Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I will prefice this post by saying that I am a deer hunter first and foremost, but my family is purchasing some land (for deer hunting) that has a large turkey population on it. I was reading the Oklahoma regulations last night and found that using a rifle to hunt turkeys is legal (even 22 magnum and 17 HMR). My question to the "turkey hunters" here is, when using a rifle to hunt turkeys, do you still "set up" like you would shotgun hunting or use a stand like you would to hunt deer? My only experience with turkeys was 18 years ago when I was on a place in south Texas that had them. Even then, I didn't hunt them, but the guys that did shot them from deer stands. I am wantiing to take my son up in April to turkey hunt and am trying to learn about the process before I go. Thanks!

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I haven't tried it personally since it isn't legal here, but I'd go with a tree stand.

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

in ca, you're not allowed to use rifle, so i don't know poop about it. i like the shotgun becuase it's a challenge and it is exciting when you get a big bird gobblin and struttin only feet away. happy hunting;)

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

That is your choice, but why even use a rifle. I know it may be legal, but turkey hunting is all about working a gobbler into shotgun range. If you are going strictly for meat and not for the thrill of working a big longbeard into close range, then go for it, but I would personally never hunt turkeys with a rifle even if it were legal. I'm not knocking you for trying it though. Nothing like a big longbeard strutting and gobbling 25 yards from you.

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I feel the same way!:)

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

Getting em close1 That's the name of the game!

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I would agree. Leave the rifle for the deer. That's not based on "ethics" or what I think is wrong or right but just knowing what a good turkey hunt is about. If you want to introduce yourself and your son to the sport then enjoy it for what it is. It's all about the hunt and not necessarily the kill. I say not necessarily because I don't buy into the "i don't have to kill one" thing. I sure as heck want to kill one every time I hit the bush. BUT you'll get the turkey hunting bug when you call in a gobbler to inside 30 yds, watching him spit, drum, strut and gobble as he comes. That is the rush! Note I didn't mention shooting one. Yup it's icing on the cake and why you're carrying a gun when you do shoot him but you'll get the rush long before pulling the trigger.

I think the primary reason it isn't legal in other places is the safety factor. It sems it is the wide open areas of the west that allow it. If you do get hooked and want to go somehwere else chances are the rifle will not be legal.

Learn to hun them with a shotgun and enjoy the rush!

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I would have to agree with the others...definitely use a shotgun and expierence a real turkey hunt. If you do this, you may take back the statement that you are a deer hunter first and foremost. There is nothing better than turkey hunting!

I have shot a turkey once with a 17 and I don't think I would do it again. The bird I shot was a small jake on the last day of turkey season and when I hit it, he slammed to the ground, got up and took off flying for about 150 yards or so...folded like a dove and slammed into a tree. The first thought I had when I saw him get up and fly was the 17 was strong enough. If you are going to use a rifle, which I encourage you to try the shotgun for 90% of the season before using a rifle, then use something bigger than a 17. Just my two cents....

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

I know a dedicated deer hunter like you and he can't stand the thought of having a 40 or 50 yard limit. It's good for me though because a rifle is not legal in Tennessee so my buddy and I get to turkey hunt on his land.

Sounds like you might have to learn how to turkey hunt with a rifle on your own since most folks know nothing about it. So get out there and pick off a couple longbeards and get back on here and tell all of us what we're missing out on:D

BTW if I could use a rifle I would. You can still call em in and kill em with a rifle or let er rip when they hang up at 65 yards out.

RE: Turkey Hunting with a Rifle
 

Rifles areonly legal in the fall in most of western OK andnormally turkeys are not very responsive to calls in the fall. I have had good luck ambushing the flocks along travel routes and feeding fields. It is difficult to sneak closer than 150-200 yds when 300-400 turkeys are feeding on a flat wheat field and always watching. That is when a scoped rifle can be used successfully.

I too prefer calling them close in the spring and using a healthy dose of #4 shot to cure my aching.