If your shotgun, choke and load combination is unproven or suspect, tape a piece of freezer paper to a box then draw a 3-inch circle inside a 10-inch circle in black marker. (The 3-inch circle replicates a turkey’s head.) Better yet, get a turkey head target from Caldwell. Step off 40 yards, take a steady rest and let her rip. Then count the pellet holes in the 3-inch circle.
5 pellets or less: You call that a turkey gun?Either you are such a turkey master that you shoot a .410-bore and rely on your hen-like mannerisms, or you need to break down and buy a new shotgun because the one you have sucks eggs. Any full-choked 12-gauge with a modern shell should put more than five pellets in a turkey’s head at 40 yards. If the gun is sentimental and you refuse to use anything but it and your old paper-hulled shells, fine, Havilah Babcock, but you better not shoot till you see the hair on his snood. The cheapest remedy is to experiment with various loads. If you are using No. 4, try a 6. If neither covers your target with glory, try 5’s. Try various brands, as some guns’ bore dimensions seem to prefer some wads over others. I’ve had great luck with the Flite Control wad in some Federal Premium loads. It stays with the pellets longer, therefore keeping them together better. Hornady uses the same wad, only called Versatite. Hevi-Shot generally patterns well. And new tungsten-based pellets like Winchester Hi-Density or Federal Heavyweight actually allow you to use a smaller pellet that weighs the same as a larger one, allowing more pellets to strike the target without sacrificing individual pellet energy. The only bad thing is that it would be cheaper to simply buy a Butterball from Safeway.
If changing loads doesn’t work, buy an aftermarket choke tube from Carlson’s, Trulock, Tru-Glo, Primos or others. Many shotgun manufacturers make extra-full chokes. Standard full choke for a 12-gauge is about .693 inch, while some “turkey” chokes are as tight as .665 inch. Just know that it’s not as easy as simply finding a tight choke that will fit your gun’s threads. Again, some barrel/load combinations prefer certain chokes, so it’s a crapshoot whether a new choke tube will dramatically affect your pattern. Likely it will be better than five measly pellets. At any rate, install it then try various loads again. Trial and error is the key.
6-11 pellets: “Congratulations, you are adequate.”Said no Olympic judge ever. Your gun will kill any turkey on Earth at 40 yards if you aim it in the right place, but typically the pattern will be spotty and will quickly become marginal past 40. Experiment with various loads. Consider a 31/2-inch shell if you are shooting a 23/4- or 3-inch, because despite what sissies say, the more pellets that leave the barrel the more potential there is to place more pellets in a gobbler’s grill. In general, lower velocity shells pattern better than high velocity. Lastly, if after several shots you notice the pattern is actually denser in other places than the 3-inch circle, try buying sights or mounting a scope on your shotgun. I know it sounds blasphemous, but your problem may not be in patterning but in point-of-aim/point-of-impact issues. If an optic doesn’t work, try the aforementioned remedies. If you’re happily married to mediocrity, just keep it inside 40 yards, mister.
12-24 pellets: Bona fide turkey gunDon’t do anything to this rig other than place it high on the mantel to keep your kids’ grubby hooks off it. Buy a bunch of the shells that produced these rich patterns, because you never know when an ammo company will discontinue that particular load for something “new and improved.” You don’t need any better; what you need is more time to hunt turkeys. If you are a perfectionist who wants to win the world turkey shoot championship, the best option is to give it to a shotgun choke specialist and have him back-bore it, put a scope on it and then handload shells, because as the beer commercial goes, “It doesn’t get much better than this, boys.” So save your money to buy something nice, like a guest house for your mother-in-law.
25 pellets or more: Turkey Shoot GoldThis gun practically sends each pellet through a turnstile before letting it loose. It’s a rifle in a shotgun’s physique. It’s a rig fit for a turkey shoot. After you shoot a turkey at 65 yards and drop it like the “Huffington Post,” go ahead and enter the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Still Target Championship, which awards shooters for the tightest turkey load patterns. While the record is 54, generally a pellet count in the low 30s wins it. But I caution against hunting with patterns that are too tight. It’s like the championship duck caller who can’t call real ducks: A real turkey bobs and weaves like Muhammad Ali in his heyday, and therefore a pattern that’s too tight can result in misses if the shooter isn’t perfect with his placement. Turkey Shoot Gold patterns look good on paper, but they can appear rather thin as your hard-won gobbler is running away from your hot skillet. In this article
Turkey shoots are a beloved tradition in many parts of the United States especially in rural areas. These shooting competitions offer camaraderie friendly competition, and the chance to win prizes like frozen turkeys, hams or even cash. If you want to increase your odds of taking home the top prize, here are some tips on how to win a turkey shoot
Understand the Rules and Format
While specific rules can vary between different turkey shoots, most follow a similar format
- Participants pay an entry fee and receive a position and target/token.
- Shotguns, often 12 gauge, are used to shoot from around 25 yards away.
- Shots are taken one at a time at a paper target with an X or circle.
- The closest shot to the center X or with the most pellets in the circle wins.
- The shoot provides the ammunition so everyone uses the same shells.
