Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Had a situation last year with a bird I anchored, but was not dead. I ran up and put my foot on his head, but the soil was soft and it took longer than it should have. Any animal I hunt I want dead as quickly and humanely as possible, as I would hope we all do, and so this bothered me.

Anybody have a better way to handle this other than stepping on the head?

I did a little looking and found this video by a goose hunter, but it would probably work for us as well.

https://youtu.be/j_iS_dUiKCk

 Since you don't want to step on his head, I suggest you shoot him again, at closer range the second time.

I've broken the necks of birds in my hands before, but I'd think a good heavy stone or a fishing "priest" would do the job as quickly as you could swing it.

A turkey is considerably larger than even a large goose...  I don't think you could get the momentum to dispatch a turkey the same way.

Typically, I have stepped on the head, reached down, and twisted the neck...

I started using product call The Finisher for waterfowl, and it works really well...  Tried it once last year for a turkey, and it was effective...  It is about the size of a house key, and the only issue with turkey hunting, is having it somewhere easily accessible (to finish a bird) and not loose it.

Ducks/geese have feathers, and bending the head makes it easier to use, but the lack of feathers on a turkey, makes it easier to find the insertion point quickly.  I stepped on his head, and inserted the device...

Honestly, every bird I shoot is still flopping around, and I generally break their necks, or as last year inserted the finisher, and the birds still keep flopping.  But, having watched "flopping" bird get up and walk away while hunting with (a very disappointed) friend, I take no chances, and nor do I want to chance a bird needlessly suffering even if it does not escape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SlvYafJOFs

I have killed a lot of birds by breaking their necks like in the video.   FYI, If you spin them to many times their head pops off.  I normally hold the bird up in the air though.  I haven't tried it on the ground, but it would probably be lot easier with a big old Tom.

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I'm usually a foot on the throat and pull legs taut. I had a couple rock incidents go bad on soft ground. If I'm in a place where foot on the throat won't work nowadays I just wring it's neck like a chicken. All of this, of course, sounds horrible, and it is, but I'm with you on finishing things as quickly as possible. Most times, though, even when it seems long to us it's really not. I'd take a load of #4s to the face, a fierce flopping, and having my neck wrung in under 60 seconds to cancer any day of the week.


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Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 20, 2022, 10:27:52 PM
I'm usually a foot on the throat and pull legs taut.

X2

Sounds a bit cruel.  But it's actually pretty quick.

I wouldn't recommend clubing a turkey, I've done it and it's ugly and not very effective. I have also used a knife to the neck which works well but you will get blood all over place so its not ideal especially if you want to mount  feathers. I've used that finisher on waterfowl a few years ago, never on turkeys but I dont see why it wouldn't work.  I agree we owe it to the animal to dispatch quickly but I really think direct hard pressure on the neck is just about the best thing you can do. 

Foot on the neck and pull legs tight as Chester said, or if the ground is too soft/wet, hold it up by the neck tightly. Holding them by the neck seems just as quick.


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Quote from: Yoder409 on March 20, 2022, 10:39:50 PM

Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 20, 2022, 10:27:52 PM
I'm usually a foot on the throat and pull legs taut.

X2

Sounds a bit cruel.  But it's actually pretty quick.

This

Ring it's neck. Had to this weekend actually, wish I'd of had one of those trusty frying pans though... MTH guys will get it.

Keep a couple of field loads in your pocket and shoot him again.  Handy for snakes too.

I've always just grabbed them by neck and spun them a time or two, I do it without thinking just run right up and grab them all in one motion. Fastest way in my opinion but dont expect the flopping to stop immediately

knife inserted at the bottom of the head and up into the brain.

only do this if the bird is still alive but somewhat docile/subdued.  don't want to be waving a knife around a bird kicking its legs and flopping its wings like crazy

i grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I like to actually sit on the bird with wings tucked tight against the body, while firmly holding his throat.  As he let's air out, he can breathe anymore in, and chest keeps collapsing.  It may take 30s to a minute, but seems peaceful and respectful to the animal, while minimizing damage to plumage and risk of injury to myself from the bird thrashing around.

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Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 10:27:38 AMI grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I probably know as many duck hunters that use this method as don't...  And it started long before the Duck Commander made it popular.

