How tough to get started?

[MtnMike2]

I would really like to hunt something in the springtime but I don't have any turkey hunter friends. How hard would it be to watch some videos about calls, find a likely place, set out a decoy maybe and bag a gobler? Some of the shows I've watched have expert callers that say you have to know the different moods and sort of "speak the language" but what if you just use the most basic calls and don't overdo it. What are the odds? Please advise.


Mike

[Jack]

What you want to do is quite possible.
Probably the most important thing you need is some land where there are turkeys. Turkey hunting often requires more area than some other kinds of hunting.
As far as equipment, get a box call. That's the basic call everyone uses, and it's the easiest to master. Any of the videos on the market will show you what a turkey sounds like. Don't get too wrapped up in making lots of different kinds of calls.
You also may want a turkey choke for your shotgun, and some sights- you'll be aiming your shotgun like a rifle, so, you may want some sights or a red dot or a scope on the gun.
A decoy isn't mandatory, but it can help. That, and some camo clothing, a facemask, a pad to sit on, and you're ready to go.

[MtnMike2]

Thanks Jack. Gives me something to think about during these winter months. I have a Rem 870 Express and have the 3 standard chokes for it, but I'll look into a turkey choke. I'm assuming it is a tighter pattern at a certain distance?


Mike

[Jack]

Yes, Mike, a turkey choke is a tighter constriction than your full choke tube. Usually a turkey choke is longer, too, and may have some holes, etc to help the wad separate from the shot charge.
Check your state regulations for what shot sizes you can use. Turkey loads tend to be heavy payload, high velocity loads with shot sizes between #2 and #8. The idea is that you want to put a dense pattern of shot on a turkey's head/neck area. Turkey feathers are big, and can stop a lot of shot- enough so that a body shot is ill advised.
As far as calling videos, remember that the guys making those videos are selling videos and calls- they make it sound like you have to be a world champion, and use only their magical call. All of which is crap. Learn to yelp and cluck on your box call, and go hunting. And remember this: not all people sound exactly alike- and neither do turkeys. If you don't sound quite like Joe World Champion, don't worry about it.

[Jack]

Mike, you could start with your full choke tube, too. You probably won't be able to shoot as far as you would with a turkey choke, but, I'd guess you'd have a decent pattern at 30 yards, which is often plenty far.
Which brings up something else. It is vital to pattern your gun. Different loads perform differently- some loads your gun will like, some it won't. And there's no way to tell except pattern a few.
Another thing: when you're trying to throw a dense tight pattern, you don't have much room for error in aiming. You need to know which loads shoot to point of aim, and which don't. You're going to be surprised to find some loads shoot high, low, left or right.

[dovehunter]

Jack has given you some really good advice. About the only thing I would ad is, when you buy your ammo, make sure you get dedicated turkey loads (which usually come with premium, buffered shot). They will pattern a lot tighter than regular loads. They will cost more but, believe me, they are worth it. Personally, I would advise against scoping your shotgun. I have never seen the need for anything but the sights that come on the gun. Around here you'll never get a shot over about 30 yds. anyway and for that the factory sights are usually sufficient. Patterning you gun will tell you if it's centering the pattern at your point of aim.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

What you described doing is basically how I went about doing it.....I didn't know anyone who turkey hunted, so I got some books, video tapes, and calling tapes and read & listened. Box calls, as noted, are the easiest to learn on, and you only need to learn a couple of calls to get started. Also, I would suggest patterning your gun with your full & modified chokes prior to buying a turkey choke....I found that my full choke in my 870 express was plenty tight enough for turkey hunting.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is scouting.....get out in the woods pre season and look for birds & signs of birds BEFORE the season starts; that way you will know where they are when the season opens. Look for tracks, feathers, dusting sites, dropppings, ect. The books & tapes should give you more info, but that is the basic gist of it.
As for patterning, I would suggest trying 3 or 4 different turkey loads......I like #5 shot, but anything from #4s to #6s work well for most folks. Look for buffered loads with nickle or copper plated shot....both will help to tighten patterns. Finally, I like to use where the neck joins the body as an aiming point....if you are a little off, the load will still be lethal, and if recoil is severe or you are off balance, you will still put enough pellets in the head and neck to be lethal.
Good luck..................

[dovehunter]

Originally Posted by Mr. 16 gauge

...One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is scouting.....get out in the woods pre season and look for birds & signs of birds BEFORE the season starts; that way you will know where they are when the season opens. Look for tracks, feathers, dusting sites, dropppings, ect...

Really good advice here - probably the best that has been given yet. Let me expand on that by saying get out to the areas you want to hunt before daybreak and listen for gobbles as the birds come down from the roost. Move to different spots while doing this. If you don't here anything you might try using a bard owl or crow call to make one shock gobble. Good luck!

[MtnMike2]

Thank you all for your replies. Excellent info here. I'll let you know how it goes.... especially if I'm lucky enough to bag one!

Mike