Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

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.

Turkey Hunting Tips:  Aside from various other aspects of turkey hunting, being able to hit what the hunter aims at is vitally important. This is a skill that comes from practice, experience, and confidence. Shooting straight should be at the top of the priority list. This article will provide information related to several different conditions of straight shooting.         

The Mental Side                

One important issue involved relates to the mental side of shooting. Regardless of what weapon is used, the hunter must be confident. The best way to obtain this is by focusing on each individual shot placement. The hunter needs to envision a perfect hit each time. Never allow negatives to enter into the thought process. Think positive and there will be positive results. Become one with the weapon of choice.

Practice                      

The next step is to practice shooting. This is done throughout the year or at least well before the season. Practicing is more than just putting up a turkey target and shooting. The hunter must practice using realistic hunting conditions. Low light conditions, thick vegetation, obstacles, and being in a sitting or kneeling position are just a few variables to be considered. The hunter should practice under these and other conditions for a more realistic setting.           

Range Estimation                  

The hunter needs to understand the importance of range estimation. Misjudging distances will ultimately result in an unsuccessful hunt. The only way to become skilled at estimating range is by practicing. Place objects at various distances or pick objects to guess the ranges. Then measure off the objects to see how accurate the guess was. Remember to sit down to give a realistic turkey hunting condition. This process will take time to master.

There are a wide selection of range finder tools available on the market. Prices will vary depending on the quality. If the hunter goes this route, make sure to be familiar with the use prior to hunting situations. When using in the field, locate safe distance ranges within the hunters set up before the turkey arrives.

Hit Your Target            

Modern firearms and equipment have increased distances that can be obtained in the field. However, as a general rule, the hunter should become proficient as possible out to forty yards. Being able to hit your target any where within this range requires practice at all distances. Many hunters make the mistake of only practicing at longer distances. Turkey guns shoot extremely tight patterns at twenty yards or less. The hunter needs to give these ranges just as much attention.

Although bench rest are a valuable tool for initial patterning, the hunter should also practice from a hunting position. This is based on the hunters individual style of hunting. Standing, kneeling, or sitting should be considered. Also, hunting clothing to be worn in the field, especially a face mask, should be used during practice.

Although these turkey hunting tips do not provide every detail in being able to shoot straight, they do offer a basic starting point.

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