Turkey Hunting: Taking the Shot

Taking the shot on a wild turkey requires patience, precision, and adherence to specific safety and ethical guidelines. Success often depends on being prepared for the moment of truth.

Before you even raise your firearm or bow, make sure you have the best possible chance for a clean, ethical shot.

1. Safety First: Ensure your firearm's safety is on until you are absolutely ready to shoot. Know your target and what is beyond it.
2. Identify the Target: Be 100% certain it is a legal tom or jake, and not a hen or another hunter. Look for a beard, spurs, and a blue/red/white head.
3. Range Confirmation: Estimate the distance. For a shotgun, the maximum ethical range is typically 40 yards, but know the effective range of your specific load. For archers, stick to your practiced, comfortable range.
4. Clear Shot Lane: Look for any twigs, brush, or tall grass that may deflect your shot. Be ready to wait for the bird to move into a clear opening.
5. Steady Position: Get into a stable shooting position. This usually means resting your gun on your knee or on a bipod/monopod.

The kill zone on a turkey is small. The goal is to hit the turkey's head and neck. Hitting the body (the 'vitamins') with pellets is highly ineffective and often leads to an injured and lost bird.

Aim for the base of the neck where it meets the body. This is the narrowest point of the spine and the central nervous system.

The vitals are small, about the size of a baseball, and shielded by wings. The best shot is a broadside shot at the wing-butt, or a straight-on shot aimed at the center of the chest. Some hunters prefer shooting only at the head/neck with specialized broadheads.

After taking the shot, you must remain vigilant and ready for a follow-up shot if necessary.

1. Do Not Move: Stay put immediately after the shot. If using a shotgun, keep the gun mounted and watch the bird. Turkeys can sometimes flop around or run a short distance before succumbing.
2. Reload Immediately: If you are using a pump or semi-automatic, immediately chamber another round. For a double-barrel, be ready to break the action and reload.
3. Wait and Observe: Give the bird a few minutes before approaching. If it is still moving, be prepared to fire another shot into the head/neck area.
4. Approach Safely: Always approach the downed bird with caution, gun/bow ready. If the turkey's head is up, do not approach. Use the barrel of your gun or an arrow to touch the turkey's head to confirm it is expired.
5. Tagging: Once the turkey is confirmed dead, follow local regulations for tagging and transportation.