Minimun Gauge for Turkey?

[Gimlet]

Turkey season is fast approaching and the numbers in my area look really good. So of course I went out and completely screwed up my shoulder. Waiting on an MRI to see if the damage is "simple" (docs words) or more severe. Even with the best case scenario, I seriously doubt I'll be up to drawing a bow or shouldering a 12 ga. in time for the spring season. Toying with the idea of a cheap, lower gauge shotgun just to get me through. What's the smallest gauge you guys would feel comfortable going with?
Thanks

 

[cockpitbob]

http://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing/wild-turkey/

Looks like there's no minimum gauge so it's all a matter of enough shot for a clean kill. I would use whatever your shoulder is OK with. Pattern the gun and don't shoot further than what the pattern tells you will guarantee a good kill.

 

[northny]

My son when younger did well with a 20 gauge full choke and 3" shells. Kill range is less than 12 or 10 gauge but pattern it and you will know limitations. Once u have a tom coming getting him a few yards closer just part of the fun

 

[whacko]

20 gauge is plenty enough to harvest a turkey. Full or xtra full choke with a 3 inch turkey load is a very powerful combo. Pattern it first. If your shoulder cant take a 3 inch go down to a high brass heavy game load and youll still be good. Remember guys were schwacking turkeys with shotguns looooong before the "wonder loads" started being sold.

 

[chaser001]

Here's an article on .410 for turkey http://www.realtree.com/guns-and-shooting/articles/turkey-hunting-with-the-410

and of course a video of someone actually harvesting a Tom w/a .410


like others have already said it comes down to pattern & range. You'll probably need to call him in closer and be a better shot, but isn't that 1/2 the fun of turkey hunting?

Also - if your shoulder is messed up you can try to get a crossbow permit; you'll just need your doc to sign off on it. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/df...ing/licensing/crossbow-permit-application.pdf

 

[cockpitbob]

Also, get yourself a shoulder pad, or a sissy pad as my granddad called them. They come in varying thicknesses, aren't uncomfortable and really help.

 

[Chistech]

Grew up hunting rabbit and pheasant with nothing but .410. I hunted with my uncle and not one single hunter used anything but a .410. The .410 teaches you how to shoot properly. We always used full choke and often made shots out to 35yds on running and flying targets. A full choke .410 with #4's hits hard, very hard and is plenty to take a turkey's head off.

Both my brother and I have Rem. 1100 3" guns given to use by our father before 85' when he passed. We will take them to the trap field and shoot a round or two with them from the 17yd line. The last time we did, I broke 18 and my brother 19. WW & Federal shells are the best with the Remingtons giving ejection problems in their own 3" autoloaders. It's a shame that the .410 has gotten such a bad rap from a lot of shooters. That's because they either have never shot one or are not good shots in the first place.

I believe it was my learning and constant use of my .410 shotgun that allowed me to place 3rd in the MA state trapshoot in 2003 (the only time I've ever competeted). To this day, while I don't shoot trap often, I will still run a 25 or two with my 12ga when I go. The old saying, "aim small, hit small" will make us all better shooters. Guys should stop relying on this huge pattern of shot and one or two pellets hitting your target. Master a .410, and destroy every target you aim at with your bigger gauge shotgun.

 

[AllaSnackbah]

I wouldn't want less than a 20. I've seen a turkey get up and run away even after a solid hit fired by an experienced hunter from 25-30 yards with a 12 gauge 3 1/2" #6. They can be tough for sure.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

If you do NH, I believe that 20 is the minimum. Jack.

 

[Palladin]

Two years ago, my then 14yo son took a 22lb long beard with a 20ga single shot. 3" #4 turkey load. The shotgun was a present from MY 12th birthday

 

[Winchester73]

Two years ago, my then 14yo son took a 22lb long beard with a 20ga single shot. 3" #4 turkey load. The shotgun was a present from MY 12th birthday

View attachment 130909

AWESOME.

 

[J.M.]

I know several people who have switched to 20 ga 870 Express youth shotguns for turkey. They come with short barrels and screw in chokes, and weigh about 6lbs. Very compact and light weight when walking all morning in the hills. They use xtra full turkey chokes and Hevishot 3" shells. According to them they give up nothing in range over a 12 ga with these setups.

 

[PatMcD]

I believe the only difference in any of the gauges is the amount of pellets in the shell. They all will shoot the same velocity at about the same distance.

 

[chaser001]

If you do NH, I believe that 20 is the minimum. Jack.

yes NH is 10-20 ga. with #2 or smaller shot. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm

since the OPs location says western ma, the mass regs just say no larger than 10 ga or .775 muzzle loader with #4-#7 shot. http://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/huntingandfishing/wild-turkey/

for completeness NY is #2-#8 no gauge limits. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32162.html

and VT is the same http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/ad...big_game/2014 VERMONT TURKEY SEASON GUIDE.pdf

 

[cockpitbob]

I believe the only difference in any of the gauges is the amount of pellets in the shell. They all will shoot the same velocity at about the same distance.

This agrees with what I've read.

 

[Tundra02]

The pattern kills not the gauge ! Same concept as a rifle, if a rifle doesn't group well you can't kill what your shooting at . And if a shotgun doesn't pattern well same thing . Get a cheap single shot 28ga or a pump and some #6 's . That combo will kill any turkey out to 30yds .