ORIGINAL: hometheaterman
ORIGINAL: hometheaterman
I don't like the limited distance of shotguns so would much prefer to use something like a .22. Anyone use a .22 rifle? Is it enough to take down a turkey? Seems like you could go for head shots and not be picking pellets out of the turkey either. That's another reason I see not to use a shotgun. Or is a shotgun just the best thing to use?
Most states don't allow hunting turkey with a rifle because it's dangerous and somewhat un-sporting. Check your state regulations, where are you hunting?
I know why I checked in the fall I couldn't find anything saying you couldn't hunt them with a .22. I just wasn't sure if they had enough power to take them down if you didn't shoot them in the head.
Why would it be unsporting? Not trying to sound like a jerk or an idiot I just really don't know. I don't want to be unsporting I've just never done much turkey hunting.
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Look in your states turkey hunting regulations. Just cause they don't say you can't hunt them with a .22 rifle doesn't make it legal. Most state regulations willtell youthe legal methods for hunting turkey. I think hunting them with a rifle is first and foremost dangerous because you have a lot of people in the woods dressed in camoflague making Turkey sounds with decoy's within 25 to 50 yards of them. It's dangerous enough with a shotgun. I also say it's unsporting because part of the challenge of turkey hunting is getting the bird within 40 yards without him spotting you take your shot. If some uses a long-range rifle (such as a .223 or other small varmint or deer caliber) it takes away from that challenge (this is just my opinion by the way). That being said, if you were to use a .22 and try and take a head shot, you would probably have to get the bird within 25 yards (and get the bird to stand still while you to make an ethical shot.If I were to hunt turkey with a rifle I think I would use something a little more powerful like a .17 hmr.