Getting Started: Shotgun, Calls, etc....

[billygoat]

OK- I think I am getting excited. Just a few questions from those of you who have done this "Turkey thing".

I have an 870 Remington, but only have a slug barrel.

1) what type of barrel should I get for my shotgun, to match up well with the Turkey? Model number or sight type would be helpful.

2) what type of call is best to start out with? box, slate, mouth???

3) do I use my fall bow camo for clothing?

4) should I hunt from a blind or from cover?

[hutchies]

Re: Getting Started: Shotgun, Calls, etc....

1.Remchoke barrel with a single or double bead will work great. You just want a barrel that has interchangable chokes to put it simply.

2. If you can use a mouth call then go for it. I just can't do it. I carry 4 calls with me when I hit the woods. Box call and 3 slate calls.

3.Fall camo should be fine. I always make sure and wear a facemask and gloves.

4. If you are shotgun hunting just get in some brush you don't need a blind. If you are going to archery hunt any I would recommend a blind.

Get ready cause once you hear that first gobbler react to your call on that early spring morning you WILL be hooked.

[VtBowhunter]

Re: Getting Started: Shotgun, Calls, etc....

Not too sure on the gun part as I only Bowhunt turkeys, but I can help with the rest.

I'ld pick up a slate, box, and diaphram call. I use Primos calls but you'll definately be trying more calls then you can count soon enough, lol. Practice with the slate and box calls first, and once you're comfortable with them move on to the diaphram. This one will take you the longest to master, and it's best to learn that one as you go, but you'll definately want to learn the other 2 types first as they are the easiest.

Fall camo works fine for spring too. I use the HD Green stuff and have great luck with it.

If you have a blind already, then it won't hurt to use it. It will conceal you from the rookie mistakes we all make while turkey hunting for the first time. Remember how good a deer's eyes are and then multiply that about 10 times........turkeys can see you blink from distances you wouldn't believe.

[Guest cowpoke]

Re: Getting Started: Shotgun, Calls, etc....

What 870 do you have? If you have the express with the monte carlo stock you may want to get the rem choke barrel with the rifle sights on it for better lining up of the eye and the sights. If you have a regular stock on it then they make a vent rib 20 or 21 inch rem choke barrel, that will work fine, or a 26 inch vent rib rem choke would be workable too, but not quite a easy to manuever if you are hiding in tight cover.

[Chrud]

Re: Getting Started: Shotgun, Calls, etc....

As far as a new barrel for your shotgun, I like 24" myself. Also like Tru-Glo sights. I like 24" because it still patterns very well at all distances and is easier to manuever in the woods.

Start with a box call. They are fool proof.

Your fall bowhunting camo will work fine, as long as it is Realtree or Advantage.

I don't like to gun hunt turkeys from a blind. If I've got a shotgun with me, I go after turkeys. Setting up a blind might tend to make a guy want to go there and the birds might not be there. Roosting them the night before and finding a good spot there would be more productive than setting up a blind and waiting for the birds to come by or call them in, especially if they aren't roosted there.