Now that the spring turkey-hunting season is nearly upon us, you should find the right shotgun. As turkey hunting has become increasingly popular, more and more manufacturers have developed shotguns that have more features. There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you search for the perfect shotgun.    

You need to buy a shotgun that fits you. The only sure way to find a shotgun that properly fits you is to make an appointment with a firearms expert. Pull the gun to your shoulder. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. See if the gun swings into place without extra effort. Pay attention to the weight of the gun – is it comfortable? Next, adjust the placement of your forward hand. Check to see if you are able to hold the shotgun steady for a set amount of time. Also, see if you are able to comfortably carry the shotgun for long distances. If you answer “yes” to each of these questions, you may have found the right shotgun.  Remember that when it comes to turkey hunting, a bigger shotgun is not always better. 20-gauge shotguns are growing in popularity, mainly due to their high-powered turkey loads and available chokes. You are better off buying a shotgun that perfectly fits you than you are choosing one that has the largest gauge or load size.  

Give yourself an opportunity to see how your shotgun performs under different circumstances. Shoot it with different loads and shot sizes whenever possible. Most shotguns offer several choke options. A shotgun that shows success in increasing pattern performance is your ideal gun. As with all of your hunting equipment, you want to use only the highest quality gear that performs well when you need it most.   

You must take the time necessary to discover the limitations of your firearm. You can do several things to find out how well your gun will work at the moment when you need it to perform. Pattern, experiment with different loads and chokes, and practice real hunting situations on the range. These actions will help you learn when to shoot and when to hold back. Certain shots are risky, and you are better off holding your fire.  If you are using a 20-gauge shotgun, you must be within 25 yards of your target for your ideal shot. Very young hunters, or those hunters who lack experience, should follow the same distance. Knowing your limitations as a hunter is as important as knowing how well your shotgun will perform. This knowledge is the difference between success and disappointment.  

Finding the right shotgun for your spring turkey hunting will take a fair amount of experimentation and practice. Your goal will be to determine the best choke constriction, load, shot size, and distance. You want a gun that is comfortable. You want a gun that fits your body size. Do not always go for the largest gun, as a bigger shotgun does not always equal a better shotgun. The best way to discover the shotgun that best fits you is to practice with different ones. There is a perfect shotgun out there with your name on it. Simply take the time to find it. Once you have discovered your ideal shotgun, you will be able to kick off a safe and rewarding turkey season.





By: Jaden Skiver

NW Oklahoma Rio Grand Wild Turkey Hunt

Well ive been out with my dad before. He took me once when i was 12 and once when i was 13. I took a shot at one when i was 13 missed tho and it was also spring. This is different for me im on my own to this point. My dad said he will not help me and told me to figure it out. Well ive got the cammo ive got decoys ive got calls. I have 10 acres now i have a problem. I dont know where they come from. My 10 acres go field hedgerow field headrow field. I dont know where they roost. I dont know anything. I cant really scout becuz ill desturb the land for deer hunting. For them reeeaaallllyyyy smart ass people ive got a 12 guage and bird shot. Wat can i do to increase my likely of getting a turkey?

Turkey hunting games are gaining great popularity for both turkey hunters and non-turkey hunters. They are a lot of fun and require some skill, and can even teach the newcomer a thing or two about turkey hunting.

There are three major formats generally available for the hunter looking to play a turkey hunting game. Single player, multi-player, and arcade style; and there are benefits unique to each.

1. Single Player Games

These games are usually done on the computer only. These are great for the hunter with a few spare minutes who wants to take a break. Also, oftentimes the single player game is designed by hunting outfitters, which means they hope to both be fun, and educational. A hunter will often get the chance to choose weapons, locations, and clothing to wear, all influencing the type of hunt he’ll have. These games are especially helpful for the newcomer.

2. Multiplayer Games

The multiplayer game is often played online and can be a great opportunity for the hunter to chat with other hunters about his favorite sport. This game is also great for the gamer who has a competitive edge as scores are often ranked and the hunter can compare his skills to other players. Also, because the multiplayer game is available exclusively online, they are often either free or at a greatly discounted price. While the hunter may be weary of the quality of something that is offered for free online, some of the games available have amazingly realistic graphics that would impress even a seasoned hunter.

3. Arcade Games

The arcade game is a more traditional format, but adds a new element to the game, that of having a “real gun” to aim at the screen and shoot your birds. While these don’t typically allow for weapon selection, there are always point values tallied, and a hunter can see how he compares with other players. These games are often very realistic and simulate a real turkey hunt.

While nothing replaces the smell of the crisp morning air of turkey season, the virtual turkey hunt offers the hunter a pleasant distraction and allows him to keep skills high in the off-season. And because many of the games are little or no cost, the hunter can try his hand at a few of them to find just the right one; and the best part of the virtual hunt, no license required!





By: Abhishek Agarwal

Ok, I need sites that illustrate how hunters contribute/have contributed to the incline in deer, elk and turkey populations in Pennsylvania. Also, if you live anywhere else, let me know how hunters have helped increase animal populations, and any different ways that hunters help out people. This is all b/c a friend of mine doesnt like hunting, and thinks its brutal and cruel. I need help and support on this! Thanks!!!

