I seen a hunting show and they were shooting turkeys with rifles in WY. What other states allow rifle hunting for turkey?
I know Texas and Virginia do, I think West Virginia does. Georgia allows muzzleloading rifles.Pennsylvania allows rifles in the fall. I'm sure there are more.
We can shoot them with rifles here in wv.
If I'm not mistaken South Dakota does.
WV you can spring or fall. MD you can in the fall.
Hunting turkeys with rifles in the fall here in Pennsylvania has been a tradition for many years even before we had a spring turkey season. I have two specialized fall turkey guns. A Ruger 77/22 All-Weather Laminate/ HB 22 Hornet under a 3x9 Leupold and a early 70's vintage O/U Ithaca/Tikka Turkey Gun in 222 Remington/12 Ga. under a 2x7 Leupold. I carry the latter the most as I like having a choice between the shotgun or rifle barrel.
I have a long time friend who has hunted turkeys longer than I can remember, fall and spring. In the fall he uses an old Remington Model 722 222 Rem.
Not sure all parts but I know some parts of FL you can use a rifle
That's way more than I thought. Interesting about the fall tradition out east toof. Be safe
Article in the paper in Va this morning stating that more turkeys are killed with a rifle than a shotgun. Would never have thought.
Just curious, but where do you aim with a rifle? Wing butt like with a bow?
I know in Mo. people have been doing it for years illegal ....
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 16, 2017, 09:31:08 PM
Article in the paper in Va this morning stating that more turkeys are killed with a rifle than a shotgun. Would never have thought.
Those are fall season statistics. I'd presume that a lot of those are opportunistic kills by deer hunters. Not all, but most.
I would be curious to see the breakdown of VA spring turkey harvest by weapon.
Quote from: Squoose on March 16, 2017, 10:48:57 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 16, 2017, 09:31:08 PM
Article in the paper in Va this morning stating that more turkeys are killed with a rifle than a shotgun. Would never have thought.
Those are fall season statistics. I'd presume that a lot of those are opportunistic kills by deer hunters. Not all, but most.
I would be curious to see the breakdown of VA spring turkey harvest by weapon.
Is that fall season include both male and female turkeys ?
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 16, 2017, 09:31:08 PM
Article in the paper in Va this morning stating that more turkeys are killed with a rifle than a shotgun. Would never have thought.
For the state of VA? That to is interesting.
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 16, 2017, 10:31:32 PM
I know in Mo. people have been doing it for years illegal ....
That would be a few people poaching in fall. Im sure that isn't wide spread. Sounds like local lore mostly. Fall turkey season is over before rifle season opens in MO. This kind of sh!t happens in every state by slobs every year.
Quote from: Kylongspur88 on March 16, 2017, 09:59:33 PM
Just curious, but where do you aim with a rifle? Wing butt like with a bow?
Depends really. The majority of my birds have been shot with rifles over the years. With a rim fire I'll go for base of the wing, head, or base of neck. With a centerfire I'd typically go for where the leg joins the body or slightly higher towards the back.
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Quote from: Kylongspur88 on March 16, 2017, 09:59:33 PM
Just curious, but where do you aim with a rifle? Wing butt like with a bow?
I've killed mine with a 22 taking body shots.
Quote from: neal on March 16, 2017, 10:58:15 AM
Not sure all parts but I know some parts of FL you can use a rifle
As far as I know, it everywhere in fl on private land, on public land it was banned a while back. I would have to check, I think that muzzleloading rifles are allowed on primitive weapons only wma's like Santa fe swamp.
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Would say 75% of the fellows I run into while spring turkey hunting in Wv are packing rifles.
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Unfortunately in VA a rifle can be used as can a muzzleloader. We've proposed the use of sling bows as well. Pretty soon we're going to approve the use of atlatl's and spears
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This is why in WV many parts of the state you will not see gobbler strutting in view of roads. Particularly backroads
Quote from: Happy on March 17, 2017, 08:17:10 AM
Would say 75% of the fellows I run into while spring turkey hunting in Wv are packing rifles.
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Really? Never really heard of this before I know the woods are thick and steep and the kill areas on a turkey's body are small. Do guys just hunt them different? I would think getting insight of the roost in the dark would be extremely effective
I am a member of a large hunting club so I can't say what happens on state owned ground. On our club most like to drive around on side by sides or jeeps and look for toms in the fields and powerlines. A lot just shoot from the vehicle. Some sit on field edges or their deer stands and wait. Roost shooting is not uncommon and the popular method is to work in two man teams. One stays back and keeps the tom gobbling while the other sneaks in for the shot. Have met a few that walked and called but it's not that popular. Most use rifles regardless. I have called in a few birds for fellows with rifles and it just rubbed me wrong so I quit. None of the above is my style.