Fine for smaller ducks, but a bit "tough on the teeth" for larger ones...  I was never enthusiastic about this method, although it is very effective.  I currently have a "Finisher" on my lanyard, and it works well for waterfowl species of all sizes...  As mentioned above, I used it on a turkey last season...  It does make some birds bleed excessively for a bit.

Stretch their neck. Foot just below head and pull tight on feet.

Quote from: Marc on March 21, 2022, 12:56:44 PM

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 10:27:38 AMI grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I probably know as many duck hunters that use this method as don't...  And it started long before the Duck Commander made it popular.

Fine for smaller ducks, but a bit "tough on the teeth" for larger ones...  I was never enthusiastic about this method, although it is very effective.  I currently have a "Finisher" on my lanyard, and it works well for waterfowl species of all sizes...  As mentioned above, I used it on a turkey last season...  It does make some birds bleed excessively for a bit.

duck hunters gotta prove how tough they are. specially when they're hunting flooded rice fields on private land lol

take the duck and wring its neck or slam its head against the side of the boat.

guys who wring the neck on turkeys? how big is an average tom where you hunt?

It is important to add that if ringing their necks don't just grab their heads wait and then start spinning. You need to grab it and immediately start. Had a well endowed bird put an end to that a few years back as soon as I grabbed his head he contorted himself into sending his spurs into my hand. Cut me wide open and had to glue it shut later that day. So if your gonna ring, grab and get to it quickly

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 01:31:32 PM

Quote from: Marc on March 21, 2022, 12:56:44 PM

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 10:27:38 AMI grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I probably know as many duck hunters that use this method as don't...  And it started long before the Duck Commander made it popular.

Fine for smaller ducks, but a bit "tough on the teeth" for larger ones...  I was never enthusiastic about this method, although it is very effective.  I currently have a "Finisher" on my lanyard, and it works well for waterfowl species of all sizes...  As mentioned above, I used it on a turkey last season...  It does make some birds bleed excessively for a bit.

duck hunters gotta prove how tough they are. specially when they're hunting flooded rice fields on private land lol

take the duck and wring its neck or slam its head against the side of the boat.

guys who wring the neck on turkeys? how big is an average tom where you hunt?

I hunt florida so its more like ringing the neck on a really big chicken lol

Quote from: btodd00 on March 21, 2022, 02:06:09 PM

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 01:31:32 PM

Quote from: Marc on March 21, 2022, 12:56:44 PM

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 10:27:38 AMI grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I probably know as many duck hunters that use this method as don't...  And it started long before the Duck Commander made it popular.

Fine for smaller ducks, but a bit "tough on the teeth" for larger ones...  I was never enthusiastic about this method, although it is very effective.  I currently have a "Finisher" on my lanyard, and it works well for waterfowl species of all sizes...  As mentioned above, I used it on a turkey last season...  It does make some birds bleed excessively for a bit.

duck hunters gotta prove how tough they are. specially when they're hunting flooded rice fields on private land lol

take the duck and wring its neck or slam its head against the side of the boat.

guys who wring the neck on turkeys? how big is an average tom where you hunt?

I hunt florida so its more like ringing the neck on a really big chicken lol

lol! ok that's why i asked. i'm no expert but the thought of flinging around a 27lb midwestern bird didn't seem like a great idea.

thanks to this thread i'll definitely try, the foot on neck and pull legs method

but preferably i get a few inside 20 yards and stone cold drop'em

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 01:31:32 PM

Quote from: Marc on March 21, 2022, 12:56:44 PM

Quote from: bigriverbum on March 21, 2022, 10:27:38 AMI grew up with a buddy who watched too much of the pre-tv show duck commander videos and he'd actually bite down on duck heads to finish them off.

I probably know as many duck hunters that use this method as don't...  And it started long before the Duck Commander made it popular.

Fine for smaller ducks, but a bit "tough on the teeth" for larger ones...  I was never enthusiastic about this method, although it is very effective.  I currently have a "Finisher" on my lanyard, and it works well for waterfowl species of all sizes...  As mentioned above, I used it on a turkey last season...  It does make some birds bleed excessively for a bit.

duck hunters gotta prove how tough they are. specially when they're hunting flooded rice fields on private land lol

take the duck and wring its neck or slam its head against the side of the boat.

guys who wring the neck on turkeys? how big is an average tom where you hunt?