Other variations exist, like using playing cards or plywood as the target. Listen carefully to range commands and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Safety rules are paramount.
Use the Right Gear
Having proper equipment can increase your chances. Ideal gear includes:
- 12 gauge shotgun: The larger shell holds more pellets to up your odds.
- Full or tight choke: Concentrates the shot pattern for a tighter group. Some shoots restrict ultra-tight chokes.
- Open sights: Allow precise aiming, if permitted by rules.
- Steady mount: A semi-auto shotgun can help limit recoil and muzzle rise.
Pattern Your Shotgun
Do some test shooting with your shotgun and ammunition choice to understand the patterning:
- Fire at a large target from 25 yards using the same shells as the event.
- Determine the center of the shot pattern.
- Adjust your sights to shift the center of the pattern closer to your point of aim.
Master Shooting Fundamentals
Having proper shooting form is crucial for accuracy. Be sure to:
- Firmly mount the stock and pull into your shoulder.
- Properly align the sights on the target center.
- Use a light grip to minimize torque.
- Keep your cheek planted on the stock.
- Slowly squeeze the trigger straight back.
- Follow through after the shot.
Practice until these fundamentals become instinctual.
Learn to Aim Precisely
Your ability to precisely aim and match your point of impact to your point of aim is critical:
- Focus intently on the target center X. Block out distractions.
- Mount the gun, align sights, and find your aim point every time.
- After each shot, adjust your aim based on sight picture and point of impact.
Get Familiar with the Shotgun
Shoot your shotgun regularly leading up to the event so it feels like an extension of your body. Knowing your gun inside and out builds confidence.
Control Breathing and Trigger Squeeze
Two areas that can make or break your shot:
- Breathe naturally, exhale, and settle before slowly squeezing the trigger.
- Gradually press the trigger straight back until the shot goes off. Avoid jerking.
Mastering breathing and trigger control improves accuracy.
Stay Calm and Confident
Having a confident mental approach helps shooting ability:
- Visualize making great shots during the match.
- Only focus on each individual shot, not the outcome.
- Learn from misses but don’t dwell on them.
- Stay positive and quickly shake off bad shots.
Arrive Early
Get to the range early to observe and learn the flow. Arriving prepared and not rushed puts you in the optimal mindset to shoot well.
Follow Range Commands
Listen to range officers closely and only load/fire when instructed. Follow all commands exactly as stated. Missing a command could mean disqualification.
Take Your Time
When it’s your turn to shoot, pause, focus, go through your pre-shot routine, and execute. Don’t rush just because others are waiting.
Ask Questions
If any rules, procedures, or commands are unclear, ask a range officer. Don’t leave anything to chance.
Have Fun!
Approach the competition with an open, learning mindset. Support your fellow competitors. Be gracious whether you win or lose. Enjoy the camaraderie and tradition of this classic American sport.
By following these tips and dedication to honing the fundamentals, your turkey shoot scores and prize hauls will improve over time. Good luck and have fun at your next turkey shoot competition!
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- Jeff Johnston
posted on March 25, 2013
If your shotgun, choke and load combination is unproven or suspect, tape a piece of freezer paper to a box then draw a 3-inch circle inside a 10-inch circle in black marker. (The 3-inch circle replicates a turkey’s head.) Better yet, get a turkey head target from Caldwell. Step off 40 yards, take a steady rest and let her rip. Then count the pellet holes in the 3-inch circle.
5 pellets or less: You call that a turkey gun?Either you are such a turkey master that you shoot a .410-bore and rely on your hen-like mannerisms, or you need to break down and buy a new shotgun because the one you have sucks eggs. Any full-choked 12-gauge with a modern shell should put more than five pellets in a turkey’s head at 40 yards. If the gun is sentimental and you refuse to use anything but it and your old paper-hulled shells, fine, Havilah Babcock, but you better not shoot till you see the hair on his snood. The cheapest remedy is to experiment with various loads. If you are using No. 4, try a 6. If neither covers your target with glory, try 5’s. Try various brands, as some guns’ bore dimensions seem to prefer some wads over others. I’ve had great luck with the Flite Control wad in some Federal Premium loads. It stays with the pellets longer, therefore keeping them together better. Hornady uses the same wad, only called Versatite. Hevi-Shot generally patterns well. And new tungsten-based pellets like Winchester Hi-Density or Federal Heavyweight actually allow you to use a smaller pellet that weighs the same as a larger one, allowing more pellets to strike the target without sacrificing individual pellet energy. The only bad thing is that it would be cheaper to simply buy a Butterball from Safeway.
If changing loads doesn’t work, buy an aftermarket choke tube from Carlson’s, Trulock, Tru-Glo, Primos or others. Many shotgun manufacturers make extra-full chokes. Standard full choke for a 12-gauge is about .693 inch, while some “turkey” chokes are as tight as .665 inch. Just know that it’s not as easy as simply finding a tight choke that will fit your gun’s threads. Again, some barrel/load combinations prefer certain chokes, so it’s a crapshoot whether a new choke tube will dramatically affect your pattern. Likely it will be better than five measly pellets. At any rate, install it then try various loads again. Trial and error is the key.
