Shoot the Shiny Spot

A spring gobbler is one of bowhunting’s toughest challenges.  Even after outwitting its incredible eyesight and hearing, a gobbler is easy to miss or wound at point-blank range.  Remember that a strutting turkey has more than 50 percent feathers, so there is no “there,” there.  Hunters need to develop a mental picture of a wild turkey in various configurations to make an instantaneous shot decision to ethically down the gobbler.

Head/Neck Shots

The big tom shown above is a Gould’s subspecies taken in Mexico, one of my great hunting adventures.  I noticed that turkeys were traveling to a roost along a fence row.  After several passed by, I moved to an ambush sport just before this large gobbler ambled by.  When it was within range, I gave a cutting sound that caused the bird to raise its head and extend its neck.  My arrow struck this most vulnerable spot and downed it immediately.

Frontal/Rear Angles-

Frontal and rear shot angles have the advantage of an aiming point.  In the picture above, an arrow just above the beard is the traditional aiming point and the anus of a fanned-out gobbler facing away can be lethal.  When choosing these shots, it’s critical that the bird be facing directly toward or away from the hunter.  For example, notice that the bird above is slightly quartering away.  An arrow just above the beard will not catch the spine and vitals.

Shoot the Shiny Spot

This video is one of the best I’ve seen for shot placement.  Whenever I look at a strutting gobbler, I mentally decide to pass or take the shot.