When using decoys, be sure to:

• Never transport decoys uncovered. Many of the new decoys fold up for easy storage in turkey vests.
• Always set up against a tree that is taller than your head and wider than your shoulders.
• Establish a clear line of vision for at least 100 yards and then set up the decoys 20 yards from your position on the line.
• If you see another hunter, call out in a loud, clear voice to alert them to your position.
• Always check carefully that no one is stalking your decoys before leaving your position.

Courtesy of NWTF (nwtf.org)

Mine is bigger than yours

This is the mindset of hunters across the spectrum when choosing a truck, an ATV and a gun. There’s something about big things that draws out the machismo in us. Some will tell you if you’re not shooting the latest and greatest 3½-inch turkey slayer, then you’ll never kill a bird. Well, I can tell you from experience, that a 20 gauge will do so as well and is much more enjoyable to shoot and carry. So, when choosing a shotgun for turkey hunting, choose a gun that you are confident and comfortable shooting.

Chokes and such

A key element to a good turkey gun is a good turkey choke. A turkey choke has more constriction than a Full choke, and they are often labeled Extra Full or XX Full. The dimensions for a 12-gauge turkey choke may range from .670 inches down to .640 inches. The tighter chokes in the .640- to .655-inch range are designed for smaller No. 6 or No. 5 shot. The more open constrictions are better suited for larger pellets such as No. 4s.

Can you have too much constriction? Yes, you can. Depending on your gun and the ammunition you’ve selected, you can over constrict the shot to the point where the pattern falls apart. In this case it is possible for the pellets to bounce off of each other or become deformed, leaving large holes in your pattern. The solution for this is to go to a more open constriction or smaller shot size.

Ammunition

The ammunition you choose can drastically affect your pattern. Each gun-choke combination will shoot a specific round better than the others. The only way to determine which is to shoot a variety. Vary your shot sizes and brands from several distances and stick with the one that gives you the most consistent pattern.

What’s in a pattern?

What is the difference between a bad pattern and a good pattern, and what can you do to improve the pattern of your shotgun?

The ideal pattern for turkey hunting is 100 pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. This density means that there should be plenty of pellets in the small vital area of the turkey’s head and neck to kill it ethically.

If you prefer No. 6 turkey loads (approx. 222 pellets/oz.), then a two ounce load of No. 6s should pattern about 25 percent of its shot in the 10-inch circle. Two ounces of No. 5s (approx. 171 pellets/oz.) should give you a pattern of about 30 percent. Two ounces of No. 4s (approx. 135 pellets/oz.) should result in a 37-percent pattern. These numbers are based on lead pellets, so heavier- than-lead alloy pellets will have fewer pellets per ounce and the percentage will differ slightly.

Why 40 yards?

We pattern our turkey guns out to 40 yards because that is the maximum distance promoted by the Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force as the proper range to ethically and cleanly kill a turkey with a shotgun.

Dial it in

Initial pattern tests should be on a 30-inch target. Sheets of butcher paper or craft paper are great for targets. Draw a small two-inch circle in the middle and color it in with a marker, then draw a 10-inch circle centered on that. Measure off 40 yards or use a laser range finder to mark your distance. Use a shooting brace/bench to reduce human error and shoot a single round at each target. Write the results on each target and note the choke constriction, brand, etc… as well as the ammunition you used. Shoot a few different types of ammo and then compare the results. Pick the round that gives you the densest pattern.

If one combination gives you a great pattern, but just isn’t centered in the 10-inch circle, adding rifle sights, a scope or red-dot-type sight allows you to truly tune your shot pattern. You can move the gun’s point of impact so the densest part of the pattern is at the point of aim.

Sleep well

After a few trips to the range, you’ll sleep peacefully once again. You will have the confidence that your gun can produce the needed results when a gobbler struts to within 40 yards.

Courtesy Matt Lindler/NWTF (nwtf.org)

Here are a few tips for making sure you have the right gun for the job this spring.

Make sure the shotgun fits you. There is no sure way to determine gun fit other than seeing a firearms expert. To ensure that your gun fits, pull the gun to your shoulder. Ask yourself the following questions. Does it swing into place without extra movement or effort? Does the weight feel comfortable? Try adjusting the placement of your forward hand. Can you hold the shotgun steady for a given amount of time? Can you comfortably carry the shotgun for long distances? You should be able to answer “yes” to all of these questions. All these variables play a role in determining gun fit for turkey hunting.