Respectfully, I disagree with you here. It's common practice with almost every duck hunter I know to quickly bite the heads of smaller ducks that have not expired. For Mallards and geese, we typically use a finisher. Not because it's "cool" or "tough," but because it is the quickest and most effective way to end the duck's suffering. I've seen people whirling birds around by the neck like a helicopter and still be very much alive afterward, or occasions when someone takes five attempts at banging the birds head on something before it works. In addition, it damages the bird much less. Personally, when I take any animal, I want it to be in as pristine condition as possible after the kill when I admire it, and I've seen too many times of ducks with their heads hanging on by a thread.

Now, if anyone does this to be "cool." I'm adamantly against that. It's not something to be celebrated or advertised. When hunting with new hunters or guiding clients, I will turn away so to not let them know what I was doing. It is grotesque, but it ends the suffering of an animal I respect quickly.

As for turkeys, I have only had to finish one, but grabbing the head with one hand and immediately under it on the neck with the other and twisting sharply was immediately effective.

I might would bite down on a wood ducks head but there's just absolutely no way I'm biting down on a gobbler's head that has been shot all to hell with pellets and has skin like an old man's scrotum If it comes to that I'll shoot him again.


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I keep a dove load in my vest. Instant death.

Maybe I'm misreading the posts, but it sounds like the majority of you are trying to "finish" something that is already dead.  If you're talking head up and eyes blinking, by all means do something to end it.  If you are just trying to stop the flopping because you think that's somehow humane, you've been misinformed.  Flopping isn't an indication of life.  The only reason I grab those birds is so they don't beat the heck out of themselves and look bad or roll down a hill or mountain or into water. 

Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 03:50:47 PM
Maybe I'm misreading the posts, but it sounds like the majority of you are trying to "finish" something that is already dead.  If you're talking head up and eyes blinking, by all means do something to end it.  If you are just trying to stop the flopping because you think that's somehow humane, you've been misinformed.  Flopping isn't an indication of life.  The only reason I grab those birds is so they don't beat the heck out of themselves and look bad or roll down a hill or mountain or into water.

Yep, if he can't pick his head up off the ground, then he is flopping dead

I wring necks on big and little ducks.  With practice you can stop before you pull the head off (unless you are my brother who ALWAYS pulls the head off  >:() I wring the necks on Canada geese as well - honkers, not just cacklers.  Takes a little more effort, but easy and quick. 

For turkeys-learn the anatomy of a turkey online.  Then a quick knife to the brain while standing on the neck.  You instantly know you hit the right place after you have done it a couple of times, they start that twitchy wing flap.  They don't really bleed a ton from the knife hole either. I carry a fairly pointed blade and it is simple and very effective.

https://inspection.canada.ca/food-safety-for-industry/food-specific-requirements-and-guidance/meat-products-and-food-animals/guidelines-for-stunning-techniques/eng/1538160892409/1538160892704

Scroll down.

Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 21, 2022, 03:07:59 PM
........ there's just absolutely no way I'm biting down on a gobbler's head that has been shot all to hell with pellets and has skin like an old man's scrotum If it comes to that I'll shoot him again.

:TooFunny:   :TooFunny:   :TooFunny:   :TooFunny:   :TooFunny:

Always been a proponent of the "Model T start" for dispatching crippled ducks and geese. If you hold them firmly where the spine meets the base of the skull a quick spin till you feel the spine pop is all that's needed.

On bigger geese sometimes I'll grab at the base of the skull and make a quick whip motion and the spine will detach from the skull under their own weight. I can see the appeal of the finisher to some. Had a buddy "ring" a birds neck that popped up from the pile when we went to pick up.   

Turkey is a different story. If they still have their head up and legs under them I'm not about to try the above methods. Follow up shot is quick and clean. If flopping I just let em flop but that's a yankee turkey hunter for you I guess.

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Dispatching a cripple? Ask Boney, he knows(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220321/cc4c34331ff618cfc1a17dcb68dec954.jpg)

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Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 03:50:47 PM
Maybe I'm misreading the posts, but it sounds like the majority of you are trying to "finish" something that is already dead.  If you're talking head up and eyes blinking, by all means do something to end it.  If you are just trying to stop the flopping because you think that's somehow humane, you've been misinformed.  Flopping isn't an indication of life.  The only reason I grab those birds is so they don't beat the heck out of themselves and look bad or roll down a hill or mountain or into water.

