Maximum Range for turkeys misconception!

[bghunter777]

I read article after article that say 35 yards as the maximum effective range to take a turkey some will stretch it to 40. I am a fan of calling them close as much as anyone but lets be realistic guys. Why do we spend 100s of dollars on chokes and loads? If 35 or even 40 yards is all the farther we want to shoot at a turkey dont waste your money on the premium 5 dollar a shot loads or the super magnum guns. The old school lead 3 inch or even 2.75inch shells will kill a turkey 100% of the time at 35 yards with any reasonably tight choke. The tuth of it is we spend all the time and reasources on the equipment to increase our effective range. I am completely confident in my 835 at 50 yards and regardless if you agree with it or not would not hesitate to shoot out to 55 yards. I think with todays modern loads and equipment with all the advancements in shot density and pattern control 50 yard shots are completely ethical and 55 yard shot are not out of the question giving yourself 5 yard yardage judgement error.

What are your opinions on this topic? To say never shoot over 35 yards is absurd IMO. Get a light wieght affordable shotgun and choose whatever choke or shot size you want because none of that will matter at 35 yards and under.

[Strut10]

I've posted my opinion on this many times.

You are right. Today's chokes and loads can allow for kills at some spectacular distances. I've got a BPS 10 ga. that I could kill birds with virtually 100% of the time at 70 yards. It is a beyond freak-nasty choke/shot combo. Would I? Never.

My feelings are that if I have not called a gobbler (and not sneaked up on him or waited for him to walk by my blind) to 40 yards or less, I have not sufficiently defeated him enough to end his life. It's more a matter of my skills as a turkey hunter than my abilities as a turkey killer.

That's just me.

[Ethan Givan]

I agree that with most choke/ load combinations you can kill a turkey at 35 yards. I however want a combo that will pattern well out to about 45 yards that without a doubt in my mind will drop a turkey. Patterns that are fine at 35 yards can really fade in 10 more yards. I have tried a couple chokes and several shell types to get the best pattern I can at the range I have set. I think its rediculous to have a gun set up to kill turkeys at 75 yards. I would never want one like that. I want to call that bird in. Under most conditions I can sneak within 75 yards of a turkey. Killing a turkey would become a lot less challenging. I dont want that.

[camoman1]

The one I shot on friday dropped like a stone at 48 paces. The first 2 times I called him in he was at about 60....killable...maybe. But I wasnt going to risk it. I let this bird walk twice at a range I was not comfortable with. He came in again inside my comfort range and that was it.

[Rhino]

I agree with Strut...IMHO the hunt is the real trophy when it comes to spring turkey hunting...not killing the bird.

Although I know my shotgun/choke/load combination will kill past the 40 yard line I prefer to do my part to work them into that mark or closer. If I make a mistake in yardage judgement, I still have the right weapon/load combination where the risk of wounding birds is minimal.

The people writing those articles are expressing their own opinions while others writing other writers will disagree with them. Back in the old days when special purpose screw in turkey chokes were nonexistent along with special purpose turkey loads, I would agree with the 35/40 yard max effective range. All we had in those days were full choke barrels & whatever 3" mag lead loads were available. Those days have long since come and gone.

Edited May 2, 2010 by Rhino

[Flintlock1776]

I have dropped them at 60 yards

Mossberg Ulti Mag 12 GA 3/12" hevi Shot #6 (always) Bushnell Holo Sight and Primos Jelly Head.

When you have the best forget the rest!

Click on photo

Practice:

Practice makes perfect:

[Strut10]

...IMHO the hunt is the real trophy when it comes to spring turkey hunting...not killing the bird.

Very well worded.

[bghunter777]

I agree with you all completely that the thrill of the hunt comes with getting them up close and personal. I am simply explaining my disagreement with these writers and many people that will tell you to never under any circumstance shoot over 35 yards. Sort of a different side note I am not a fan of number 6 shot although it will give you the best pattern bc there are almost two times as many of those as number 4 shot. 6s do lack down range kinetic energy I would much rather have fewer pellets with enough energy than tons of 6s. Getting back to the density and amount of shot they pack into these magnum shells 4s and certainly 5s give you plenty of pellets in the kill zone.

[Jorden]

I'd say the maximum range I would try a shot at would be 50 yards but that is a decision I would make in the field. I agree that the thrill comes from having them get close close and when your heart gets pumping real hard but I would never pass up a bird just because he didnt come to like 20 yards.

[pointing_dogs_rule]

I agree with Strut...IMHO the hunt is the real trophy when it comes to spring turkey hunting...not killing the bird.

Same here.

good luck to all

the dog

[Flintlock1776]

40-60 yards has worked for me. One shot and done to boot!

[Goinghuntin]

I shoot out to 50 yards, I don't really feel comfortable shooting any further based on my equipment. If I could get better patterns further, based on the scenario, I might take a shot further.

Nathan