I have not hunted for decades so for all practical purposes, I am new to hunting.

Yes, I want to use a rifle because I have never used anything else. I don't know how to use anything else. I have never used a shotgun nor bow and arrow. I have a SKS (& a 22LR bolt action) and plan on getting in real close (15-50 yards) because it is not too accurate. I don't know why using a rifle would not be sporting because it is harder to shoot a rifle that punches a tiny 0.22-0.3 inch hole into the head/neck rather than a shotgun that blasts a huge pattern. I will also be using iron sights because I have never used a scope before and have no idea how to use a scope.

Although I want to use a rifle, if I remember correctly, you have to use a shotgun or bow & arrow to shoot turkey? The Outdoor Annual says you can not shoot Eastern Turkey with a rifle. However, I can't tell the difference between Eastern Turkey and Rio Grande Turkey, so I think I'll have to suck it up, buy a shotgun, and practice with it. After all, they all just simply look like turkeys to me.

Hey, I would like to go turkey hunting on public land. I invite any SAFE (no alcohol, never point a gun at me, etc) hunter to hunt with me so that I may learn. I don't think it's safe to go hunting alone on public land. In case I get shot by some idiot, no one will call 911 for me. I am CPR certified and i will watch your back. I will even buy you lunch at IHOP (or similar family restaurant) in return for your experience and wisdom. I have just finished hunters' ed.

Thanks,


P.S. What turkey call would you recommend, if any? I heard that it is real dangerous to use a turkey call on public land. I will probably be hunting on a weekday morning to avoid getting shot.

How about a .22-250 with a 55 grain bullet?

I have only shot one turkey in my life and it was with a .270. It was fun. Just aim at the head or base of the neck and you should be set.

i shot a turkey this past weekend with a 7mm rem mag, and had ZERO damage to the breast, the trick is to imagine where the wing meets the body and aim there, I was way above the breast, another lease member used a .270 the day before, same placement, my dad used a 12 guage #4 and a head shot, all three birds died and none had breast damage, although there was some discoloration and a possible pass through the breast with the 12 guage, but no pellet found

There is a difference between turkey hunters and turkey shooters.

Turkey shooting is in the fall, turkey hunting is in the spring......both put meat in the freezer though!

of course i would use a rifle, shotgun and bowhunting is more of a challenge though

A butterball is cheaper...

Yea, I am a turkey shooter...no question, it is a bonus on the lease, and this year there have been a TON of turkey...I do want to go turkey hunting this spring though!