6-11 pellets: “Congratulations, you are adequate.”Said no Olympic judge ever. Your gun will kill any turkey on Earth at 40 yards if you aim it in the right place, but typically the pattern will be spotty and will quickly become marginal past 40. Experiment with various loads. Consider a 31/2-inch shell if you are shooting a 23/4- or 3-inch, because despite what sissies say, the more pellets that leave the barrel the more potential there is to place more pellets in a gobbler’s grill. In general, lower velocity shells pattern better than high velocity. Lastly, if after several shots you notice the pattern is actually denser in other places than the 3-inch circle, try buying sights or mounting a scope on your shotgun. I know it sounds blasphemous, but your problem may not be in patterning but in point-of-aim/point-of-impact issues. If an optic doesn’t work, try the aforementioned remedies. If you’re happily married to mediocrity, just keep it inside 40 yards, mister.
12-24 pellets: Bona fide turkey gunDon’t do anything to this rig other than place it high on the mantel to keep your kids’ grubby hooks off it. Buy a bunch of the shells that produced these rich patterns, because you never know when an ammo company will discontinue that particular load for something “new and improved.” You don’t need any better; what you need is more time to hunt turkeys. If you are a perfectionist who wants to win the world turkey shoot championship, the best option is to give it to a shotgun choke specialist and have him back-bore it, put a scope on it and then handload shells, because as the beer commercial goes, “It doesn’t get much better than this, boys.” So save your money to buy something nice, like a guest house for your mother-in-law.
25 pellets or more: Turkey Shoot GoldThis gun practically sends each pellet through a turnstile before letting it loose. It’s a rifle in a shotgun’s physique. It’s a rig fit for a turkey shoot. After you shoot a turkey at 65 yards and drop it like the “Huffington Post,” go ahead and enter the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Still Target Championship, which awards shooters for the tightest turkey load patterns. While the record is 54, generally a pellet count in the low 30s wins it. But I caution against hunting with patterns that are too tight. It’s like the championship duck caller who can’t call real ducks: A real turkey bobs and weaves like Muhammad Ali in his heyday, and therefore a pattern that’s too tight can result in misses if the shooter isn’t perfect with his placement. Turkey Shoot Gold patterns look good on paper, but they can appear rather thin as your hard-won gobbler is running away from your hot skillet. In this article
How to win a Turkey Shoot
FAQ
How far away is the target at a turkey shoot?
Turkey shoots are still popular in the rural United States today. A modern derivation, sometimes more generically known as a meat shoot, is held using shotguns aimed at paper targets about 25–35 yards away. The winner is chosen according to the pellet hole closest to the target’s center.
What choke to use for turkey shoot?
Run a modified or full choke at the tightest. A more open choke means your pattern is bigger which increases your odds of breaking the bird. Vice versa for to tight of a choke. If you end up at say the 25 yard line in a shoot off, then run a full choke or extra full. Otherwise run the mod choke.
What is the best gun for shooting turkeys?
Most turkey hunters like to shoot a 12- or 20-gauge pump-action shotgun. The most common models are a Remington 870 Express or the Mossberg 500 or 835.
How do you win a turkey shoot?
There are no secrets to winning turkey shoots. Since there are only 4 parts to winning, each is greatly important. Seven out of 10 turkey shooters chase the pattern by moving their point of aim depending on where the last shot hit on the turkey shoot target. All shells will shoot patterns that move from 1” to 2” in any direction.
What is a turkey shoot?
A turkey shoot in many cases is just that, a shooting contest to win a turkey. In many cases the club or organization also gives out hams, sausage, roasts, and other cuts of meat. Occasionally they award cash prizes. Before you feel defeated without even trying, a turkey shoot in ten-percent skill, ten-percent equipment, and eighty-percent luck.
What is a turkey shoot in Indiana?
Indiana has a lot of them. But, most Hoosiers don’t have a clue what they are. WildIndiana is here to give you the 411 on this Hoosier tradition. A turkey shoot in many cases is just that, a shooting contest to win a turkey. In many cases the club or organization also gives out hams, sausage, roasts, and other cuts of meat.
Is a rig fit for a turkey shoot?
It’s a rig fit for a turkey shoot. After you shoot a turkey at 65 yards and drop it like the “Huffington Post,” go ahead and enter the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Still Target Championship, which awards shooters for the tightest turkey load patterns. While the record is 54, generally a pellet count in the low 30s wins it.
How do you find the center of a turkey shot?
You have sights set for center when your centers are scattered evenly around the center of the turkey shoot targets. If you are turkey shooting a bead in the front of the barrel, you must find the exact one spot to hold and stay there! Shoot your 7 shots dead center and identify the centers of all patterns. Find the center of the centers.
How do you set the sights on a turkey shoot?
Your ability to locate the exact one spot to hold on the turkey shoot targets. Your ability to ease the trigger back by squeezing gently and therefore not flinching. It is the WAD. So – to set the sights, you will need to shoot 7 times at center on large paper target to be sure of where to move the sights.