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Happy I'll be honest I hunt turkeys for the the fun of the game and not the meat. I can't imagine shoot a tom from a vehicle it'd be as fun as shoot a ground hog from a car. I am sorry that in your pursuit you have to deal with that. I guess the population does ok even against those kind of tactics? I could see the sneak and creep roost shoot being popular with rifles for sure.
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 17, 2017, 06:15:35 AM
Quote from: Kylongspur88 on March 16, 2017, 09:59:33 PM
Just curious, but where do you aim with a rifle? Wing butt like with a bow?
Depends really. The majority of my birds have been shot with rifles over the years. With a rim fire I'll go for base of the wing, head, or base of neck. With a centerfire I'd typically go for where the leg joins the body or slightly higher towards the back.
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When shot in the wing area,does a rifle shot bird loose meat? I know some of my bow kills get tore up. This thread is quite a education to me. I'm glad I asked.
I'm just imagining shooting a bird with my AR and knowing what it does to a coyote I'd be worried about loosing meat.
Oh well. I'll never knock the way someone else enjoys to hunts as long as it's legal, but this tradition of turkey hunting with a rifle is interesting. Just not something I think I'd want to do.
Quote from: TauntoHawk on March 17, 2017, 06:59:16 PM
Happy I'll be honest I hunt turkeys for the the fun of the game and not the meat. I can't imagine shoot a tom from a vehicle it'd be as fun as shoot a ground hog from a car. I am sorry that in your pursuit you have to deal with that. I guess the population does ok even against those kind of tactics? I could see the sneak and creep roost shoot being popular with rifles for sure.
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Our population could be a lot better. I think poaching and people shooting more than their limit takes a hard toll on them as well. It's not just the rifles it's everything combined. It's the mindset of the area.
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Quote from: Greg Massey on March 16, 2017, 11:22:44 PM
Quote from: Squoose on March 16, 2017, 10:48:57 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 16, 2017, 09:31:08 PM
Article in the paper in Va this morning stating that more turkeys are killed with a rifle than a shotgun. Would never have thought.
Those are fall season statistics. I'd presume that a lot of those are opportunistic kills by deer hunters. Not all, but most.
I would be curious to see the breakdown of VA spring turkey harvest by weapon.
Is that fall season include both male and female turkeys ?
2016 VA Spring Turkey Harvest:
Shotgun 15,528 90%
Rifle 1,510 8.8%
Muzz. 17 0.1%
Bow 117 0.7%
Crossbow 61 0.4%
Pistol 10 0.06%
2016-17 VA Fall Turkey Harvest:
Shotgun 1,103 35%
Rifle 1,025 33%
Muzz 602 19%
Without Beard 1,186 38%
Beard <6" 522 17%
Beard >6" 1,412 45%
Certainly interesting numbers!
Best,
Royce
I've always enjoyed using a rifle. Shooting a bird at shotgun range is the same regardless the weapon used. I don't know the number of birds I've killed over the years but I can say that only 6 have been shot at distances further than typical shotgun range. If someone wants to blast one at 70 yards with a rifle, I'm fine with that. If you want to shoot them at 15 yards with a shotgun, that's fine too. I've hunted the last couple seasons with shotgun primarily and this past season I went home empty handed just as I had in some previous years while using a rifle. To me, six of one, half dozen of the other. It does suck to be working a bird with shotgun in hand only to have someone blast it across the field with a rifle before it gets into range but that's life. It's just something you have to contend with in rifle states. Go find another and get over it. Do I enjoy using a shotgun? Yes. Will I ever use a rifle again? Most assuredly yes. It's the way I did it for 15 years when I didn't own a shotgun. Kind of becomes part of what you know after that kind of time frame. It's enjoyable to me either way and in the end and my opinion is all that matters to me. It's like the whole decoy/blind debate really. Different strokes.
No comment
Whatever floats your boat but I can't imagine hunting a turkey with a rifle. Thank God Mississippi doesn't allow it.
