After the Shot
 

I hunted turkeys last year and didn't get anything, but I have a question. I was wondering last year: If you get a turkey I notice on all the shows the turkey is still flopping around. Do you wait till the turkey dies and then go up to it? Is there something else that can be done? Like I said I'm new to this so take it easy on me guys, because I know this sounds like a dumb question.

RE: After the Shot
 

Unless I really clobber him, I usually run over and stand on it's neck til it quits flopping. There have been a lot of birds lost when they just get knocked silly for a while and get up and run or fly off. There have been a couple of times when I had to whacka bird for another guy who just grazed him.

RE: After the Shot
 

Get on it and get there quick.

RE: After the Shot
 

thx for the info guys.

RE: After the Shot
 

When you go up to the bird be carefull. If he has good spurs dont grab him until hes dead. Unless you want stiches.

RE: After the Shot
 

if you grab one dont grab the legs or u will be spurred and it aint no fun .i agree with the standin on the head or grabbin by the head .

RE: After the Shot
 

And though you have knocked him over be ready with your gun for a possible second shot...keep it on him....when walking up to the bird....don't run remember that is a loaded gun...do watch the turkey.....if he is flopping and his head and neck look like a rubber band flopping around - his neck is broken........but if if ya just grazed him and he is laying there with neck outstretched take notice where his legs are....if laying on his side - okay--but tucked under him he could launch hisself faster than you can blink an eye. If his eyes are blinking with outstreacthed neck whack him again......I didn't and lost a bird this way.....a long long time ago....


JW

RE: After the Shot
 

Get up and get to the turkey ASAP and get your foot on his neck. Rather be safe than sorry. I've had two that got away from me after appearing to knock them out. Keep your gun readyand don'twaste any time admiring the bird before getting your foot on him. Plenty of time for that after he is finished flopping.

RE: After the Shot
 

Have to agree with about everyone. I remember the first few I went running up and then put a head on neck until the flopping stopped if it was. Now, and do it after shows I have seen, where a second bird comes running back or shows up to see what has happened, or take it out on a turkey down. Gives a partner a chance to score a double, or in some states where legal, to fill your tag right that moment. I do how ever, hold the gun at ready until I am sure the turkey is not getting up, or stops flopping. I too have hit one, saw it go forward like hit then take off running before you could get to it, or get a second shot. So you got to be prepared. And in case you are wondering the bird was seen about a mile away hauling a** when we cleared the tree line and he was moving across the field! [8D]

RE: After the Shot
 

Sorta as JW mentioned, If his head is up in the air, I'd whack him with another shot. If the head is down get over and stand on his neck and watch out for spurs.

RE: After the Shot
 

Let me clarify a bit.....

I have gotten old...so running is out of the question......being old and sitting for some time I am stiff......so now I take my time but never ever take my eyes off that bird.......if like I said he is flopping on the ground and his neck seems like a broken piece of rubber hose...he aint' going anywhere!

However after the shot and the grass is high an he disappears.....oh ya...I am going to be looking for him.....but I am always ready to take a second shot and do so IF....things don't seem right!

And so far......NO more lost birds! Ain't going down that road ever again!

JW

RE: After the Shot
 

If you are young, get up and get after. Make sure that safety is on and another shell in the chamber, then get your foot on his neck or get ready to blast him again.
Its amazing how strong these birds are, and even though you just might have peppered him with shot, he might still be ready to put up a fight.

Watch out for spurs though...I learned that the hard way[&:]

RE: After the Shot
 

I had a friend of mine tell me to step on the head at the beginning of season last year. Shot my turkey, proceeded over and stepped on the head. His legs then started going crazy on my other leg. One step back and another shot and that was over. On the way out I ran into my friend who asked what the second shot was for so I told him and he started laughing and said next time try to grab the legs first then step on the head.

RE: After the Shot
 

If he is flopping and it doesn't look like he's gonna get up right away, I run on out to him and step on his neck till he quits flopping.

RE: After the Shot
 

Since a second shot is not an option with me..flintlock..I run and get one foot on the head and the other way back so I can lean back out of the way of the spurs. Most times they will get on their back and start flopping the wings and kicking straight up and back with the legs trying to spur whatever's got them.