The ol' "10 o'clock tom" as my brother and I call them. I get most of my turkeys from about 10:00-2:00, but I do go out before fly-down just because I love that time of day in the woods. But I also stay pretty mobile as well, and rarely use dekes. I'm in Colorado hunting Merriam's, so I know that's a different game from a lot of the country.
Spring wild turkey
- Thread starter gim
- Start date
Here's this year's tom, shot a couple weeks ago. My first day out, just checking a few of my favorite spots for sign or any vocalization. At the second spot, after a couple light clucks, I got a gobble a 1/4 mile away. Couldn't get another response, so I went silent and made a large circle around and headed back toward my truck. Starting calling again (soft) and immediately got a bunch of gobbles. Set up quickly against that big Ponderosa and had two toms come a runnin'. Waited till they were 15 yards out and took the one in front (didn't want to hit the other one by accident). Anyway, less than 45 minutes after leaving the house I was done, which is always a bummer!
If you're wondering about the gun, that's my dad's old Model 37, 12 ga full choke (2.75" max shell). It's the only thing I've ever used for turkeys, and I've killed 30+ in 31 years (only year I didn't get one was 2001 due to severe drought, which totally messed them up). You don't need a cannon for turkeys if you call them in close.
If you're wondering about the gun, that's my dad's old Model 37, 12 ga full choke (2.75" max shell). It's the only thing I've ever used for turkeys, and I've killed 30+ in 31 years (only year I didn't get one was 2001 due to severe drought, which totally messed them up). You don't need a cannon for turkeys if you call them in close.
John Singer
Well-known member
I very much agree with you here. A standard full choke and most any pheasant load will kill turkeys cleanly to 38 yards or so.
I once tried a turkey choke and found it very difficult to hit birds with it.
This week's episode of Michigan Out of Doors contains a turkey hunt starting at about 19:20. Check out the missed shots at close range and note the pattern size at about 23:38.
birddude
Well-known member
Nice bird and one of the best turkey guns ever made.
birddude
Well-known member
I killed a jake a couple days ago and was glad to have him. I hunted 12 of the 1st 14 days of season. Rain or shine would have hunted the other two days but won't hunt with lightning rolling around. Low populations and poor weather. Add in a couple of blown opportunities, and I was ready to get it over with and get to fishing.
Goosemaster
Well-known member
Nice!
Goosemaster
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Goosemaster
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I missed a 30 yard shot with my bow yesterday.Achery is very difficult,he saw me draw and was alerted.A huge white bull spooked out of the brush.
Goosemaster
Well-known member
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Goosemaster
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Weimdogman
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Friend has some turkeys on her property and the gf&p asked if they could do mentored youth hunts? She was happy to accommodate them and they share pics of kids and their 1st birds.
On a side note my nephew has fallen in love with archery hunting them. He said it is so exciting to call one in close enough to arrow them.
On a side note my nephew has fallen in love with archery hunting them. He said it is so exciting to call one in close enough to arrow them.