There were several years where I didn’t eat any meat at all. The thought of eating it made me sick to my stomach. When I got pregnant about a year ago I started eating turkey and chicken only because I needed more protein. The thought of hunting for fun makes me sick to my stomach. Is it honestly necessary to kill helpless animals? I’m not an animal rights activist or anything but the thought of anything being killed for me to eat, when I have plenty of other things to eat, makes me sick. Let me know how you feel!
Wiked Twistet- Wow. Thanks for taking so much time to answer the question. Heres the deal though… No, I did Not grow up in the city. I grew up in the boondocks and when I got home from school every day I’d play outside (in the dirt, like you say). I like the mall, but rarely go there.
Funny, I knew people would get nice and bitter about this question. My opinion is my opinion… I asked because I have the right to and wanted to hear others opinions. If you don’t think I should be asking the question, don’t answer the question.
The human body does not NEED meat. If you eat a healthy diet… You can live a long and healthy life.

10 years old Gevin Nixon Kills his first Turkey. Handled it like a Pro!

Me and Dan had one day to get a Fall bird for Dan. We never got one that day, but had an interesting hunt.

In one way or another, we have all had contact with the work or read about the life of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. We certainly don’t associate Hemingway with hunting expeditions or wilderness. Those who know a bit about the man have read of swashbuckling tales of drinking, bull fighting and hard living. We knew him as an avid sportsman who even penned one of his great books, The Sun Also Rises, around the annual running of the bulls in Spain. However, what the average person might not know is that Hemingway travelled to Africa to hunt twice in his lifetime and wrote several short stories and novels about the experience. Hemingway is even credited with bring the Swahili word “safari” to the English language. Although he was not considered one of the greatest hunters, his love of the experience propelled him to an understanding of the Kenyan people, a feat that was unheard of for his time.

His first visit to the continent was in 1933 with his second wife, Pauline. Together they visited both Kenya and Tanzania. During this time, and even before he went on his first African hunt, Hemingway became sick with dysentery. For several weeks, he was laid up in a hospital in Nairobi, where he met other adventure-seeking men from America and Europe. After mending and continuing with the safari, Hemingway returned home to write The Green Hills of Africa. The book’s poor sales depressed him, but the two shorter works he penned on the trip, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Snows of Kilimanjaro, are considered classics about African hunters.

In 1954, the great writer set out on another African safari with his fourth wife, Mary. By this time, Hemingway was drinking far too much, but his love of the safari called him to travel once again. It was a dangerous time, as Kenya’s Mau Mau was rebelling against British colonists. Still, it was not the violent rebellion that almost cost the Hemingways their lives. The Hemingways were involved in two serious plane crashes that almost killed them and the injuries Hemingway suffered plagued him for the rest of his life. He wrote about this second safari and his relationship with a young African girl in True at First Light, a book that is written as fiction but generally considered autobiographical.

Many modern companies have sought to emulate the Hemingway safaris. Various packages are available for African and especially Kenyan tours, mostly for the enjoyment of taking pictures or observing the wildlife. Many of these modern tours involve high quality lodges rather than the camping experience of Pappa’s day. While expensive, many of these modern safaris boast fine lodges and private guides to take tourists through the Dark Continent. Most of these new wildlife safaris have private itineraries that can be changed at a moment’s notice and private trial cars and guides. While they’re still connected to the beauty of the African landscape, they offer controlled environments that often tours through preserves and national parks. Some of the more famous of these tours bring back memories of Hemingway’s more famous works, but most are not cheap. One company offers a 14-day experience called the Kilimanjaro tour that costs over three thousand dollars. Others offer excursions to places like Uganda to view gorillas.





By: Jaden Skiver

Turkey hunting includes more than just stepping into the woods and bagging some birds. Much thought and preplanning must go into the hunt. While what the hunter considers to be at the top of his supply list depends on his preference, there are a few things that every hunter must have to ensure a safe and happy hunt. Having the right equipment is vital.

1. Camouflage. Having the right camouflage can make or break a hunter’s trip. Picking out the right camouflage will greatly depend on the location and time of year the hunter will be after his prize. Most hunters prefer to have two sets of camouflage clothing; the customary green for the spring hunt, and brown for the fall. A hunter should never underestimate the turkey’s keen eyesight and ability to spot the smallest flash of color. When choosing hunting apparel though, be sure to avoid any colors often associated with turkeys, such as white, red, or blue.

2. Calls. While mastering a turkey call takes a lot of patience and practice, it is well worth a hunter’s time and effort. Calls are the number one tool a hunter can use to bring turkeys into the area. There are a few things to keep in mind though when using a turkey call: don’t overuse it; it doesn’t take much for a turkey to grow tired of calling. Also, don’t start out with an aggressive call, this can run birds out of the area instead of bring them in.

3. Decoys. While not every hunter uses decoys, they can be a great asset if they are realistic. Used in conjunction with the call, a hunter has a great chance of bringing in a flock of birds.

4. Blind. The last thing that’s essential to any turkey hunt is the use of a hunting blind. Turkeys have keen eyesight and the slightest movement can ruin a hunter’s chances. If he’s not willing to spend a lot of money on a man-made version from the store, he can go au natural and construct his own using natural vegetation of the area.

As with any hunt, be sure to exercise extreme caution and utmost safety. Many hunters have mastered the turkey call, so always be sure that what is heard and seen is also identified. While turkey hunting has always been thought of as an extremely challenging hunt, with a few tips in mind, the hunter can get ready for a great season.





By: Abhishek Agarwal