I'm late joining this topic but my take on it is that a body shot on an unwounded gobbler isn't very wise. If he was going away then he could still have been shot in the head and neck. If he wasn't spooked if the head and neck were hidden then a little patience would have been in order.
As to the public land vice private land comment the OP made, I agree with others that it makes absolutely no difference. A low percentage shot is a low percentage shot no matter where it is taken. As always, feel free to disagree.