I just need a few tips on turkey hunting

[np307]

I totally forgot about the scent also I should add I'm a slow person and especially early morning hell It'll take awhile for me to even get up there to my spot so movement ain't a concern. So to shoot them I just aim for the head? Or am I to aim at the neck? Also I've heard that the 410 ain't big enough for turkey but I think it'll be fine

What .410 load are you shooting?

 

[TrapperJ]

What .410 load are you shooting?

I got 2 different winchester box's 1 Is a birdshot and I've got plenty of it and I'm good with it and then the 2nd is some winchester x somthin ain't shot it yet

 

[np307]

I got 2 different winchester box's 1 Is a birdshot and I've got plenty of it and I'm good with it and then the 2nd is some winchester x somthin ain't shot it yet

What kind of "birdshot"? 7 1/2 dove loads? I'd really recommend shooting TSS if you're going to use a .410.

 

[TrapperJ]

Also got slugs and some bucks shot

What kind of "birdshot"? 7 1/2 dove loads? I'd really recommend shooting TSS if you're going to use a .410.

Oh no definitely not bird loads I'm not to forsure exactly it's long shell that's forsure I'll check rq

 

[TrapperJ]

What kind of "birdshot"? 7 1/2 dove loads? I'd really recommend shooting TSS if you're going to use a .410.

Alright it's uh winchester x somthin and it's #4 says upland and small game which would explain why it works great on coons possums groundhogs ect

 

[NoWiser]

#9 shot or smaller TSS.

 

[TrapperJ]

#9 shot or smaller TSS.

So I need #9? I don't get the whole shotgun shot thing

 

[kansasdad]

There is a lot of difference between shooting a flushing quail and shooting a tom in his head/neck area. On flying birds you are “pointing” your barrel to get your shotstring to intercept a moving target down range. For a nearly/fully stationary turkey you are “aiming”.

I find that pointing is instinctual and snappy, while aiming is very deliberate, much more like shooting a single projectile down range. And remember to keep your cheek down on the stock as you carefully aim.

To get some idea of where you pellets are flying, you don’t have to get fancy with a store bought target. Get some cardboard and put a paper plate on the cardboard. (Making sure that you are shooting in a safe direction). In the middle of the plate you could even draw a turkey neck/head. Shoot at 15, 25 and 35 yards and count up how many pellets are in the paper plate/ on the bird outline. That should give you a good idea what your maximum range should be.

A.410 shot shell will not hold as many pellets as my 12 gauge gun will hold. The above recommended #9TSS makes a big difference because it is super dense and maintains down range knockdown power. One #9 shotshell will have a whole lot more pellets for the same weight compared to a larger size pellet size.

Be prepared for $$$ shock if you buy TSS. Perhaps 10x cost of a one of your current shell options.

 

[TrapperJ]

There is a lot of difference between shooting a flushing quail and shooting a tom in his head/neck area. On flying birds you are “pointing” your barrel to get your shotstring to intercept a moving target down range. For a nearly/fully stationary turkey you are “aiming”.

I find that pointing is instinctual and snappy, while aiming is very deliberate, much more like shooting a single projectile down range. And remember to keep your cheek down on the stock as you carefully aim.

To get some idea of where you pellets are flying, you don’t have to get fancy with a store bought target. Get some cardboard and put a paper plate on the cardboard. (Making sure that you are shooting in a safe direction). In the middle of the plate you could even draw a turkey neck/head. Shoot at 15, 25 and 35 yards and count up how many pellets are in the paper plate/ on the bird outline. That should give you a good idea what your maximum range should be.

A.410 shot shell will not hold as many pellets as my 12 gauge gun will hold. The above recommended #9TSS makes a big difference because it is super dense and maintains down range knockdown power. One #9 shotshell will have a whole lot more pellets for the same weight compared to a larger size pellet size.

Be prepared for $$$ shock if you buy TSS. Perhaps 10x cost of a one of your current shell options.

Oh shit yeah I've seen some box's 75 bucks and higher. I will pattern my gun soon my max and I mean max range could be 20 yards and while I do wish I had something like a 12 gauge I'm more then happy and comfortable with my trusty 410 I'll definitely compare my 2 different loads and see what's better

 

[TrapperJ]

Guys one last question why is everyone hunting turkeys at suck a distance? It seems all my shots are really close when I shot my 2 deer 1 was 10 feet or so away and the 2nd was 50 feet? And these turkeys there only gonna be 30 or 20 feet but I'm constantly hearing. Oh well if the turkeys 30 yards away or whatnot then do this or that. Why is that? There close enough where I'm hunting at that one could reach out and grab it

 

[kansasdad]

One issue with close shots is the size of the pattern of pellets will be golf ball diameter at 5 yards, softball diameter at 10 yards, so hitting the intended target (neck/head) is not a sure thing. I've killed turkeys at 4 yards, out to 50. I'll take a 20 yard shot over either extreme to still have a tighter pattern, but plenty of energy in each pellet to do its intended job.

