Guys , I went and dug up a old article I had posted up before on the old site before the crash - To prove some historical points that people have been using 20 gauges with #7 shot long ,long before people tried to claim being a trendsetter in that area-
People have been hunting wild turkeys with a 20 and #7 since 1928 , most likely well before that also ,its no new thing in Florida , in fact growing up in turkey hunting camps I would be schooled and educated on how to call turkeys to point blank range - calling turkeys to close ranges is a art form and a skill of great pride and ability the mark of a skilled turkey hunter
Some of the Old Florida Crackers I had the honor of hunting with did most their hunting with a .410 ! Some other local hunters killed in a lifetime in excess of 500 turkeys mostly with a 410 and to this day there is a local following of old guys who like a 410 - personally a 410 is not my cup of tee and I soon gravitated towards larger stuff - but it is very interesting to garner
In this letter and picture it shows locals hunting Turkeys with a 20 , but instead they killed a Florida Panther , in the right hands a antique 20 gauge is a lethal weapon
hope you enjoy the Article , I love historical documents and letters --Shannon
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh220/OldGobbler1/pantherltr.gif)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh220/OldGobbler1/pantherltr2.gif)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh220/OldGobbler1/panther2.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh220/OldGobbler1/panther1.jpg)
That is awesome!
Thanks for sharing that little piece of history.
Thanks for sharing . I saw that some years ago and very worth reading again.
The 7.5 shot was also popular as a magnum 2 3/4" 12 gauge load for turkeys in this area , especially in a modified choke so that more pellets were in the pattern. You called them close or didn't shoot. Heck in most places you never saw or heard a turkey so you really didn't need to carry a gun for that matter.
Times have changed, equipment is different but the challenge of calling 'em close still remains.
I enjoyed that. Thanks for posting.
thats an interesting read right there!
That's pretty cool right there but if I was heading out after a cougar, I don't believe I'd be getting the 20 gauge out of the gun cabinet.
Thats a cool story.
Very interesting read, thanks for sharing!
I did enjoy the Article! Thanks for posting.
Chris