Shooting

Turkey Hunting Equipment

The goal is simple: Camo up, get outside and fill that turkey tag. Whether you shoot a crossbow, compound bow or shotgun, having the right equipment and approach are key. Taking time offseason to practice your preferred method is important but don’t forget to take a few moments before your hunt to pattern your shotgun or dial in your bow sight. Help your chances of tagging out by knowing just how tight your kill shot will be beforehand.

How to Choose the Right Turkey Load

There are various shotgun loads for turkey hunting, and to be the best at it, you need to understand the capabilities of your gun, its pattern, and the different turkey shells.

Choosing the Best Turkey Load

Shotgun shells come in many different sizes, the most common being 2 ¾ in, 3 in and 3 ½ in. Turkey loads are generally available in sizes 4, 5 and 6, and often contain a larger payload compared to other shotshells. New to market are blended loads carrying a mix of different sizes to improve pattern density at long range, while still including larger pellets for improved energy on target.

The right turkey load will provide the necessary penetration and shot pattern. These loads are designed to offer the best chance to take down a turkey cleanly with an effective shot pattern to the vital areas.

When choosing a turkey load, consider the following:

  • The larger the shot size, the deeper the penetration, but fewer the pellets in a shot pattern.
  • The heavier the payload, the more the pellets in a shot pattern, but with increased recoil.
  • Look for brands that have engineered shotshells for turkey hunting.
  • Tip: Practice shooting to determine the effectiveness of the chosen load. It will help the hunter to achieve an ethical shot.
Lead
  • Heavy and dense
Tungsten
  • Best patterns
  • Very dense (Retains the most energy)
  • Best penetration
  • Non-toxic
Copper Plated Lead
  • Better pattern
  • Better penetration
Steel
  • Good pattern
  • Less dense than lead
  • Good penetration
  • Non-toxic

Choke Tubes for Turkey Hunting

Aren’t all choke tubes alike? The answer is - no. Specialized "super-full" turkey choke tubes are designed to constrict pellet loads into tighter and denser patterns than what can be achieved with standard full chokes. A tighter pattern increases the chances of hitting the turkey in vital areas, while a wide shot pattern may result in a miss or a non-lethal hit. These special turkey chokes handle high-energy turkey loads and squeeze more performance out of your firearm.

Turkey chokes are also beneficial at longer ranges as they hold pellets into tighter group. However, the smaller pattern can make it harder to hit turkeys at very close ranges. Test your chosen load on paper to get an accurate pattern. If you get 15 or more pellets in the head and neck region, consider your load reliable at any given range. Many hunters consider 40 yards as the maximum ethical range for hunting turkeys, but modern loadings continue to push the performance for further shots.

While in some cases you can use waterfowl chokes for turkey, using turkey-specific chokes will give you a pattern for the best shot.

Tip: The general rule of thumb is less constriction for larger shots (4s and 5s) and a tighter choke for smaller shots or a load (6s).


Choosing a Shotgun for Turkey Hunt

While you can use any shotgun for hunting turkeys, using a turkey-specific shotgun can increase your chances of success.

  1. A 12-gauge shotgun is preferred for turkey hunting, as it has a higher payload of pellets, providing denser pellet patterns.
  2. A tighter turkey choke is included as a standard feature.
  3. A shorter barrel, ideally 24 inches or less, is better for stalking in the woods or a ground blind.
  4. Most shotguns come with a base or a drilled receiver for mounting a scope or red dot sight, which can improve the accuracy of shot placements.
  1. A high visibility fibre optic sight allows for a clear aiming point, even in dark woods.
  2. A pistol grip or thumbhole stock can help you hold the shotgun more steadily.

How to Setup, Pattern and Choose the Right Turkey Hunt Equipment by Taylor Wright

Patterning your shotgun is one of the most critical steps to undertake before heading out into the woods.

Step 1: Set up a large target at 25-30 yards from your steady rest.

Step 2: Aim and shoot for the bullseye with a light game load. The pattern of your pellets should surround the bullseye equally on all sides. When you establish a good pattern, repeat the shot on a new target with your turkey load. If the patterning results are similar, you are ready to hunt.

Step 3: If your gun is not patterning on target after a few shots, you may want to experiment with a different turkey load. Changing ammunition can result in a change in pattern. Make necessary adjustments to your shotgun (fibre optic, scopes, red dot, etc.). A simple adjustment at the range can save you the frustration of accuracy problems in the field.

Turkey shotguns characteristically have 24" barrels with upgraded fibre sights to help aim. A tight choke is a must, regardless of the shotgun you choose.

Spring Turkey Bow Hunt

Arrows/Bolts
Before choosing an arrow, make sure you have a firm understanding of the numbers, fletching, weight, size and material that today’s arrows and bolts come in.

Broadheads
Take some time before your hunt to swap out those target range bullet or field tips for some broadheads. You may find that your arrows fly a little differently with broadheads and the grain count of your practice tips should match the weight of your broadheads for consistency.