Spring turkey hunting is a popular and exciting activity, and choosing the right equipment—whether a shotgun or bow—is essential to having a successful and enjoyable hunt. Here's a breakdown of shotguns and bows used for turkey hunting:
Shotguns for Turkey Hunting
Shotguns are the most common firearm used for turkey hunting, as they are effective at close range and offer a wide spread of shot to increase the likelihood of a clean kill.
Key Features to Consider:
-
Gauge:
-
12 Gauge: Most popular, offering power and versatility.
-
20 Gauge: Lighter and more manageable, great for hunters who prefer less recoil.
-
10 Gauge: Offers more power, but heavier and harder to handle for some.
-
Barrel Length:
-
22 to 26 inches is ideal for turkey hunting, offering good balance between maneuverability and shot accuracy.
-
Shorter barrels can be easier to handle in dense brush, but longer barrels may offer more accuracy for longer shots.
-
Chokes:
-
Turkey Chokes (or extra-full chokes) are specifically designed to provide a tighter shot pattern, which is critical for turkey hunting as they have small vital areas (such as the head and neck).
-
Turkey chokes help concentrate the pellets in a smaller area, ensuring better chances of a clean shot.
-
Ammunition:
-
Turkey Loads: Typically, these are high-quality lead or copper-plated shot (like #4, #5, or #6) or non-lead options like Hevi-Shot.
-
The larger the shot size (like #4), the more impactful it is, but it also creates a wider shot pattern. Smaller shot sizes like #6 are great for a dense pattern at closer ranges.
-
Optics:
-
Red Dot Sights or turkey-specific optics can help with precise aiming, especially since turkeys are often moving quickly and may be in thick cover.
Popular Shotguns for Turkey Hunting:
-
Mossberg 500/835: Affordable and reliable, with a variety of choke options.
-
Remington 870: One of the most iconic, customizable, and known for its reliability.
-
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3: High-end, known for smooth cycling and advanced recoil reduction technology.
Bows for Turkey Hunting
Bow hunting for turkeys is less common than shotgun hunting but is growing in popularity among archery enthusiasts. It requires a higher level of skill and precision, but it can provide a thrilling challenge.
Key Features to Consider:
-
Draw Weight:
-
A bow with a draw weight between 40 to 60 pounds is adequate for turkey hunting. This range provides enough force for a clean, ethical kill without being too heavy to pull.
-
Arrow Selection:
-
Carbon Arrows are the most popular due to their lightweight and durability.
-
Choose arrows with broadheads that are designed for small game or specifically for turkeys. Fixed blade or mechanical broadheads are both popular, but fixed blade heads are generally more reliable.
-
Bow Type:
-
Compound Bows: Most common for turkey hunting due to their accuracy and power.
-
Recurve Bows: Used by traditional archers; while challenging, they can be just as effective when used properly.
-
Crossbows: Legal in many states for turkey hunting, crossbows offer more power and ease of use compared to a vertical bow.
-
Sights:
-
Bow Sights (such as 3-pin or 5-pin sights) are important for accuracy. Turkey hunting usually happens at close ranges, so a simple sight system may be sufficient.
-
Ground Blinds/Setup:
-
Bows require more precision, so a ground blind or natural cover is often necessary to conceal your movement.
-
Be mindful of turkey vision; they have excellent eyesight, so setting up in an optimal location is crucial.
-
Shot Placement:
-
The best shot for a turkey with a bow is a head or neck shot. Since turkeys have tough feathers and muscle around their body, getting a quick, ethical kill is important to avoid injury or loss.
Popular Bows for Turkey Hunting:
-
Mathews V3: Known for smooth draw and accuracy.
-
Hoyt Carbon RX-7: Lightweight with great power and precision.
-
Bowtech Revolt X: Excellent for hunters looking for power and speed with great accuracy.
Tips for Spring Turkey Hunting (Both Shotgun and Bow)
-
Patterning: Practice shooting your shotgun or bow to understand your effective range and shot pattern.
-
Calling: Turkeys respond to calls, and mastering techniques like the yelp, cluck, or purr can help draw them in.
-
Stay Concealed: Use camo that matches the terrain and ensure you're downwind of the turkey.
-
Patience: Spring turkey hunting often requires long periods of stillness and waiting. Stay calm and steady to avoid spooking the birds.
Whether you choose a shotgun or bow, both options can offer a rewarding turkey hunting experience. The choice depends largely on personal preference, the level of challenge you're seeking, and what you're comfortable using.