New to Turkeys and Shotguns

[Styer]

I'm new and am wanting to get into turkey hunting. I've got a little bit of land that I just acquired and have already seen a few turkeys on it. The land is all wooded mostly oak, hickory and black lotus with some cedar and other evergreen.

I have an Remington 870 Express 12ga 28" that I purchased recently and also after reading around the forum decided to purchase a Primos Jellyhead .660 as the first choke to try one it.

I know a lot of the guns you all use have much shorter barrels. will having a 28" barrel adversely affect hunting turkeys in any way other than the weight and carrying it through the woods.

Also what are the next steps besides patterning the gun.

Any advise to get me started and ready for spring would be very helpful.

[davisd9]

The 28" barrel will do fine for turkeys.  You need to pattern your gun not just to see your pattern but also to see if your point of aim is the same as your point of impact.  You may need to put a sight on the gun to correct it if it is off.  Rifle sights work great.  If you are using lead I would suggest using #5s.  If you use heavier than lead then #6 or #7s will do great, but just do not get caught up chasing numbers.  Look for a good even pattern with good numbers and it is all you need for traditional/ethical turkey hunting ranges.  Good luck!

[jakesdad]

The 28" barrel will do fine for turkeys.  You need to pattern your gun not just to see your pattern but also to see if your point of aim is the same as your point of impact.  You may need to put a sight on the gun to correct it if it is off.  Rifle sights work great.  If you are using lead I would suggest using #5s.  If you use heavier than lead then #6 or #7s will do great, but just do not get caught up chasing numbers.  Look for a good even pattern with good numbers and it is all you need for traditional/ethical turkey hunting ranges.  Good luck!

What he said.I prefer lead in #6s but 5's work great also if they pattern.Just starting out I would worry about getting a good even pattern out to 30-35yds,which shouldnt be too difficult with most loads.1)Learn to hunt turkeys 2)Setup a super turkey killer shotgun/chase pattern numbers.Step 1 will come in a lot more handy than step 2.

[Xcal1ber]

First thing is to learn the turkey and how to hunt it. This will take a LONG time for the most part, but you will get it eventually. There is nothing easy about turkey hunting, but it is the most fun and exciting hunting I have ever done. You might be able to blow ones head off at 40 yards, but if you can't call him in then it doesn't matter. So with all of that said, you have a good combo with the 870. We just use shorter barrels because they are easier to maneuver through the woods, but as far as patterning goes, that 28 inch barrel will do you just fine. If you choose to shoot lead then a good 5-6 shot will be good, or if you want to spend a little more money you can get some Hevi Shot. If you choose Hevi Shot I would suggest you choose either 6 or 7 shot. Like someone else said, make sure you see where the majority of the pattern is hitting in respect to where you are aiming. You might have to get a sight to put on the gun if it doesn't ht exactly where you aim.
   Other than that just have fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shells and chokes if you can. But as was said before, don't get caught up with how many holes you can put in a piece of paper at 40 yards. A nice even killing pattern is what you are looking for. Also like I said, make sure you know how to hunt the turkey above all things. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!   

[Styer]

Thanks so much for all the advise guys. I know this probably takes this tread a little off topic for the section it is in but do you all have any good suggested reads on how to turkey hunt? wether it be book or online articles?

Thanks a lot for the help guys.

[davisd9]

A good book to learn a bit about turkey hunting is "Fork in the Road" by Col. Tom Kelly.  This book is written towards a younger audience that is being introducing to turkey hunting, but it is an excellent read even for the experienced hunter.  His book, "Tenth Legion" is another good one and very popular among the turkey hunting population.  If you can get your hands on it the "The Old Pro Turkey Hunter" by Gene Nunnery is excellent, but it is out of print and you will spend at least $50 on it.  I am currently looking for is "A One Man Game" by Ken Morgan, but it is also out of print. 

Best way to learn is experience in the field and talking to experienced hunters.  If you do not ask then they cannot answer.  Biggest thing to remember is a turkey is a bird and not a mythological creature.  Everything he does is for his survival and he thinks everything is out to get him.  He will make you look foolish at times but do not put him on a pedestal.  Respect him and admire him, but do not be awed by him cause if you are then he has already won the game.  Good luck!

Pretty good video by Tom Kelley as a quick introduction as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDL2J7XkCdc