I have never turkey hunted before, but I have hunted all of my life. Since the turkey population is skyrocketing here in central NC and everyone that I know who turkey hunts loves it, I am going to pick it up starting this spring. So I have a few questions for the board.
1. Do I need to buy a new shotgun? I have a Remington 1100 2 3/4", which has the standard wood stock with a blued barrel. Do I need a 3 1/2" camo model or does it really make a difference? It would give me an excuse to buy a new gun though.
2. Which type of call is the best and should I start practicing now? I hunt deer in a club on leased land and a buddy from work asked if we were allowed to hunt turkey. I found out that we were and he said that he would call for me if I wanted, so I may have this covered?
3. Is there a good resource to use to learn how to scout for sign and how to choose the best place to set up? Just looking for some tips and tricks.
Like I said, I have been hunting since I was small, so I know about hunting safety and edicit. I am just looking for some insight into the species and hunting tactics.
Reefdonkey, welcome aboard. Here is my 2 cents to your questions.
If you don't want to pony up the bucks for a new shotgun, just get some camo tape for you gun and use #2 loads, packs almost as much pop as a 3 1/2, just with a smaller amount of shot. I started out using a 20 gauge and killed a bunch before I got my 12. As for calls, get a raspy hen diaphragm call (there are many good ones out there) and start practicing. I would also recommend getting a box call and a push/pull call. Push/pull is idiot proof, and the box call is pretty easy to use with a little practice. I would also get a locator call, up north here the barred owl hooter is a surefire locator. Use this in the PM/early AM to located roosted birds. As for scouting, look for dropped feathers and lots of droppings. This will usually tell you where birds have roosted. You can also see where they scratch for food by looking for little bare circles in the leaves (looks like mini deer scrapes. Once you get outfitted, spend as much time as you can in the woods scouting and hunting. Don't worry about mistakes, as you learn you will make plenty of them. Good luck and let the feathers fly.
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welcome to the world of turkey huntin'....you'll never be the same.
i have a remington 1100...i can use either 2 3/4 or 3in....i've never put camo tape on my gun but i'm not saying it's a bad thing...just not necessary....i also use #4's.
when you're scoutin' look for J shaped terds...those are gobbler poops...also look for scratching and dusting areas....also do some scoutin' and try to roost them the night before.
for beginners i would get a box call....they are more simple to use than the mouth calls.
also, make sure you have yourself covered in camouflage...they can see a knat land on a skeeter's butt.
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The most awesome sound in the world is a gobbling turkey first thing in the morning. I would say use turkey hunting as an excuse to get a new shotgun. I use a trustworthy Mossberg 500 with a turkey choke. Mossberg makes a good gun and not real expensive. Believe me it works just as well as the higher priced guns. I wouldnt trade mine for the world. I would say use a slate call or box call to start out, although they do have the easy yelpers that are real easy to use. Then move on up to a mouth call. I prefer Quaker Boy. Practice makes perfect. Make sure you scout your area well and know what the turkey are doing. Makes things a whole lot easier. Just my thoughts Arrowmaster
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Hey welcome to turkey hunting! ill try best i can to answer some of ur ?'s.
About ur gun, u dont need to go out and buy a new camo gun or even put camo tape on. ur gun should do just fine as long as u stay still when ur huntin.
A box call works just fine. its nice and easy to use and brings in gobblers just as well as more complex calls. but make sure u dont get it wet!!!
Ifur looking for turkey sign or just a place to hunt, ive had my best luck in thick brushy areas. also look for tracks and places where they have been scratching on old logging roads.
You will love turkey hunting.
Most folks really prefer a 3" gun or a 3 1/2". 3" is plenty and 2 3/4" has killed a lot of birds so if you can't afford it or don't want a new gun, take what you got and enjoy. Camo tape would help hide the shiny blue barrel tho.
Get a few calls. Practice now and practice often. Several good tapes are out to help you learn.Hang around here often,and don't be afraid to go out on your own. However, if your friend hunts turkeys, having a mentor will speed up the learning curve.
Have fun, this stuff is a real blast!
I have never turkey hunted before, but I have hunted all of my life. Since the turkey population is skyrocketing here in central NC and everyone that I know who turkey hunts loves it, I am going to pick it up starting this spring. So I have a few questions for the board.
1. Do I need to buy a new shotgun? I have a Remington 1100 2 3/4", which has the standard wood stock with a blued barrel. Do I need a 3 1/2" camo model or does it really make a difference? It would give me an excuse to buy a new gun though.
2. Which type of call is the best and should I start practicing now? I hunt deer in a club on leased land and a buddy from work asked if we were allowed to hunt turkey. I found out that we were and he said that he would call for me if I wanted, so I may have this covered?
3. Is there a good resource to use to learn how to scout for sign and how to choose the best place to set up? Just looking for some tips and tricks.
Like I said, I have been hunting since I was small, so I know about hunting safety and edicit. I am just looking for some insight into the species and hunting tactics.
Thanks in advance.
1. I'll never shoot a 3.5" shell. 3" is plenty kick and kill. Camo finish ona gun is nice, but unnecessary, IMO.
2. You'll want to learn to call anyway. But its better to have an experienced hunter to help you get started.
3. Your best resource will be a mentor. You can glean a lot of stuff ona board like this also.
Welcome to turkey hunting, Reef. I've only been hunting turkeys for a few years, and it's a blast. Looks like you're getting a lot of good info. I'd agree that you have plenty of gun. Just pattern it with loads and shot sizes until you're putting the lead where you want it. For calls, I use box, slate and diaphragm. For some reason, I always have a "hesitation" problem when I start up with the box. Don't have that problem with a slate. Also, it's easier for me to do a variety of calls with the slate. If you're hunting by yourself, you'll really need the mouth call once the bird gets close enough to see you. Purring with the mouth call is deadly. Different calls are also a good idea because sometimes that old tom will only respond to the one that he likes, so it's best to have some variety. Good luck!
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I'll just go down the line and answer your questions.
1. No you dont have to have a camo 3.5 inch gun. I wouldn't hurt to spend a little money and at least be able to shoot 3 inch shells. Also, you will need a turkey choke so make sure you can put one in either your 1100 or new gun if you choose to get one.
2. If your buddy hunts turkey and says he'll call for you, let him do so. It will help you learn a lot about hunting turkeys if you hunt with a turkey hunter. As far as types of calls, box calls work great for beginners because they are easy to work and sound great. I would buy one and maybe a couple of mouth call and yes, Practice, practice, practice. Even if your buddy will call for you this year, You will want to know how.
3. Search on the internet and order the video called"So, you want to be a turkey hunter" by Hunters Specialties. It has a lot of great info for a beginning hunter. Good luck and dont be afraid to ask any more questions you may have. I love to help new turkeys hunters.
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