How To Aim At Turkeys
Proper Turkey Hunting Aiming Tactics
Regardless of their large size, turkeys are not an easy bird to harvest. There have been, and will continue to be, many blown chances due to a variety of hunter mistakes. Here are a few aiming tactics for a successful turkey hunting harvest.
Proper Distance
Before attempting any shot on a turkey, the hunter must know the proper distance of where the turkey is standing. This issue can be resolved by walking off distances around the set up area and marking this distances with a rock or stick. The use of modern range finders can also aid in this task.
Proper Gun Form
How the hunter holds the gun will impact the shot as well. The use of proper form is important. The gun should be held snug against the shoulder. The hunter’s cheek should be down and resting against the gun stock. The hunter should be looking directly down the gun barrel. The use of special turkey sights or scopes can help with alignment issues.
Obstacles
Sometimes there are obstacles such as limbs or bushes that may prevent a clear shot. Since a turkey may come from any direction, it is best to set up in areas that offer many shot opportunities. This way the hunter will have several options to choose from.
Proper Aim
In order to make a clean shot on a turkey, the hunter must hit the turkey in the neck and head areas. Aim at the center of the neck between the head and the bottom of the neck where the feathers start. This should allow the pellets to spread throughout the head and neck areas.
Making sure to aim properly, use good gun form, know your distances, avoid obstacles, and the odds of a successful harvest will improve.
Diaphragm Turkey Call Reed Differences
The diaphragm turkey call has become one of the most popular calls to date. The call provides the hunter with the ability to produce all sounds made by the wild turkey. There are many varieties of the diaphragm call on the market. For the most part these differences are based upon the type and amount of reeds. Here is a look at these reeds.
Thin reeds will aid the caller in making easier notes. The reeds are easier to blow air through. The different sounds made by thin reeds are a result in the number of reeds on the call.
Thicker reeds generally produce a louder sound. The are harder to master due to added amount of air flow needed to correctly make turkey sounds.
Notched or split reeds are intended to create a more raspy sound when cutting or cackling.
Single reed calls are the easiest to use and are excellent for beginners. They make good yelps and clucks. They have clear tones. They require less air flow to use properly.
Double reed calls provide more note action. They generally provide higher volume and tones. They offer a more coarse sound and are raspier than single reeds. They allow for better cutting and cackling sounds. They are good for beginners but do require a little more practice.
Three or more reeds are raspier sounding and bring more excitement and volume to the call. The are very beneficial in expanding turkey sounds. They are harder to use and intended for more experienced callers.
Stacked reeds create intense cutting and cackling sounds. They are generally raspier like an older hen. They produce higher volumes. They are better for experienced callers as they require a longer time to master.
If new to using mouth calls it is best to start with a single or double thin reed call. As calling abilities increase experimenting with additional reeds, splits, or stacks can be helpful in perfecting more sounds.
Diaphragm turkey calls are usually the clearest and most realistic sounding of all calls. They are harder to learn but with enough practice can be perfected. The results of being proficient will usually be worth the additional time needed.
Related:
Slow Cooked Venison Chili
Recipe for venison slow cooked chili.
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground deer venison
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans
2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 green pepper (chopped)
2 onions (chopped)
2.5 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Procedures:
1. Brown venison in skillet. Drain.
2. Place cooked venison in slow cooker.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Cover.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
