In today’s world of shotguns, turkey chokes, and specialized turkey loads, it is very easy to assume that the newest, greatest turkey choke combined with the latest, greatest turkey load guarantees a lethal pattern up to 60 yards(please don’t shoot gobblers at 60 yards!). I, like everyone else at one time or another, has fallen victim to the technology hype and I have paid the price. A few years ago, I had added a very expensive, high tech turkey choke and a very expensive turkey load to my tried and true Remington 870. I confidently took my new set up to Florida and proceeded to miss a ridiculously simple 25 yard shot on an Osceola gobbler that guide Billy Henderson(Deep South Outfitters) had coming in on a rope. While I admit that I got in a hurry and just choked, I was still perplexed why the bird didn’t drop and took the time to shoot a turkey target at 20, 25, and 30 yards. I was blown away to see how few pellets I was actually getting on the neck of the bird. Billy(who by now has only partially forgiven me for messing up his 100% success rate during the 2008 season) suggested that I just stick my original Remington full choke back in my barrel and try a more traditional lead load. The results were astonishing. My 870 shot better with its normal full choke and a normal turkey load than it did with the fancy stuff. The moral to this story is that every gun is different and will respond differently to various chokes and shot patterns. Take the time to purchase some turkey targets and pattern your gun. You maybe surprised at the results. Search the internet and read about what gun manufacturers and other hunters recommend. There is a very good chance that someone else has done the research for your gun and has shared their results online. Also, spend a little extra money and buy a turkey target for your testing. The visual image of the turkey neck will really help your patterning process!
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| Birchwood Casey Targets! |
Until Next Time,
Tight Lines & Strutting Toms!
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