Monte Burch - The Pocket Guide to Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting: A Hunters Quick Reference Book

Copyright 1989, 2015 by Monte Burch

First Skyhorse Publishing edition 2015

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Brian Peterson

Cover illustration: Thinkstock

Print ISBN: 978-1-63450-448-5

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63450-466-9

Printed in China

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Turkey hunting has become one of the most popular hunting sports in America. Thanks to modern game management, increasing enforcement of poaching problems, the work of organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, and a growing respect and love for their favorite trophy by hunters, the wild turkey population has been growing across the country. Turkey populations are now higher in many parts of the country than before the settlement of this country. Wild turkeys have also been successfully stocked in many areas where they were non-existent or never plentiful.

Wild turkey hunting offers a great deal to the hunter; first, the enjoyment of being in the woods and hunting during the best times of the year. Its hard to beat the pleasant experiences of spring when everything in the outdoors is bursting with new life. In the fall, the brilliantly colored woods and cool days beckon just as enticingly.

The single most important reason for the popularity of turkey hunting is the challenge offered. Wild turkeys, especially a mature gobbler, hunted properly in a one-on-one situation can be the single toughest, smartest, spookiest trophy in America. Turkey hunting is always exciting and challenging and as often frustrating as rewarding. Many hunters find it quite addictive.

Although certain skills and gear are required to consistently take turkeys, turkey hunting is not just for experienced woodsmen. The necessary skills and techniques can be learned quite easily by almost anyone with practice and the desire. You can also successfully hunt turkeys with a minimum of gear. A simple camouflage suit, one box call, and a gun and shells are the basic requirements.

You may wish to carry this book in your pocket and refer to it as necessary until you master the woodsmanship and skills needed to hunt one of Americas greatest trophies. Good Luck and enjoy your hunts!

1. GUNS

Although almost any shotgun can be used for turkey hunting, a number of turkey hunting models are available.

Like most guns, turkey guns are highly personal. Your best choice, if youre already a shotgun hunter, may be an old favoriteone youre familiar with and can shoot well. For the first timers or even the experienced turkey hunters choosing a gun specifically for turkey hunting, some guns are better suited than others. Turkeys have been killed with everything from .410s to 10 gauges. Turkeys can be hard to kill and you can be under gunned with a lightweight such as a .410. On the other hand, a 10 gauge is not a good choice either, although often touted as a good turkey gun. Although a 10 gauge does have more killing power, it tends to create long-range shooters and more crippling of birds.

A 12-gauge semiautomatic, chambered for 3-inch magnum shells, is probably the single best choice in a turkey gun, although pump and double fans will argue. The semiautomatic offers more and quicker back-up shots, although three shots (but normally two) are usually the limit youre going to get at a wild turkey.