I'm not trying to pick a fight in any fashion but, like many of the argued points (decoys and blinds) on this forum, what makes someone (or the act of) that shoots a bird at 40 yards with a shotgun any more righteous than shooting a bird at 40 yards with a rifle? I've never understood the argument there. The element of the hunt is exactly the same. What part of it makes it any easier when the bird is well within what is deemed acceptable shotgun range? Is there a required skill to shooting one at close range with a shotgun that's not required with a rifle? Maybe I'm missing something somewhere.
Suprised to see a fairly open minded conversation about hunting turkeys with a rifle. It was sure different a couple years ago when Fl was outlawing rimfire rifles on public land. I sure do miss using my favorite 22 mag. Glad it's not illegal everywhere.
Quote from: fallhnt on March 17, 2017, 04:07:50 AM
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 16, 2017, 10:31:32 PM
I know in Mo. people have been doing it for years illegal ....
That would be a few people poaching in fall. Im sure that isn't wide spread. Sounds like local lore mostly. Fall turkey season is over before rifle season opens in MO. This kind of sh!t happens in every state by slobs every year.
Oh they're out coyote hunting with the AR 's now!
And spotting the strutting toms don't ya know ::)
My preference in Turkey hunting is to use a shotgun. I like it and find it to be a challenge. I think the game dept. does an outstanding job managing deer and turkeys. Harvest figures are compiled yearly and adjustments made accordingly. So I feel however one hunts that is their choice.
Having said that: there is nothing more disconcerting than having some jerk with a rifle using binoculars to scope out my decoys on private and posted land. The only thing funny was when he noticed me in my blind looking at him with my binos. He sort of shurnk up. But I am still pissed to this day and let the entire neaborhood know it.
Shotguns, bows, and air-rifles in California...
I am actually extremely interested in the air-rifle possibility... Just tough to pull the trigger on a quality air-rifle... I would be looking at a .25 cal (mostly due to the reputation of better accuracy with the model I want), and head-shots are the norm with an air rifle.
I like the idea of the air-rifle as just being a fun alternative, but also opening up some possibilities on some smaller properties, as well as leaving a smaller disruptive footprint on the properties I do hunt.
Quote from: Marc on March 19, 2017, 04:18:19 PM
Shotguns, bows, and air-rifles in California...
I am actually extremely interested in the air-rifle possibility... Just tough to pull the trigger on a quality air-rifle... I would be looking at a .25 cal (mostly due to the reputation of better accuracy with the model I want), and head-shots are the norm with an air rifle.
I like the idea of the air-rifle as just being a fun alternative, but also opening up some possibilities on some smaller properties, as well as leaving a smaller disruptive footprint on the properties I do hunt.
Plus kids would love it and small game hunts too.
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 18, 2017, 02:01:03 PM
I'm not trying to pick a fight in any fashion but, like many of the argued points (decoys and blinds) on this forum, what makes someone (or the act of) that shoots a bird at 40 yards with a shotgun any more righteous than shooting a bird at 40 yards with a rifle? I've never understood the argument there. The element of the hunt is exactly the same. What part of it makes it any easier when the bird is well within what is deemed acceptable shotgun range? Is there a required skill to shooting one at close range with a shotgun that's not required with a rifle? Maybe I'm missing something somewhere.
You wouldn't think it would take any of the fun out of it since you put it that way .
But one could think that a rifle is not a 40 yard max gun? I would think many would use it for just a bit more range than that ;)
Quote from: Greg Massey on March 16, 2017, 10:31:32 PM
I know in Mo. people have been doing it for years illegal ....
LOL! That's certainly true.
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 08:06:50 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 18, 2017, 02:01:03 PM
I'm not trying to pick a fight in any fashion but, like many of the argued points (decoys and blinds) on this forum, what makes someone (or the act of) that shoots a bird at 40 yards with a shotgun any more righteous than shooting a bird at 40 yards with a rifle? I've never understood the argument there. The element of the hunt is exactly the same. What part of it makes it any easier when the bird is well within what is deemed acceptable shotgun range? Is there a required skill to shooting one at close range with a shotgun that's not required with a rifle? Maybe I'm missing something somewhere.
You wouldn't think it would take any of the fun out of it since you put it that way .
