I shot a good tom this yaer at 40 yrds. He just wouldn't come in any closer. Had a good clear shot down a dirt road. I took him as he started to go for the woods. I was using a 12ga over & under, full choke and 2 3/4" #4s. It shoots a good pattern at 30 yrds, but I knew it was going to be stretching it at the 40 yard mark.

I ran up to him and when I poked him he stood up. I gave him a few seconds to see what he was going to do, then finished him off. I think I was lucky. If he had been any further out I would have had to let him go.

50 yards is way too far for a 2 3/4" shell and a stretch for a 10ga. even with mag loads.