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Turkey hunting rookie
#2237931
04/11/11 02:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
Hey guys, I've never turkey hunted before and I'm going to give it a shot this weekend at my lease. I'm new to my lease (in Cisco 1100 acres) they say we have a lot of turkeys so who knows. I need advice on calls, strategies, decoys, time of day, and even size of shot. Thanks I'd really appreciate it! Josh
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2238030
04/11/11 02:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,336
scot
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,336 |
The best thing I did besides hunting with someone who knew what they were doing was to sit and watch hunting shows with a turkey call. Make the same sounds and try to pick up on when they call and how much.
Anything 4-6 in a turkey load will be just fine.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2238038
04/11/11 02:58 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107
meredj
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107 |
A slate call would probably be easiest for ya. Get you a hen decoy and stick it out about 25 yards from you and call every once in a while. try not to over call this is easy to do. It would be good if you could roost the birds the night before but if not try to set up near creeks with tall large trees. It will probably be a learning experience for you the first few times out but you may get lucky and take a bird the first time out. Lets us know how everything goes
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: meredj]
#2238243
04/11/11 04:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397
Sooner N TX
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 397 |
Check your pattern. What I mean is see how your ammo works with your gun. It may be a shotgun, but you are using it almost like a rifle when you get an ultra tight choke and a larger size shot.
I have a buddy that thought I was crazy when I told him this, but was supprised when his pattern hit 6" lower than his bead at 15yds.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Sooner N TX]
#2238673
04/11/11 07:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
Ok thanks! I'm going to buy a call and decoy from Cabelas tomorrow.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2238824
04/11/11 08:46 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 612
Huntsmanda
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 612 |
'91,
I have a box call that works really well and it's easy to use. It even works while wet (like we have to worry about that around here) and doesn't require chalk (chalk is used to help the box make the right pitch or sound, just in case ya didn't know). I think it's called a "Wet Willy" (no kidding) or something like that. Should be around $20-25 I think.
Youtube has some free movies you could try for the calls...
Good luck.
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not." - Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Huntsmanda]
#2239093
04/11/11 10:46 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 557
Littledog
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 557 |
I thought atleast one of you would volunteer to go along and show him the ropes!
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Littledog]
#2239603
04/12/11 02:32 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
Well I'll give her a shot and see how it goes. I will be trying Saturday morning and will report back after! Thanks
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2239844
04/12/11 04:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,959
Scoop
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,959 |
As a beginner I'd definitely go with a box call rather than a slate. Slates can be finicky and take some practice to get right. Box calls are far more 'beginner friendly'. A locater call, like the hammering crow (also easy to use) is another good buy. Camo up well, including face and hands, and go get-em.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Scoop]
#2240379
04/12/11 02:50 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442 |
Just read this one and I will be in Cisco this weekend hunting as well. Sending you a PM with contact info. We can meet, bring your questions I will be happy to answer what I can. Show you how to use different calls heck we might make a hunt or two if you want.
Last edited by kmon1; 04/12/11 03:02 PM.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: kmon11]
#2240750
04/12/11 05:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 267
Chief Yote
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 267 |
What is the best choke and the best shells
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Chief Yote]
#2241030
04/12/11 07:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
What is the best choke and the best shells X2
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2241045
04/12/11 07:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107
meredj
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107 |
Full or extra full choke will work and i have always had great luck with winchester supremes number 5 shot
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: meredj]
#2241058
04/12/11 07:30 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442 |
lead #5 works great, the new heavy shot offerings #6 is hard to beat. and like meredj says full or extra full. the gun I use mostly has a Primos Jelly Head extra full choke.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: kmon11]
#2241302
04/12/11 09:23 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 963
Lipan Creep
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 963 |
I wouldn't go with anything higher than 4 shot. I've wounded a few birds with 5's and 6's. Never had one run off with 4's.
I guess I'm a little overkill.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Lipan Creep]
#2241586
04/12/11 11:51 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442 |
#5 lead shot will completely penetrate a turkeys neck at 50 yards, #6 high density shot will do the same. I like as much shot as possible in the pattern and get that with the smaller shot sizes. You mileage may vary
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: kmon11]
#2241915
04/13/11 02:17 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 267
Chief Yote
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 267 |
Thanks guys gettin ready to get me a big gobbler this weekend
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: Chief Yote]
#2242015
04/13/11 03:01 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2242120
04/13/11 03:38 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442 |
Good luck this weekend guys.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: kmon11]
#2242129
04/13/11 03:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,320
BMD
Silver Spoon
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Silver Spoon
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,320 |
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: BMD]
#2246192
04/14/11 11:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427
jcarlson91
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,427 |
another question. Bought a box call, how often do I call and how long?
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2246412
04/15/11 01:28 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,033
missingAK
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,033 |
I'm glad you're asking all this. I'm a noob to turkeys too and have some of the same questions. To those that have posted...thank you.
"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened." Winston Churchill
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: missingAK]
#2246443
04/15/11 01:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
CenTexBenelli
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 184 |
dont know how far you guys are shooting with the #5's and 6's.
I have shoot a turkey at 40 yards with a 20 guage 2 3/4 #6 and killed it.
But Jcarlson91 it dosent matter to me on what guage or shot size you are using dont waist time in getting to the turkey as soon as you shoot and he hits the ground move in on him fast.
But beware he may flop around and kick, just dont forget about the spurs on his legs.
Just a little tip.
Last edited by 7mm TX Lab; 04/15/11 02:47 AM.
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: jcarlson91]
#2246485
04/15/11 01:56 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442 |
another question. Bought a box call, how often do I call and how long? that depends a lot on the bird you are working. a very vocal bird you can call a lot to, one that does not respond much often does not like a lot of calling. Send out a few yelps every 10 to 15 minutes if sitting trying to get a response, one might move into your ares or decide the hens he is with are no longer wanting to play so he might go elswhere
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: Turkey hunting rookie
[Re: kmon11]
#2246541
04/15/11 02:13 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
CenTexBenelli
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 184 |
also some times they may not Gobble at all when they are comitted to coming in. They are trying to sneek in and catch you off guard ( ie moving around or even just moving you're head.)Just to see if you are a real turkey or not.
Last edited by 7mm TX Lab; 04/15/11 02:45 AM.
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