But one could think that a rifle is not a 40 yard max gun? I would think many would use it for just a bit more range than that ;)
I've openly admitted that there have been a few that were shot beyond typical shotgun range. My buddy on this site was there and witnessed it. Was it as fun? No, but I wasn't broken up about it either. Having said that, he's called many birds for me in the past when I didn't own a shotgun and when hunting with him, I played by his rules as far as distance was concerned minus that instance. Not saying I didn't try another at one point but that was the only one I'd killed at a distance with him. Only 6 have been shot farther than 40 yards and with the advent of Hevi shot, Heavyweight and TSS, I can really only think of 2 that have been outside what some consider to be the "new" shotgun range. Calling a bird and killing it is definitely the best part of the hunt and I could've killed a couple last year easily but was waiting for a better opportunity that never materialized. In both cases, the shotgun was definitely the best option. One was obscured by too much vegetation at 35 yards. I'm certain the TSS would've eaten him up but I didn't try it thinking he was going to clear it. On the other I'd have killed to have a shotgun as the crossbow wasn't the optimal choice that morning but it was required for the location. Carried the rifle 2 days last year. Had birds well within rifle range (60-70) yards and ended up letting them pass. In the end, it's all in what you expect from the hunt. I expect to have fun. The weapon is nothing more than a tool IMHO. As someone stated earlier, it's nice to see an open minded conversation about this touchy topic.
Hold on there . I said you wouldn't think!!!!!
No where did I say anything about you personally.
In fact I agree that no difference in weapons of choice since you stated that in your post that you compared 40 yards!
Now the rest of it is with the rifles range capabilities . And many may use it. That could be a problem for many to accept it for a legal choice in there state.
I very rarely post , but this one has my attention ! I live in WV , and it is legal here of course , but it scares me to death just for the fact that from my personal experience everyone i have ever known that packed a rifle in the turkey woods would take a shot as far as they could see the bird !! The old saying "thought id give it a try " . And then theres the outlaws running around trying to pop one out the truck window ! The thought of setting on field edge with a bird right in front of me or a decoy for that matter , and somebody from next door cracking loose with a 30 -06 from 250 yards away just makes me cringe ! Ive met or known 3 people that have been shot while hunting , 2 with a rifle and one with a shotgun , the one i knew took a 12 gauge in the chest at about 25 yards and was left by the coward and died in the woods ! The other 2 that i met are unbelievably lucky to be here ,one was set up calling , gun on knee ready for the bird he was working to come in and was shot in the knee that his gun was resting on from about 75 yards by a guy with a 30-30 that could see movement in his scope , his knee kept the bullet from his chest , the other man that i met was running a pot call and was shot in his hand (luckily from the side) from app 200 yards with a 30-06 , he has ho thumb and index finger left , but that is all , the rest of his hand is gone to his wrist , if the shooter would have been in front of him instead of the side im sure the outcome would have been much different ! I guess the point im trying to get across is id much rather only have to worry about a shotgun where i hopefully would have the opportunity to see the other guy first so i can yell out to him , than to get blindsided by a 150gr bullet that missed the bird thats 40 yards in front of me fired from a guy 200 yards away that "thought he'd give it a try" then walks away because he missed with no clue he'd just sent a bullet right past me or right through me ! To you guys that use rifles and still do all you can to get em in shotgun range this is not directed to you in the slightest , but with my experience in WV you are an EXTREME minority !!!!! As a matter of fact ive never met anyone in 32 years of successful turkey hunting that i questioned as to why they had a rifle that didnt give me the "in case he's way out there " response . Once again , you guys getting em shotgun range this is not directed toward you at all , its all the other idiots i worry about ! So to be honest , i DO NOT like rifles during spring gobbler season !
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:19:46 PM
Hold on there . I said you wouldn't think!!!!!
No where did I say anything about you personally.
In fact I agree that no difference in weapons of choice since you stated that in your post that you compared 40 yards!
Now the rest of it is with the rifles range capabilities . And many may use it. That could be a problem for many to accept it for a legal choice in there state.
Oh, I wasn't taking it as a personal attack. Just stating that just having it doesn't mean that it's going to be used in that fashion for certain. I'll never say never but as it currently stands, I do plan to use the shotgun as my primary this year. Really want to shoot one with the TSS and then the 20 ga with the heavyweights. If that all comes together, I wanna try the 16 ga in either Maryland or Virginia if the work schedule allows this spring.