Bigger isn’t always better. With the new, high-powered turkey loads and chokes available, 20-gauge shotguns have become very popular for use in the spring turkey woods. Better advice than simply purchasing the largest gauge or load size would be to ensure appropriate length, weight and recoil for the person doing the shooting.

Pattern, pattern and then pattern again. Take the time to shoot the shotgun with different loads, shot sizes and even choke constrictions when possible. Most shotguns come with several choke options and aftermarket chokes are capable of delivering near rifle-like patterns with a turkey load.

To camo or not to camo? Camouflage is another consideration in choosing a firearm this spring. We all know that turkeys have keen eyesight and getting a shotgun with functional camouflage could give you that added advantage. Matte black is a perfectly functional option as well and can generally the reduce the cost of a shotgun by as much as $30 to $50.

Saving the best for last. The best advice for making sure that you have the best shotgun this season is to know the limitations of your firearm. Patterning, experimenting with different loads and chokes and practicing real hunting situations on the range will help you learn when to shoot and when the shot may be risky. If using a 20 gauge, you may need to be within 25 yards of your target for your shot. The same distance could be used as a rule of thumb for very young hunters. Making sure you are aware of the capabilities of the hunter, as well as the firearm, can be the difference between success and disappointment.

The trick is, you probably have the right shotgun for harvesting that trophy gobbler this spring. It may just require some experimentation and practice to determine the optimal choke constriction, load, shot size and distance. If you are in the market for something new, just about every manufacturer is now producing shotguns made specifically for turkey hunters. They all perform well, however, the same considerations must be considered before carrying one on a hunt.

Courtesy of the NWTF (nwtf.org)

Before washing your camo, turn the garments inside out. You can then choose to wash them by hand or in a washing machine. Hand washing will give you the longest color life and can be achieved by taking a five-gallon pail of cold water and some baking soda and sloshing the camo up and down in the mixture a few times before letting them stand overnight. In the morning, wring out your garments, shake them out and then hang them to drip dry. This will reduce color loss by reducing abrasion and heat applied to the fabric.

If you need to use a washing machine, wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with baking soda or a UV-free sportsman’s wash and hang the camo clothing to drip dry. If you’re in a rush, use a clothes dryer, but turn the garments inside out and run on the short cycle just long enough to dry them.

Equipment:

• ___ Shotgun
• ___ Turkey loads
• ___ Turkey choke tube
• ___ Patterning targets
• ___ Camo blind — where legal
• ___ Seat, cushioned stool
• ___ Shotgun sling
• ___ Turkey decoys
• ___ Camera
• ___ Lo Boy Lite Chair
• ___ Monopod gun rest
• ___ ThermaCELL
• ___ Compass
• ___ Maps
• ___ Knife
• ___ Ratchet cutters
• ___ Insect repellent
• ___ Flashlight
• ___ Trail ribbon
• ___ Binoculars
• ___ Camo tape
• ___ Cooler
• ___ Water bottle
• ___ First aid kit

Clothes:

• ___ Camo gloves
• ___ Camo facenet
• ___ Camo paint
• ___ Camo make-up
• ___ Camo shirt
• ___ Camo pants
• ___ Camo jacket
• ___ Camo turkey vest or pack
• ___ Camo cap
• ___ Camo socks
• ___ Camo undershirts
• ___ Waterproof/snakeproof boots
• ___ Rain suit

Calls:

• ___ Box call
• ___ Diaphragm calls
• ___ Slate or glass pot & peg call
• ___ Glass call
• ___ Gobble call
• ___ Tube call
• ___ Push-pin call
• ___ Turpin/wingbone call
• ___ Crow/locator call
• ___ Owl hooter call
• ___ Other locator calls

Call Accessories:

• ___ Box call chalk
• ___ Sandpaper
• ___ Call lanyard
• ___ Box call holster

Archery gear:

• ___ Bow (camouflaged)
• ___ Broadheads
• ___ 3-D Camo clothes
• ___ 3-D targets

To Do:

• ___ Get license/turkey tags
• ___ Pattern shotgun
• ___ Scout territory
• ___ Get landowner permission
• ___ Pick landowner gift
• ___ Practice calling
• ___ Watch instructional videos, read books
• ___ Renew NWTF membership
• ___ Read Turkey Call for hunting tips
• ___ Attend Chapter banquets/events

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