My first post here on OG. I thought it appropriate (but probably w ww wwrong) to post it in the 20ga forum as this is my first choice at the "tender" age of 60 putting together an "old man's turkey/duck" gun.
Approaching 100 whitetail with longbow/recurve/BP 54ca and handgun...I'm not "new" to hunting deer. Hunting the bearded beasts of spring.....Im gleaning all the info I can (and scouting) from forums such at this one and ......several have suggested that I come here.
So.......Here I am.
Needing to retire prematurely due to uh....."health issues" I have the time to hunt more so than earlier years so giving it a go. An Indiana lifetime license since '87........no reason not to, and lots of reason to tackle something "new and different" at this time of my life.
I've had (seriously!) about 60 Remington 1100s and 870s from my Dad's '53 Wingmaster to the "on the way" NIB 20 gauge mag LW......and every single combo I can think of in such, in every gauge along with some SKB SxS 20gas, Browning BSS, a Single Browning featherlite Citori Gr VI, I took to Wis after grouse (successfully....
......and oh man.......lots I cannot recall.
The "NIB" Wingmaster 20ga is added to my 28ga 11-48 Mod, 1953 Wingmaster 20ga "skeet" (that few know existed) and a current but "on the way out the door", 1974 1100 12 gauge with upgraded RC barrel.
Nope, no more "high end" shottys like I'd like but.....stuck with the "tried and true" guns I've walked more miles carrying than I want to think about LOL. In
But anyway, long story.......still too long, I chose a 3 inch 20ga Wingmaster, the ever so heralded SSX choke and four boxes of Federal's 1.5oz #7 Heavyweights........BUT I'll shoot them though other , on hand, chokes to "test" since this is going to be the same combo used for ducks (hopefully) since the Fed reg's require non toxic. Might try some #6 too down the road but I found four boxes of #7's on sale for 18 a box shipped (OUCH) but no 6's.
BEING an "old timer" I'm one of those that "just cant" buy a camo gun. I've depended on using the shadows and cover for too many years to look for a short cut now. Besides I LOOK AT my guns a lot more than I hunt them.
Might be a mistake not having a camo SG, might not, BUT I'm also one of those that think too much advertising centers on things you "must have" .......and not enough attention is centered about the hunter, the situation, the local cover.....and HOLDING STILL , LOL
Expert? Nope, Not even in my dreams but after 5 decades of whacking everything that flys or walks and is legal to hunt in my area, I just know what I THINK ......I "need".
NOT sure I "need" the SSX.....but in truth, I'd like to see this in action. A bit of a doubting Thomas? Yep. Depending on the expected range of where I sit, It might not get used in some situations even if it performs beyond my wildest dreams. There DOES exist a "too tight" pattern, IMHO anyway, for some set ups. Kinda like a fixed 8 power scope hunting whitetail in a grown up creekbottom with 30 yard shots. "TOO MUCH" so I play the odds when I may.
Patterning this weekend (yep......doing this at "the last minute" , season is the 24th) I'll decide on what choke gives me what pattern at a couple different yardages BUT am hoping the SSX is the "chisel plowed field" choke that will give me the range I may need.
NOT saying camo, all the calls you can carry, etc are "wrong". They certainly DO increase probabilities..USED PROPERLY of course but HERE, in N. IN. I can shoot ONE turkey, and I have time. NOT getting one , regardless of the game, is not the entire picture and a good time is the entire goal with turkey and dressing being dessert.
Doubtful I will be able to add information of great importance but thanks for letting me "on board".
Hoping to share a photo or two later on!!
God Bless
Steve