Quote from: wvspitndrum on March 19, 2017, 09:21:46 PM
I very rarely post , but this one has my attention ! I live in WV , and it is legal here of course , but it scares me to death just for the fact that from my personal experience everyone i have ever known that packed a rifle in the turkey woods would take a shot as far as they could see the bird !! The old saying "thought id give it a try " . And then theres the outlaws running around trying to pop one out the truck window ! The thought of setting on field edge with a bird right in front of me or a decoy for that matter , and somebody from next door cracking loose with a 30 -06 from 250 yards away just makes me cringe ! Ive met or known 3 people that have been shot while hunting , 2 with a rifle and one with a shotgun , the one i knew took a 12 gauge in the chest at about 25 yards and was left by the coward and died in the woods ! The other 2 that i met are unbelievably lucky to be here ,one was set up calling , gun on knee ready for the bird he was working to come in and was shot in the knee that his gun was resting on from about 75 yards by a guy with a 30-30 that could see movement in his scope , his knee kept the bullet from his chest , the other man that i met was running a pot call and was shot in his hand (luckily from the side) from app 200 yards with a 30-06 , he has ho thumb and index finger left , but that is all , the rest of his hand is gone to his wrist , if the shooter would have been in front of him instead of the side im sure the outcome would have been much different ! I guess the point im trying to get across is id much rather only have to worry about a shotgun where i hopefully would have the opportunity to see the other guy first so i can yell out to him , than to get blindsided by a 150gr bullet that missed the bird thats 40 yards in front of me fired from a guy 200 yards away that "thought he'd give it a try" then walks away because he missed with no clue he'd just sent a bullet right past me or right through me ! To you guys that use rifles and still do all you can to get em in shotgun range this is not directed to you in the slightest , but with my experience in WV you are an EXTREME minority !!!!! As a matter of fact ive never met anyone in 32 years of successful turkey hunting that i questioned as to why they had a rifle that didnt give me the "in case he's way out there " response . Once again , you guys getting em shotgun range this is not directed toward you at all , its all the other idiots i worry about ! So to be honest , i DO NOT like rifles during spring gobbler season !
If they did away with them, I'd honestly not care too much. I've killed birds with the shotgun and want to add to that total over the coming years. Plan to possibly load TSS in the 410 for the future as well. Just wanna try some new stuff.
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:59:29 PM
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
218 Bee. Haven't heard much about those in recent years. Heck, ammo is hard to find and super expensive. My buddy's grandfather used to kill everything with a .218 Bee. Squirrels, deer, turkey and bear.
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:59:29 PM
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
I would think the 25-20 would be about perfect as would the 22 hornet. When we were allowed to use rifles, it was rimfire only. I killed quite a few with a 22 wmr, but always wished for just a bit more.
I'm just glad rifles are not legal in MS. We wouldn't have any turkeys left. If I can't call him in to 40 yds, he won that day and i get to try it again later. That's what I love about the sport.
Quote from: fldoghunter on March 20, 2017, 07:21:06 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:59:29 PM
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
I would think the 25-20 would be about perfect as would the 22 hornet. When we were allowed to use rifles, it was rimfire only. I killed quite a few with a 22 wmr, but always wished for just a bit more.
For years the 22 mag was my turkey firearm of choice. I bought a 22 hornet about 7 years ago and it was great when I used it. Really would like to call one in close and shoot it in the head with the 17 HMR but that's going to have to wait for another year or two. Gotta get one with the 12 and TSS as well as 20 ga and the 16 first.
I'd be scared to death knowing there could be some fella zeroing in on the bird I'm working. No disrespect ... How do you fellas move your rifle into position when you have a bird within 30 yards? Do y'all use regular rifle scopes, or something more like a "scout" scope? Seems like it would be tough to adjust your zoom on a bird that could bust you at the slightest movement. Not trying to ruffle any feathers..
Quote from: GOB_STOPPER on March 21, 2017, 01:41:52 AM
I'd be scared to death knowing there could be some fella zeroing in on the bird I'm working. No disrespect ... How do you fellas move your rifle into position when you have a bird within 30 yards? Do y'all use regular rifle scopes, or something more like a "scout" scope? Seems like it would be tough to adjust your zoom on a bird that could bust you at the slightest movement. Not trying to ruffle any feathers..
I've always had a scope. As for birds that come in close before you get a chance to move, that's easy. You either move the gun and take a chance of fouling the situation or you let them pass. Typically they'll get behind a tree at some point and that will give you a chance. It's cost me birds at different times when they've gotten tight. Not being able to just slap a bead on them and shoot (like with a shotgun) can be a downfall when things don't go as planned.
