A turkey taken with a shotgun usually drops on the spot — a head shot is quickly lethal. However, even a well-placed shot with an arrow may only wound a bird that can run or fly away after being hit.
What time of day are most turkeys shot?
It’s no secret that most turkeys are heard, seen, and killed in the morning. For some states, it’s the only time you can hunt mandated by state game laws. But for those that are turkey hunting all day in the spring, the success can be great in the afternoons.
How do you tell if a turkey is injured?
To determine if the animal is truly injured, look for these signs: The animal is unable to fly, stand, walk, or run when approached by a human. There is an obvious large wound (cuts, broken exposed bones, or bleeding). The animal has been attacked by a predator (dog, cat, another wild animal).
What is the best shot for turkeys?
Lead Turkey Loads
A good compromise is #5 copper-plated lead pellets loaded in a 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot shell. With this setup, you’ll be good out to 40 yards, and perhaps 50 if your gun is patterned tight. If you want better range and lethality, you’ll need to consider using tungsten shot.
How early should I get in turkey woods?
As far as how early. I like to get into my spot at LEAST an hour before legal shooting time. If sunrise is 6:30, I can shoot at 6, so I will be done walking and sitting in my spot by 5 at the latest.
Why do gobblers go silent?
In short, the theory goes, we have killed the noisier, more eager toms, leaving the craftier, quieter ones to pass on their genes. That theory sounds good around the campfire, but there is no real evidence or studies to support it, says Ken Duren, wild turkey biologist for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
Where do you aim a turkey?
When hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun, greater success is achieved when hunters shoot at the head and neck area of the bird. The most effective firearm shot for a turkey is to the head and neck. The preferred shot angle for bowhunters is broadside, aiming for the heart or lungs.
Will turkey come back after being spooked?
The gobbler wanted to be where you were when you spooked him. So, after he thinks you’re gone, and he hears a hen softly calling, there’s a very good chance he may come back in that direction. Remember — the gobbler has a limited number of days to breed.
How do you know if a bird is in shock?
Birds that are in shock appear weak, unresponsive, fluffed up and breathe in slowly and out quickly. Place the bird in a quiet, semi-dark, warm, humid environment. Warmth is essential in getting birds through a state of shock – temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees.
What to do if you hit a turkey?
If you hit a turkey or other small animal you should:
- Pull over as soon possible and check for damage.
- Call the police and/or emergency services.
- Take photos.
- Call roadside assistance or get a tow, if necessary.
- Contact your insurer and file a claim.
Is a 410 good for turkey hunting?
“TSS pellets make hunting turkeys with a . 410 a very viable option,” he says. “It provides the performance of conventional 12-gauge loads with a significant drop in recoil.”
Can I use steel shot for turkey?
To compensate for the lower weight, lesser density and loss of velocity, it’s not uncommon for turkey hunters to load up with steel shot one or two sizes larger than what they would use in a lead load.
Can you use a 20-gauge for turkey hunting?
It’s incredibly tough on turkeys and allows more versatility than most any other gun on the shelf. Look across the turkey-hunting community, and you just might find that the 20-gauge is the most popular shotgun in the turkey woods this spring.
Do turkeys roost in the same tree every night?
In areas with few suitable roost trees — parts of Texas, Oklahoma and the Dakotas, for example — turkeys predictably use the same roost trees day after day for generations. Unless you spooked your turkeys by the roost site that morning, they probably just chose — for whatever reason — to roost elsewhere that night.
What hours are best for turkey hunting?
Time of Day: Since Turkeys make their nest in trees and on the ground in wooded areas, one of the best times of day to hunt is first thing in the morning. Get out to your blind early and listen for the yelps, cackles, and gobbles of turkeys as they start in search for breakfast.
How often should you call when turkey hunting?
every 15 minutes
Push button call
But don’t call too often – less is more. Calling every 15 minutes or so and starting off quieter and then getting more aggressive/louder as the day goes on are good rules of thumb. If you hear a hen, try to mimic her exact vocalizations.
How do you hunt a turkey that won’t gobble?
Those gobblers pause often to listen for the sounds of active hens. Even strutting gobblers are prone to drop from the strut, stand erect, and listen and observe. If hens are what they want, then you should work hard to sound like a hen. And carry several turkey calls so you can sound like young, old and many hens.
How do you hunt turkeys when they aren’t gobbling?
Hunt in a high-percentage strut zone
Even if the birds aren’t gobbling every time the wind blows, you can bet your biscuits & gravy they will still want to strut and drag those wings to impress all the single ladies and even the married ones! There are always areas that toms love to strut and be seen.
What to do if a turkey stops gobbling?
When the gobbler quits gobbling, look at your watch, and force yourself to stay on your stand. Don’t move around for an hour after the bird has quit gobbling. If you’ll use this strategy, you’ll see more turkeys, and you’ll take more turkeys.
How far away should you shoot a turkey?
A good rule of thumb for shotgun shooters is 40 yards. Anything further than that and there’s a good chance you might not hit the head and neck with enough pellets to kill the bird. Any closer than 20 yards and your pellet pattern may not have time to open up enough for maximum effectiveness.
Can you shoot turkey with a 22?
22, using a rifle means you can shoot a turkey at 100+ yards away with a much higher success rate overall.