2021 Wild Turkey thread

[1963beretta]

A little earlier than usual for this thread, but what the hell else is there to talk about in March, other than it being the one year anniversary of a global pandemic?

Checked my game cam footage and have a flock of about 40 birds frequenting my hunting grounds. Included in the photos are 4 big Toms that seem to have made it out of 2020 in good health. Spur lengths seem to determine that these are not last years jakes. Birds are already fighting and in full strut. Hens are also already laying in wait, lined up one after the other. I had a photo that captured the moment quite nicely, two Toms face to face with a handful of hens laying in wait.

I officially cant sleep anymore. I already had one nightmare that saw me face to face with a Tom of a lifetime only to discover that I forgot my shells at home. And then another bad dream that had a particular nosey neighbour intentionally go out of her way to attempt to ruin my subsequent hunts as I continued to chase that Tom of a lifetime. First world problems, no doubt.

Anyhow, am I the only one getting this anxious????

 

[caramel]

Well, it's a good day to start your turkey tread and my contribution is 4 gobblers in my driveway this morning. JP.

 

[hoytcanon]

Lol... just patterned my turkey guns yesterday... kill patterns with Win Long Beard #6's to 50 yards, but generally put them down under 30... called all my property owners last week, good to go and can't wait! Looks like Covid-19 is going to be a minor issue again this year.

 

[medvedqc]

wish you all good preparation. in one month bear season is opening.

 

[powdermaker]

Turkey hunting is on my bucket list. I had almost paid a deposit on an outfitted hunt in Nebraska, when Covid hit. So, now I am looking at the spring of 2022.

Best of luck everyone, whether it be turkeys or bears you are pursuing!

 

[LeePeterson]

I was out patterning yesterday! Here is a picture of Long beard XR 3 1/2" #5 32 yards using Carlson Longbeard choke. I might buy a box of #6 to try and fill in around the turkey head some more.

View attachment 476012

 

[mineguy]

Thinking about taking it up this year for the first time and prepping equipment. New barrel and choke on my 870 Wingmaster. Shells on the way. Patterning this weekend....

 

[84fuegoturbo]

They seem to be taunting me on my deck.
Pretty excited, this will be my first turkey season.

 

[jlovie]

There's been a flock of anywhere between 20 and 40 passing right under 1 of my tree stands for the past 2 months, now they've seemed to have moved to the other end of the property, so still seeing them but I might just have to do a little work to get one.

 

[BullOnParade]

This thread is perfectly timed for someone newish to hunting and completely green to turkey. Hoping to make a go of it this year. Last year I bought some gear and then life got in the way. This year I'm continuing to buy gear and actually going to pattern my barrel next weekend.

Been watching YouTube and reading what I can, pouring over the regs and trying to decipher needs from nice-to-haves from gimick.

 

[huntingfish]

First turkey season as well.

So anxious! Started patterning the 12ga a few week-ends ago. Got a few calls (Primos bombshell and Primos gobbler) on top of all the other ones I already had. Got 2 decoys (female and jake).

I got a turkey choke for the 20ga semi-auto and a few ammo boxes (Remmy, Kent TSS and another one that doesn't come to mind).

Might try to finish patterning everything this weekend.

Father-in-law confirms he's seeing a bunch of turkeys on his land ;-) ;-)

David

 

[Neurotoxic]

Total newbie here. Is it unreasonable to go turkey hunting using an old side by side, assuming it is in proper operating condition?

 

[medvedqc]

Total newbie here. Is it unreasonable to go turkey hunting using an old side by side, assuming it is in proper operating condition?

if you can get a good pattern why not?

 

[CountryAndCalibre]

I can't sleep either. Already got some days booked off during opening week to get out!

Last year was a big success here's hoping for much success to you all in 2021.

Browning BPS with a Carlsons turkey choke and Winchester Long Beard 3" #6 shot does it for me.

Good luck everyone.

 

[CountryAndCalibre]

Total newbie here. Is it unreasonable to go turkey hunting using an old side by side, assuming it is in proper operating condition?

If it is a concern of structural integrity due to age of the firearm etc, have a reputable gunsmith look at it first and get their advice.

If it is a modern sxs then you should be fine as long as it patterns well as someone else mentioned.

 

[FarmerDanz]

Got a new jelly head choke waiting at the post office. Can't wait to see how it stacks up vs the titewad!!

 

[Runningfool]

I’m very excited as well! I arrowed a hen this past fall with my new Mathews but hoping this spring I will take my first tom with it. And then bear. Going to be an action-packed spring!

 

[53Izzy744]

I’m very excited as well! I arrowed a hen this past fall with my new Mathews but hoping this spring I will take my first tom with it. And then bear. Going to be an action-packed spring!

Id love to try my crossbow out on one but with broadheads and arrows costing so much, a 2$ turkey load for a shotgun is much cheaper lol

 

[caramel]

Xbow turkey hunting is the only way i do it nowaday, I got the R26 fevvvver. JP.

 

[Jmcc]

Total newbie here. Is it unreasonable to go turkey hunting using an old side by side, assuming it is in proper operating condition?

I'm assuming it doesn't have any chokes?
you will likely want to keep your shots at fairly close range.

But like others have said, get out with a few different kinds of ammo and pattern to see what you get.