I live in MD but hunt VA the 1st week since it opens 10 days before my home season.
All the good ole boys have these guns with a shotgun barrel, and rifle underneath... and we know what the rifle is for. Shooting FAR and out the TRUCK.
There is soooooooooo many birds in VA and i dont know how with all the road hunters. Someone said it earlier... its the mindset. Ive heard more than a few guys claim they have shot 20, 30 and even more gobblers in a spring season... and i believe them!
They also start EARLY... like they are definatley going tukeey hunting this weekend with the 65 degree weather we are having. No doubt a LOT of gobblers have already been killed.
Sounds like WVA and VA are similar.
Shooting one with a rifle doesn't appeal to me, but I would like to try one with my pistol. Anything other than bow or shotgun is illegal in my state so probably will never have the chance.
Here in NC we can not hunt turkey with a rifle , but I think I would like to hut a state that does allow it some day. I'm in process of building a single shot rifle on an TC contender frame in 20 tactical , 223 necked down to 20 caliber, this will be a crow / yote / varment gun short barrel around 19-20"
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 20, 2017, 09:44:51 AM
Quote from: fldoghunter on March 20, 2017, 07:21:06 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:59:29 PM
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
I would think the 25-20 would be about perfect as would the 22 hornet. When we were allowed to use rifles, it was rimfire only. I killed quite a few with a 22 wmr, but always wished for just a bit more.
For years the 22 mag was my turkey firearm of choice. I bought a 22 hornet about 7 years ago and it was great when I used it. Really would like to call one in close and shoot it in the head with the 17 HMR but that's going to have to wait for another year or two. Gotta get one with the 12 and TSS as well as 20 ga and the 16 first.
A hornet would be neat. Kinda finicky on reloading with that neck I heard.
Quote from: codym on March 21, 2017, 05:02:52 PM
Shooting one with a rifle doesn't appeal to me, but I would like to try one with my pistol. Anything other than bow or shotgun is illegal in my state so probably will never have the chance.
I've shot two with pistols. One was with an old h&r revolver chambered in 22/22 magnum. It was shot with the 22 mag of course at about 17 yards if I recall correctly. I was squirrel hunting in the fall and was baring down on a squirrel when the bird popped out around the edge of the wood lot. Gun cracked, it flopped. The other was also while squirrel hunting with a scoped Ruger Mark III. 35 yards right at the base of the neck but that was with a rock solid rest. Were it not for that, I'd have gone body.
If we're getting real technical, there was a third that was killed with that Mark III. My buddy shot one while squirrel hunting with his shotgun and a load of 7.5's. It was crippled up and ran under a rootball along a creek bank. I laid my gun down and was walking up to get it. It ended up flushing out as I was about to grab it and all I had on me was the pistol. Fired 2 rounds and the game was over.
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Quote from: owlhoot on March 21, 2017, 05:45:28 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 20, 2017, 09:44:51 AM
Quote from: fldoghunter on March 20, 2017, 07:21:06 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on March 19, 2017, 09:59:29 PM
Oh , all good stuff. Trying a rifle and shooting range is close sounds like fun. An old 25-20 or .218 bee lever gun has some appeal for me. and the range would have to be close for these eyes.
I would think the 25-20 would be about perfect as would the 22 hornet. When we were allowed to use rifles, it was rimfire only. I killed quite a few with a 22 wmr, but always wished for just a bit more.
For years the 22 mag was my turkey firearm of choice. I bought a 22 hornet about 7 years ago and it was great when I used it. Really would like to call one in close and shoot it in the head with the 17 HMR but that's going to have to wait for another year or two. Gotta get one with the 12 and TSS as well as 20 ga and the 16 first.
A hornet would be neat. Kinda finicky on reloading with that neck I heard.
The hornet is amazing medicine for many creatures with the right bullets. If u get the velocity up you can use the 50-55 grain bullets but they don't always expand reliably. I've settled on the 40 grain Nosler BT and the 45 grain Sierr@ soft point designed for the hornet. The 40 grain is great for groundhogs and smaller critters while the 45's pack a touch more punch for slightly larger stuff.
As for reloading, stoke any case with 13-14 grains of hodgdon li'l gun, slap a bullet over it and let it fly. The neck can be an issue as you mentioned but not terribly. If concerned about that, have the chamber reamed to a K-Hornet and issue solved.
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Quote from: DumpTruckTurkey on March 21, 2017, 03:33:16 PM
I live in MD but hunt VA the 1st week since it opens 10 days before my home season.