Thank you Hobbes. If I wasn't clear, this is what I was thinking in my original post. Yes, they can flop around quite a bit even after their skull and vertebrae are turned to mush. And that's fine. I'm referring to situations where eyes are blinking and head up (or close to being up) and his head in neck are still in that ? shape that gives the impression he's still in control. This is the situation I meant to portray.

Pops taught me to step on the neck and grab the feet.

Quote from: mcw3734 on March 21, 2022, 09:50:39 PM

Quote from: Hobbes on March 21, 2022, 03:50:47 PM
Maybe I'm misreading the posts, but it sounds like the majority of you are trying to "finish" something that is already dead.  If you're talking head up and eyes blinking, by all means do something to end it.  If you are just trying to stop the flopping because you think that's somehow humane, you've been misinformed.  Flopping isn't an indication of life.  The only reason I grab those birds is so they don't beat the heck out of themselves and look bad or roll down a hill or mountain or into water.

Thank you Hobbes. If I wasn't clear, this is what I was thinking in my original post. Yes, they can flop around quite a bit even after their skull and vertebrae are turned to mush. And that's fine. I'm referring to situations where eyes are blinking and head up (or close to being up) and his head in neck are still in that ? shape that gives the impression he's still in control. This is the situation I meant to portray.

Yeah, I understood what you were referring to.  It was some that followed that gave me that impression.  When folks start describing how they'd finish a gobbler the same as waterfowl, I start to suspect that they've not grabbed hold of many gobblers that still had the ? shaped neck that wanted very much to stay alive.  The shiv trick will work, but wringing a gobblers neck is a little more difficult than geese.

Good description by the way with the ?

Agree Hobbes.  Maybe some of these guys are stronger than me, but a full grown gobbler that wants to stay alive would be a tough neck wring.  I have wrung necks on 13# Canadas and that is not simple.  The brain is right behind the eye on a gobbler and an easy stick.  The wing flopping changes when you hit that spot on a live bird, it is very obvious. 

I stand on his head, reach for my tote rope, make a loop on one end and place it over his head,  and tie other end to a branch and let gravity do the rest.  Hang um high.  Feathers stay pretty.

Quote from: g8rvet on March 22, 2022, 01:55:22 PM
Agree Hobbes.  Maybe some of these guys are stronger than me, but a full grown gobbler that wants to stay alive would be a tough neck wring.  I have wrung necks on 13# Canadas and that is not simple.  The brain is right behind the eye on a gobbler and an easy stick.  The wing flopping changes when you hit that spot on a live bird, it is very obvious.

I've grabbed some that still had their head up enough that I had to do something but they weren't a threat.  There has been the rare occasion that grabbing him by the head would have meant spurs to the body.  On those rare birds, I avoid letting those spurs get to me.  However, I've mad some poor choices before too, go caught up in the circus and tackled a bird or two through the years.  :). A man can never come out of that looking very smart.

I'm not sure why I'm really worried about Spurs anymore,. It's a rare thing to have a merriams with enough spur to hurt anything.

some good suggestions in this thread. some i didn't know about.

but really, what you should do comes down to understanding the life left in a bird in any situation

sometimes an immediate 2nd shot is called for. sometimes a knife to the brain. sometimes just a foot on the neck to keep them from unnecessarily flopping their way down the hill.

glad to hear i'm not the only one concerned about not causing unnecessary suffering for the animal

I always step on their neck before the knife to the brain.  Never been spurred in the leg, but I have not stepped on the head of one with a ton of life left.  He would probably get a quick followup shot in that situation. 

My son shot one two years ago with a muzzleloader.  I was right near by.  He hollered to come quick.  The bird had sat up as he was rushing to him and they both froze.  He looked too much alive for a foot stomp, so Tom got another load from my ML once I got to him.  Son was scared to take his eye off him to reload. 

Grab him by the neck like a chicken and wring his neck. Or shoot him again, or use your knife. Pick one.....It's not rocket science, just put it out of its misery quickly if it's crippled.


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Ruger Blackhawk w/ hollow points...

 Since you started with wanting a better way than stepping on their head..... I suggested you shoot it.

If you are not opposed to stepping on ones head, which you are now eluding too. Put the sole of your shoe over the turkeys head to where his neck/head attachment is right at the edge of your boot. Grab the two legs and lift, hard, fast. With a lot of force, you won't pull his head off.

This will break his neck. He will flop afterwards, but is dead, and will stop flopping. If you did it fast enough with enough force.