For what it is worth, I would like to share my experiences turkey hunting over the years and opinion on what has been discussed here. I have been an avid turkey hunter for 40+ years and have taken 50+ (not sure the exact # but 50-60) turkeys but never taken one with an airgun. I started this with questions that I already had and opinion on but wanted to see what more experienced airgun hunters’ thoughts were and could come to a consensus. And thanks for all the input. Excuse me if I become too long winded.
When I was a kid, I started out hunting turkeys on NF land (well educated birds and tough hunting) with a Savage 24 22WMR/.410. I took 25(?) birds with the .22 over the years. I hunt both spring and fall. Then I hunted 5 (1995-2000) years with a bow, and took a bird 4 out of 5 years I hunted with a bow. I had to give up archery due to injuries I incurred in an auto accident. That year (2000), I bought a Tikka 412 12ga/222R, a turkey hunting machine indeed. With the .222, I have taken, guessing 20. I use the .222 only for fall birds. My favorite bullet is a non-expanding 55gr fmj bullet at 2000fps.
Ten years ago, my wife and I bought and moved onto our 600+ acre homestead. About 150 acres of which is reclaimed mine land. Contrary to what the environmentalist will tell you, reclaimed mine land creates some of the most productive wildlife habitat in the eastern USA. Our turkey population varies from; mostly dependent on nesting success, from big to huge (we have lots of other critters too). That sounds great but since I have lived and hunted here, it’s almost too easy to get a turkey. My birds are pretty dumb compared to the NF birds I hunted for years. It’s not much of a challenge to call in a gobbler in the spring and kill it with a shotgun.
So, a few years ago, to add some challenge I starting hunting with a handgun. My favorite for turkey is my 12” barrel Dan Wesson revolver shooting 38spl 148gr WC target load at 800fps. This combo is as accurate as some rifles I own and the 148wc hits like a hammer.
To be honest I have become jaded and almost bored with hunting turkey. That is why I am going to give airguns a try, to hopefully put some excitement back in it for me.
So I have killed a lot of turkeys. Will any of this experience translate to airgun? I think so, especially using my using .22 caliber rifles for body shots. Imo for body shots using .30 or .35 caliber airguns would certainly be an advantage. .22-.25 guns (penetration and accuracy is the key) would be marginal and in .22 I would only use one with enough power to shoot JSB 25.39gr pellets or NSA slugs. See Steve’s excellent AEAC Vlog#39, pellet and slug penetration test start at 24:00.
Another thing many of you have mentioned that is of utmost importance is aim points and turkey anatomy. Bullfrog posted some very nice photos with aim points. Do a search using ‘turkey hunting anatomy” too.
One other thing and some will disagree. The very best call, hands down no argument, is the wing bone call. Ha! Thanks all. Hope you all stay well
When I was a kid, I started out hunting turkeys on NF land (well educated birds and tough hunting) with a Savage 24 22WMR/.410. I took 25(?) birds with the .22 over the years. I hunt both spring and fall. Then I hunted 5 (1995-2000) years with a bow, and took a bird 4 out of 5 years I hunted with a bow. I had to give up archery due to injuries I incurred in an auto accident. That year (2000), I bought a Tikka 412 12ga/222R, a turkey hunting machine indeed. With the .222, I have taken, guessing 20. I use the .222 only for fall birds. My favorite bullet is a non-expanding 55gr fmj bullet at 2000fps.
Ten years ago, my wife and I bought and moved onto our 600+ acre homestead. About 150 acres of which is reclaimed mine land. Contrary to what the environmentalist will tell you, reclaimed mine land creates some of the most productive wildlife habitat in the eastern USA. Our turkey population varies from; mostly dependent on nesting success, from big to huge (we have lots of other critters too). That sounds great but since I have lived and hunted here, it’s almost too easy to get a turkey. My birds are pretty dumb compared to the NF birds I hunted for years. It’s not much of a challenge to call in a gobbler in the spring and kill it with a shotgun.
So, a few years ago, to add some challenge I starting hunting with a handgun. My favorite for turkey is my 12” barrel Dan Wesson revolver shooting 38spl 148gr WC target load at 800fps. This combo is as accurate as some rifles I own and the 148wc hits like a hammer.
To be honest I have become jaded and almost bored with hunting turkey. That is why I am going to give airguns a try, to hopefully put some excitement back in it for me.
So I have killed a lot of turkeys. Will any of this experience translate to airgun? I think so, especially using my using .22 caliber rifles for body shots. Imo for body shots using .30 or .35 caliber airguns would certainly be an advantage. .22-.25 guns (penetration and accuracy is the key) would be marginal and in .22 I would only use one with enough power to shoot JSB 25.39gr pellets or NSA slugs. See Steve’s excellent AEAC Vlog#39, pellet and slug penetration test start at 24:00.
Another thing many of you have mentioned that is of utmost importance is aim points and turkey anatomy. Bullfrog posted some very nice photos with aim points. Do a search using ‘turkey hunting anatomy” too.
One other thing and some will disagree. The very best call, hands down no argument, is the wing bone call. Ha! Thanks all. Hope you all stay well
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