All the good ole boys have these guns with a shotgun barrel, and rifle underneath... and we know what the rifle is for. Shooting FAR and out the TRUCK.
There is soooooooooo many birds in VA and i dont know how with all the road hunters. Someone said it earlier... its the mindset. Ive heard more than a few guys claim they have shot 20, 30 and even more gobblers in a spring season... and i believe them!
They also start EARLY... like they are definatley going tukeey hunting this weekend with the 65 degree weather we are having. No doubt a LOT of gobblers have already been killed.
Sounds like WVA and VA are similar.
Sad...
Yep....that's not turkey hunting. That's turkey shooting.
Quote from: DumpTruckTurkey on March 21, 2017, 03:33:16 PM
I live in MD but hunt VA the 1st week since it opens 10 days before my home season.
All the good ole boys have these guns with a shotgun barrel, and rifle underneath... and we know what the rifle is for. Shooting FAR and out the TRUCK.
There is soooooooooo many birds in VA and i dont know how with all the road hunters. Someone said it earlier... its the mindset. Ive heard more than a few guys claim they have shot 20, 30 and even more gobblers in a spring season... and i believe them!
They also start EARLY... like they are definatley going tukeey hunting this weekend with the 65 degree weather we are having. No doubt a LOT of gobblers have already been killed.
Sounds like WVA and VA are similar.
What are you talking about?? There are no turkeys in Virginia. I repeat NO TURKEYS IN VIRGINIA. ;)
In all seriousness we've had horrible hatches the past few years (at least in my neck of the woods). It's about to start hurting this spring and next spring will be worse. We need a couple really good hatches and it'll be better. I'm blessed to have access to a ton of quality dirt to hunt. Sure some outlaws slip in from time to time or bust one with a rifle from the roads, but bad hatches hurt way worse than rifles and outlaws.
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Quote from: fallhnt on March 21, 2017, 06:56:00 PM
Quote from: DumpTruckTurkey on March 21, 2017, 03:33:16 PM
I live in MD but hunt VA the 1st week since it opens 10 days before my home season.
All the good ole boys have these guns with a shotgun barrel, and rifle underneath... and we know what the rifle is for. Shooting FAR and out the TRUCK.
There is soooooooooo many birds in VA and i dont know how with all the road hunters. Someone said it earlier... its the mindset. Ive heard more than a few guys claim they have shot 20, 30 and even more gobblers in a spring season... and i believe them!
They also start EARLY... like they are definatley going tukeey hunting this weekend with the 65 degree weather we are having. No doubt a LOT of gobblers have already been killed.
Sounds like WVA and VA are similar.
Sad...
There are a lot of Turkeys in Va and I consider myself lucky to hunt them with a shotgun and by obeying all the laws. In my area I see very little road hunting and do not hesitate in calling the law if there is something illegal going on. Still as in any endeavor today it pays to be alert. To prevent temptation I am on my property during youth season and I hunt almost every morning of Turkey season. Your presence will reduce temptation as word will spread you actively hunt. Most of the outlaws (from 20 or more years ago) in my area are either dead or in jail for one cause or the other. One notorious rouge in my area was killed in an auto accident while DUI. I still see his deer stands hanging in trees where he had no permission to be. Trail cams have reduced the trespassing also and there have been prosecutions in the area after individuals have been photographed. All mine are highly camo'ed by hand painting. So not all the news is bad and there are some excellent programs teaching the new generations good ethic's. But it all starts by setting a good example.
I to am a WV native.. and live in VA now.. The first bird (hen) I ever killed was with a rifle in the fall when I was about 8.. then killed a gobbler with one when I was about 13 I think in the fall. But once my dad starting taking me with him in the spring and I got a taste for calling them into shotgun range I never picked up another rifle .. fall or spring.. so at the risk of being a hypocrite .. I don't like it either, even though the first two birds I ever killed were with one.. it's very dangerous .. and I don't like the long range shooters from the truck and the roost shooting that goes on.. WV and VA would have a lot more birds if they were done away with.. I also think that more birds are crippled with rifles than a shotgun for sure.. I don't know how many people I have talked to that tell me they shot one and he got away and 90% of the time it was with a rifle..
I wish they weren't allowed here in WY in the spring.
I think it's one of those in theory and un abused it's a perfectly fine practice but it unfortunately lends itself to abuse and poor practices.
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