Introduction to Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. A dedicated turkey gun, also known as a turkey shotgun, is a type of shotgun designed specifically for turkey hunting. These guns typically feature a shorter barrel length, a pistol grip, and a turkey choke, which helps to produce tight patterns and increase the effective range. Turkey hunters often use a 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun, with some preferring smaller gauge shotguns for their lighter weight and reduced felt recoil. When choosing a turkey gun, it’s essential to consider factors such as barrel length, choke type, and shotgun gauge to ensure the best possible shot placement and pattern density.
Tailoring Your Shotgun to the Landscape
Turkey hunting is all about patience, precision, and putting your shot where it counts, much like deer hunting where similar strategies are employed. Principles of scouting and understanding animal behavior are crucial in both turkey and deer hunting, emphasizing the importance of knowing travel routes and employing patience.
Choosing the right shotgun gauge can give you a significant edge, especially when your terrain limits visibility or changes how close you can get to a bird. From open fields to dense hardwoods, different hunting environments reward different setups. Your choice of gauge should reflect how you plan to hunt, how far your average shot will be, and how comfortable you are with your shotgun’s recoil and weight. For shots at longer distances, 12 gauge shotguns are more efficient compared to smaller gauges, making them a preferred choice for serious turkey hunters.
The 12 Gauge: Most Common and Flexible
The 12 gauge is the workhorse of turkey hunting. It offers the best all-around performance, with a wide range of loads designed specifically for turkeys, including heavier-than-lead options and tight-patterning shells. The 12 gauge delivers extra punch, making it highly effective for longer shots, especially beyond 35 yards. Switching to a Carlson's TSS choke can further improve pellet distribution and accuracy. Whether you’re set up on the edge of a pasture or tucked into a tree line, the 12 gauge provides enough range and pattern density to handle the job. It’s especially well suited to open terrain where longer shots might be necessary. For hunters in rolling fields or open woods, the 12 gauge is the go-to option because of its balance between power and versatility. To shoot TSS effectively, specific chokes designed for TSS shot are essential for optimal performance.
The 20 Gauge: Lighter and More Manageable
The 20 gauge has become more popular in recent years, especially with the rise of high-performance turkey loads. These loads let the 20 gauge punch well above its weight class, offering dense patterns and reliable penetration out to forty yards or more. Lead shotshells can be effective but contain far fewer pellets compared to TSS options. A heavier shot charge impacts felt recoil during shooting, but features like a molded pistol grip and thick recoil pad help mitigate this effect, enhancing comfort and stability. In tight terrain like creek bottoms, thickets, or younger timber where shots tend to be closer, the 20 gauge really shines. It’s also a smart choice for hunters who prefer lighter guns or want less recoil. If you’re walking long distances or hunting in thicker terrain where maneuverability matters, a 20 gauge with pistol grips is often the better fit, providing a more rifle-like shooting experience and enhancing comfort.
The .410 Bore and 28 Gauge: Modern Ammo Making a Difference
Thanks to advances in tungsten shot, smaller gauges like the .410 and 28 are now viable options for turkey hunting. These high-density loads allow even the smallest bores to deliver tight, hard-hitting patterns at ethical ranges with Hevi Shot Hevi 18 turkey loads. Certain shotguns, like the .410 Mossberg 500, are known for producing the best patterns for turkey hunting, especially at distances of 40 yards.
In dense brush or when hunting pressured birds that require stealth and mobility, a .410 or 28 gauge paired with a short-barreled, lightweight gun can be deadly. These gauges are especially effective for experienced hunters looking for a challenge or youth hunters needing a more forgiving recoil. However, they demand precise shot placement and discipline on range limits. Semi-auto shotguns are particularly advantageous for hunters who favor less recoil and quicker follow-up shots, making them a preferred choice for bagging multiple birds.
Shotgun Accessories
Shotgun accessories can enhance the performance and functionality of a turkey gun. A good quality shotgun scope or red dot sight can improve accuracy and shot placement. A shotgun sling can help reduce fatigue and make it easier to carry the gun. A choke tube, can help produce tight patterns and increase the effective range. Ammo makers offer a range of turkey loads, including lead shot, steel shot, and TSS shotshells. Choosing the right accessories can depend on personal preference, hunting style, and the type of turkey being hunted.
Matching Gauge to Terrain
In wide open fields or hill country where longer shots are expected, the 12 gauge stands out, offering the accuracy and consistency needed for firing at moving targets, similar to shooting clay targets. The efficiency and reliability of modern hunting gear, such as a shell holder that allows for quick reloading without the ejector malfunctioning, further enhance your shooting experience.
The heavier payload gives you extra margin at extended distances. In mixed woods or light cover, the 20 gauge offers solid range and easier carry. In dense terrain like swamps, cedar thickets, or understory-heavy forest, the .410 or 28 gauge provides a fast-handling, low-recoil solution that works well with closer shots. The terrain not only affects your line of sight and shot distance, but also how easy it is to swing and aim. Choose a gauge that complements the space you’ll be moving through, and consider shotguns that can pull duty across multiple hunting scenarios, from turkey hunting to upland bird and waterfowl hunting.
Hunting in Open Fields
Hunting in open fields can be an effective way to hunt turkeys, especially during the spring season. Turkey hunters can use a combination of calls and decoys to attract turkeys to the field. A good understanding of turkey behavior and habitat is essential for successful hunting in open fields. Hunters should be aware of the wind direction, sun position, and terrain features that can affect turkey movement. Using a shotgun with a full choke and a good quality turkey load can help increase the chances of a successful hunt. It’s also essential to consider safety precautions, such as wearing blaze orange and being aware of other hunters in the area.
Confidence and Shot Placement Still Reign
No matter the gauge, success comes down to how well you know your equipment. Pattern your gun, experiment with new loads to achieve effective patterns, understand your limits, and make every shot count. For good measure, consider enhancements like modifying sights and chokes for improved performance. Each gauge has enough power to bring down a tom when used correctly. What matters more is matching your setup to your terrain and staying calm when that red head comes into view. With today’s ammo options, choke technology, and various barrel lengths affecting maneuverability and shooting efficiency in the field, nearly any gauge can be a reliable turkey gun when set up properly.
Safety Considerations
Safety is a top priority when it comes to turkey hunting. Hunters should always wear blaze orange and be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents. It’s essential to follow basic firearm safety rules, such as keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction and keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. Hunters should also be aware of their effective range and shot placement to avoid wounding or killing other animals. Additionally, hunters should respect private property and follow all relevant laws and regulations. By prioritizing safety, hunters can enjoy a successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience.
FAQs
What is the best gauge for turkey hunting overall?
The 12 gauge remains the most popular for its range, load options, and consistent performance in all types of terrain.
Is a 20 gauge good for turkey hunting?
Yes, especially with modern turkey loads. It offers less recoil and is ideal for wooded or brushy terrain with closer shot opportunities.
Can you hunt turkeys with a .410 or 28 gauge?
Yes, when paired with modern tungsten loads. These gauges are best for close-range hunting and require accurate shooting.
Which gauge should I use in thick woods?
A 20 gauge, 28 gauge, or .410 is often preferred in thick terrain due to their lighter weight and ease of movement.
Is a 10 gauge overkill for turkeys?
A 10 gauge offers heavy power but is generally unnecessary with today’s efficient 12 gauge and 20 gauge turkey loads.