no big time turkey hunter, bagged less than 20 in my life. Found shotguns to be a bit much for me, often shread some breast meat. So I have opted for the Hornet or a bow, usually the Hornet. Next one I may try your advice, thanks for the info.
~z
 
~z said:
Good to know, I may try that shot in the spring. I'm no big time turkey hunter, bagged less than 20 in my life. Found shotguns to be a bit much for me, often shread some breast meat. So I have opted for the Hornet or a bow, usually the Hornet. Next one I may try your advice, thanks for the info.
~z
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I'm tole you about Socastu Teriot, no? Dis Socastu is beeg turkey hunter. He say, "De odder day I'm hunt de Atchafalia an I'm hear dis turkey gobbble.

"I can't get dat turkey, no. He's on de odder side of de Atchafalia. But I talk him, and he talk me. We talk t'ree, two hour.

"Dat turkey, he make t'ree bad call. Me, I doan make any!":p
 
~z said:
Good to know, I may try that shot in the spring. I'm no big time turkey hunter, bagged less than 20 in my life. Found shotguns to be a bit much for me, often shread some breast meat. So I have opted for the Hornet or a bow, usually the Hornet. Next one I may try your advice, thanks for the info.
~z
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With a turkey in close (30 yards or so), a head shot with an XF choke does not damage the breast meat in my experience.
 
There are a lot of losers here that shoot from their trucks... Riles me up a bit.

Although, if you are just trying to put meat on the table, does it matter how you shoot anything??? Hmmmmm..

Anyway, turkey hunting has got to be the best, IMO. I love calling turkeys in and watching them RUN towards you. Shooting them is kind of secondary to me, I would probably be content just to watch them, but they sure taste good.
 
AnthonyRSS said:
There are a lot of losers here that shoot from their trucks... Riles me up a bit.
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I think there's a difference between shooters and hunters.... at least as I define the terms. Some folks just want to get out and shoot.

Others want to take the time to watch and learn about their prey, and respect it enough to make a clean kill when the time comes. In this vein, hunting teaches a lot about the natural world and about one's place in it. It gives a person time to think and ponder and appreciate. It teaches patience and self control.

Can't say the same for riding around and stopping occasionally to take a shot. Feeding the family is one thing, but in a lot of cases, I don't have much use for the shooters who pretend to be hunters.
 
Most of those aren't true 'shooters' either. They are just looking for something to kill. Killing things without a purpose doesn't do much for me.
 
First off; Spring Turkey season is my favorite time of the year. I friggin love hearing a nice Tom gobble-up and respond. Even better drawing them into range. I set aside some vacation days and usually go camping. I also enjoy calling birds for other hunters and seeing the look on their face once their bird is down! Belive it or not NY State has one of the best Eastern populations in the US. The season starts in May for NY, seems late compared to the southern states but not when you consider the climate here. Imho the shotgun is the only way to turkey hunt. I don't see any challenge with a rifle, but if your state allows it then thats the way it is.

For your viewing pleasure;
(05) Pre-season Easterns in the snow
 
Lennyjoe said:
I prefer shooting them with a bow instead of a gun. Have taken 2 toms with a bow and let me tell you, its a hoot.
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I sit corrected, took a hen last fall with the bow, while it was a a target of oppertunity while Archery was open, it indeed was a rush.
Congrats btw!
 
It's hard enough to keep from moving when your raising the shottie but try it with a bow. Pure heart pumping adrenaline for sure. One wrong move and poof, they are gone. :D
 
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