new to turkey hunting

[jwinkeler]

hello everyone, i was unsure of where to post this so if this topic has its own area that i may have missed would a moderator please move it, anyways, i am looking forinsight or guidance on turkey hunting specificly on ammunition choice(i have a 12 gauge) camo reccomendations, along with camo would marpat woodland work? and hunting areas in the NOVA area or close to it.
much appreciated
Joe

[Vahunter]

Pattern your gun with a few different shot sizes like #4,#5 and #6. What ever throws the best pattern then use it. I use 3 1/2" #6's in my Mosberg 935. You can get turkey targets (head and neck) at most any sporting goods store that sells hunting equipment. For camo whatever you use make sure it's from head to toe and make sure all reflective items such as watchs, rings ect are well covered.

[jwinkeler]

Thank you, just curious why head shots? Are body shots less effective? I would think at longer ranges a torso shot would be easier? Sorry if that is a stupid question

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[Sotiris]

The feathers catch most of the shot on the body making it pretty much a wasted shot. Any pellets that do manage to penetrate the body that you then don't find when cleaning the bird will cause someone eating it later to probably crack a tooth

[jwinkeler]

Ah alright that makes sense, thank you

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[jwinkeler]

just curious would a .308 or .223 bolt action rifle be excessive?

[SgtBill]

just curious would a .308 or .223 bolt action rifle be excessive?

Not if you like what is left as Turkey Burger.
Yes way too much gun for Turkeys. For the most part it will destroy most of the edible meat.
Unless you are good enough to do only head shot's.
Bill

[gunderwood]

just curious would a .308 or .223 bolt action rifle be excessive?

Not if you like what is left as Turkey Burger.
Yes way too much gun for Turkeys. For the most part it will destroy most of the edible meat.
Unless you are good enough to do only head shot's.
Bill

Practicing for those zombie turkeys, eh?

[Vahunter]

When using a rifle I have found that a .22 mag is ideal. I have shot them with a .308 with very little damage. Just put the bullet where the neck meets the body or just up from the legs. A raking shot across the back with a large bore woks too.

[zephyp]

You dont need a rifle or any gun to go turkey hunting. A simple cloth bag like a pillow case will do. Go between midnight and 2am. Find a dark spot and hold the bag open while calling...gobble gobble gobble...

[M1A4ME]

We've always used shotguns at home. I took a .223 to the woods a couple of times but never took a shot at a turkey with it.

We use dogs at home (in the fall) as the grouse dogs get real excited over turkeys.

I've read of folks using dogs in the flat lands (like down here in this part of VA). They let the dog break up the flock, call the dog back to them, then sit down and use a turkey call to try to get them to walk back to the point where they were jumped by the dog.

As far as shot size goes. Believe it or not my dad has put a pile of turkeys on the ground with 7&1/2's. Running or flying. We're grouse hunting and the dog jumps turkeys. No time to pull the 7&1/2's out and put bigger shot in.

learn to judge distance. Big shot, big bores and magnum loads only do part of the job of letting your "reach out there". Too far and the turkey still gets away and you end up looking for something to blame. Make sure they're in range when you pull that trigger.