 

[TrapperJ]

One issue with close shots is the size of the pattern of pellets will be golf ball diameter at 5 yards, softball diameter at 10 yards, so hitting the intended target (neck/head) is not a sure thing. I've killed turkeys at 4 yards, out to 50. I'll take a 20 yard shot over either extreme to still have a tighter pattern, but plenty of energy in each pellet to do its intended job.

That does make sense actually so essentially 5 yards more energy But less spread and 50 more spread less energy got it

 

[np307]

Guys one last question why is everyone hunting turkeys at suck a distance? It seems all my shots are really close when I shot my 2 deer 1 was 10 feet or so away and the 2nd was 50 feet? And these turkeys there only gonna be 30 or 20 feet but I'm constantly hearing. Oh well if the turkeys 30 yards away or whatnot then do this or that. Why is that? There close enough where I'm hunting at that one could reach out and grab it

You should video yourself calling a turkey in so close you can grab it.

 

[TrapperJ]

You should video yourself calling a turkey in so close you can grab it.

Alrighty I will gotta give it the one 2 kinda deal and hop out and grab it I also might take some bread so I can make a turkey sandwich

 

[Steiny77]

Don't know jack about turkey hunting but I've killed a few and have found it to be rather easy. First issue is having a hunting location with some birds.
I just set a hen decoy out in front of me about 25-30 yards in someplace rather open where they can spot it from a distance. Sit still, wear camo, and once they see it, they come to check it out and you just shoot them. Have probably done more damage calling than I have done good. Will leave that up to the pros.

I'd scrap the .410 and beg or borrow a 12ga. Turkeys are big birds, need to thump them pretty good.

 

[TrapperJ]

Don't know jack about turkey hunting but I've killed a few and have found it to be rather easy. First issue is having a hunting location with some birds.
I just set a hen decoy out in front of me about 25-30 yards in someplace rather open where they can spot it from a distance. Sit still, wear camo, and once they see it, they come to check it out and you just shoot them. Have probably done more damage calling than I have done good. Will leave that up to the pros.

I'd scrap the .410 and beg or borrow a 12ga. Turkeys are big birds, need to thump them pretty good.

I've been thinking on the hen idea I figured it would make them even more curious

As far as the 410 I ain't shooting 30 yards away I'm shooting very close and I can work that bolt very damn quick but I truly wouldn't mind bumming up a 12 ga

 

[NoWiser]

Don't know jack about turkey hunting but I've killed a few and have found it to be rather easy. First issue is having a hunting location with some birds.
I just set a hen decoy out in front of me about 25-30 yards in someplace rather open where they can spot it from a distance. Sit still, wear camo, and once they see it, they come to check it out and you just shoot them. Have probably done more damage calling than I have done good. Will leave that up to the pros.

I'd scrap the .410 and beg or borrow a 12ga. Turkeys are big birds, need to thump them pretty good.

I bought a 410 two days ago solely for turkey hunting. After patterning it, I can assure you, it’s a very capable turkey gun, but only with the proper ammunition.

 

[np307]

Don't know jack about turkey hunting but I've killed a few and have found it to be rather easy. First issue is having a hunting location with some birds.
I just set a hen decoy out in front of me about 25-30 yards in someplace rather open where they can spot it from a distance. Sit still, wear camo, and once they see it, they come to check it out and you just shoot them. Have probably done more damage calling than I have done good. Will leave that up to the pros.

I'd scrap the .410 and beg or borrow a 12ga. Turkeys are big birds, need to thump them pretty good.

.410 with TSS is a fine turkey setup.

 

[TrapperJ]

I bought a 410 two days ago solely for turkey hunting. After patterning it, I can assure you, it’s a very capable turkey gun, but only with the proper ammunition.

What ammo did you shoot?

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Biggest tip for a new turkey hunter is to sit really effing still. If he is coming in, do not move unless his head is behind a tree. They have zero curiosity.

Also, Missouri is the best state for turkeys. Their 1pm rule keeps turkeys acting like turkeys.

Good luck.