Can You Hunt Turkey with a .22 in Texas?

Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Texas with over 250 counties allowing turkey seasons each year. Many hunters enjoy the challenge of hunting the elusive and wary wild turkey. And one question that often comes up is whether you can legally hunt turkey with a .22 rimfire rifle in Texas. The short answer is yes, you can hunt Rio Grande turkey with a .22 rimfire rifle in most parts of Texas. However, there are some important regulations restrictions, and best practices to keep in mind.

Turkey Hunting Regulations in Texas

Turkey hunting is managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and regulated through the Texas Administrative Code. Here are some key regulations regarding methods of take for turkey hunting in Texas:

• For Eastern turkey, only shotguns, lawful archery equipment, and crossbows may be used. Rifles and handguns are prohibited for Eastern turkey.

• For Rio Grande turkey, rimfire rifles and handguns are legal methods of take. This includes .22 rimfire rifles and handguns.

• There is no caliber restriction on rimfire rifles and handguns for Rio Grande turkey Any 22 rimfire may be used, including .22 short, .22 long, and .22 magnum.

• The use of centerfire rifles and handguns is prohibited for turkey hunting statewide.

• In some eastern counties like Bowie, Cass, Fannin, and Grayson, only shotguns and lawful archery equipment may be used during the spring eastern turkey season.

Choosing a Good .22 Rimfire for Rio Grande Turkey

While any .22 rimfire rifle or handgun is legal, some are better suited for turkey hunting than others. Here are some factors to consider:

• Use a rifle or pistol designed for hunting. Accurate hunting rifles like the Ruger 10/22 or CZ 455 are good options. For handguns, revolvers like the Ruger Single Six provide excellent accuracy.

• Select a rifle or handgun chambered in .22 magnum if possible. The .22 magnum shoots flatter and hits harder than regular .22 long rifle ammo. This gives you more effective range.

• Choose a rifle or handgun with good sights or scopes. Being able to precisely place your shot is critical. A low-powered scope or fiber optic sights can help acquire and hold your aim on a turkey’s head.

• Consider sound moderation. The less noise your rifle makes, the less likely you’ll spook turkeys nearby. A suppressed .22 rimfire is ideal if lawful and available.

Shot Placement and Hunting Techniques

Turkeys have small vital areas compared to other game. This makes proper shot placement absolutely critical when using a .22 rimfire:

• Always aim for a precise head and neck shot. This will dispatch a turkey quickly and humanely.

• Avoid chest and body shots. These can wound and lose a turkey. The small .22 bullet may lack adequate power and penetration for a clean kill on a body shot.

• Get as close as possible before shooting. Ideally within 50 yards or less for the best accuracy.

• Use a turkey decoy and calling to bring the tom in close. Turkeys have keen eyesight so you need to be close.

• Hunt patiently and stay concealed. Your best chance is by drawing the tom in to your concealed position rather than chasing after him through the brush.

• Consider using a hunting blind for concealment if hunting over a decoy. Ground blinds and popup blinds work great for ambushing incoming toms.

Is a .22 Rimfire Ethical for Turkey Hunting?

This is a debated topic among turkey hunters. Some believe a shotgun is the only ethical choice due to its stopping power. But others argue that a precisely aimed .22 rimfire headshot is just as effective when done properly at close ranges.

Much comes down to the skill and judgment of the individual hunter. An experienced hunter using quality .22 rimfire gear and exercising patience can humanely take turkeys. But an ill-prepared hunter taking 50+ yard shots could wound birds.

Ultimately it’s up to each hunter to decide if they can place a clean, close range shot on a turkey’s head using a .22. If not, a shotgun is a better ethical choice. But in the right hands, a .22 rimfire can be an effective and legal tool for Rio Grande turkey hunting in Texas.

Additional Turkey Hunting Regulations

Aside from legal methods of take, be sure to follow all other turkey hunting regulations including:

• Possession of a valid Texas hunting license, upland game bird endorsement, and turkey tag for the county hunted.

• Shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

• Use of non-electronic calling devices only (no electronic calls or recordings).

• Tagging your turkey immediately upon harvest with your tag.

• Mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours. You must report your turkey harvest using the My Texas Hunt Harvest app or online reporting system.

Following all regulations is crucial to keep turkey hunting open and available for future generations. And doing so will also improve your odds by not pressuring turkeys.

Rio Grande turkeys can be legally hunted using .22 rimfire rifles and handguns in most Texas counties west of I-35. With proper preparation, equipment, shooting skills, and adherence to regulations, a .22 can be an effective tool in a turkey hunter’s arsenal. But it requires patience, discipline, practice, and effective shot placement. While not for everyone, the challenge of taking a trophy Rio with a .22 is enticing to many Texas turkey hunters.