Spring Gobbler with a bow

[yankytrash]

I get my turkey limit (usually) in the fall, spring gobbler's mostly a playtime for me. Been thinking I might break my bow out this spring. Just learned bow last year, and I'm a dang good shot with it. I think the challenge of the draw without being seen would be interesting too.

Any y'all tried turkey huntin with a bow? What should I expect? I guess glancing shots will be an issue? I won't be "tracking" my hit turkey like you would a hit deer, am I?

Sittin (well, more like kneeling) at 40yd I'm throwin a 125gr Muzzy on an aluminum shaft into a 6" circle consistently. The bow's maxed at 65lb. Admittedly, I haven't picked up the bow in the past two months, but I plan to get back behind it this week.

What sorta yardage should I look to take the shot? Maybe about 30yd?

 

[PALongbow]

I hunt them with my longbow. Haven't take a shotgun out in years. I would get proficient out to 20-25 yards with a bow.

The use of using decoys spread out to either the right or left of your position is key and if your hunting mountainous or hilly terrain park your decoys on the very edge of a hill or bench facing downhill so the gobbler has to come up hill and out of sight to your position. When he hits the edge of the hill where your decoys are positioned get ready to shoot. This really works and the old timers that bowhunted used this method of taking turkeys with their stickbows. Using the terrain while bowhunting for turkeys is key.

Ron

 

[Watchman]

Ive whacked a few with a bow, mostly during deer season.

Just remember that if you can see the birds head, it can see you.

Move and draw ONLY when it is behind a tree.

IF the bird is moving away from you, aim at the back where the wings come together.

IF it is moving toward you, aim at the base of the neck. Remember that if in a tree stand the trajectory of the arrow will likley gut shoot it if you dont.

IF it is moving crossways lead it, if you dont you will miss. Trust me...

IF it aproaches you, it may be better to let it walk by you and then draw and fire with its back to you to avoid detection, more so if its a flock with many eyes .

IF you are on the ground stand behind a large tree, big enough for you to use as cover. Come to a full draw behind the tree, then very slowly ease into position for the shot. Ive done this for both bow and shotgun and it works well, the key is too find a big enough tree.

I once shot at a large tom and missed. Sent an arrow right over him. He ran around in a circle and didnt know what was what. I got another shot at him about 20 minutes latter. Weighed 21 lbs , with an 11 1/2 beard.

Make sure you get a good hit . If you gut shoot him, hell fly off and youll never see him again.

Be patient. Very patient.

Good Luck !

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