John7979 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 I am totally new to turkey hunting, went last year with an experienced guy archery hunting in 23, an area where I know Turkeys are at, had no success as they were dead quiet. I drew the 2nd shotgun season. Few questions, now I need to get a shotgun, I don't want to spend a ton of money really, but want a decent one, what are some suggestions, what am I looking for in a shotgun for turkey? 2nd: What is some recommended shot? 3rd: Being that it is the 2nd shotgun season and from my understanding they will be talking, is that correct? What kind of calls would you all suggest? Thanks in advance guys! I'm stoked!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swivelhead Report post Posted November 26, 2015 IMO: 1) Get a 12 gauge Remington 870 capable of handling 3" shells. 2) Federal 3" mag shok (lead) #5 shot, flight control wad. No matter what you choose, pattern your loads. 3) Pot call 1st, good box call 2nd, start practicing with diaphragm's now. Best to practice when driving back & forth to work (assuming you don't carpool). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Swivelhead is spot on. You could go 3.5" on the 870 and shells if you want to pound your shoulder, but not necessary. Don't count on them talking the 2nd hunt...all depends on lots of factors. I've hunted that hunt and never heard a bird. Or only hear them on the roost and silence once they get down. Or hopefully they'll be talking for you. Good luck and be safe! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues79 Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Get a turkey app on your phone just to get used to the different types of calls they make. I personally prefer Woodhaven mouth calls and The woodsman made by Cody slate pot call. I like to use the slate call to bring them in and mouth calls once they get closer to shooting distance. You'll hear morning gobbles fairly decent. Once they get on the ground they'll probably be pretty quiet. Don't neglect hunting from mid morning thorough the evening. You can call in lonely toms during this time of the day once they've done their business in the morning if they've been henned up. Turkey hunting is a blast. Wait til you call in your first tom and you'll be hooked for the rest of your hunting days. Fried wild turkey nuggets beat any bird I've ever ate as well. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZkiller Report post Posted November 26, 2015 Congrats! I too was drawn again though I have not killed a bird yet I have amassed quite a bit of experience. If you don't have a shotgun at all you. Just need one that shoots 3in. Shoot the ammo that groups best in your gun at 30 and 40 yards. They will all shoot great at 20 so don't bother patterning there. Buy all of your calls from Little Creek Calls. Ammon is a great guy and makes great calls. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swivelhead Report post Posted November 26, 2015 A turkey app, cd, dvd etc. is important. When learning to call, the cadence is more important than the sound. It's easy enough to work on the sound later but if you pick up a cadence flaw it seems (for me) to be more difficult to correct. I've got a cd that I'll blast when travelling down the road to work on cadence. Turkey hunting is still 80% knowing the birds habits & territory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
naturebob Report post Posted November 26, 2015 A Box is Good on windy days as it carries farther . Its good on calm days as it carries farther. I even use it as my locator call. Most guys like predator calls as locator but I don't as I think then the bird bird knows a predator is nearing. I think they would much rather go towards a Hen call. Just My op. I and friends have killed birds every hour of the day. Its a long day. Take naps against a tree , calling once in a while. Of course none of this works if You are not where the birds are. Some scouting helps if You can. When I was new it took me about till 3rd year to kill a bird. Did it all solo then got buddies hooked on it. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted November 26, 2015 We got 9 tags for 23 ill be in Hawaii the weekend of the first hunt but my dad a group will be there , they'll give you all the help you need. Just pm me a couple weeks before the hunt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TRKHNTR Report post Posted November 27, 2015 A Box is Good on windy days as it carries farther . Its good on calm days as it carries farther. I even use it as my locator call. Most guys like predator calls as locator but I don't as I think then the bird bird knows a predator is nearing. I think they would much rather go towards a Hen call. Just My op. I and friends have killed birds every hour of the day. Its a long day. Take naps against a tree , calling once in a while. Of course none of this works if You are not where the birds are. Some scouting helps if You can. When I was new it took me about till 3rd year to kill a bird. Did it all solo then got buddies hooked on it. Good luck. NB is correct the best locater call is a turkey call. I carry 2 different box calls, vibrating tongue call (can't wait to see the responses on this one), five different pot calls four diaphragm calls and a trumpet call. Usually one of those calls will make a gobbler respond and I will stay with that call. I do not like to use cookie cutter box or pot calls all my calls are custom made, you pay a little more but it is worth the extra $$. Ammon at Little Creek Calls makes some great custom calls, he also has several turkey hunting seminars down there in the valley that are worth attending. IMO later in the season the better not as many hunters the gobblers are away from the hens, it is much easier to call in and kill the bigger gobblers. Start practicing now with your turkey calling there are many instructional videos online. Like Coues79 stated above "Wait til you call in your first tom you'll be hooked for the rest of your hunting days." Happy Turkey Hunting and Good Luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azslim Report post Posted November 27, 2015 go hit up some pawn shops for a shotgun, be picky and you can get a good one for a reasonable price Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ringer Report post Posted November 28, 2015 I use an old Lynch box call to roost them and for the first calls in the morning. I use a diaphram call when i hear the gobbles get closer. They can run a mile in a few minutes and usually come in hot. I use a turkey choke and 3.5" winchester turkey shells. Fun hunt and good luck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John7979 Report post Posted December 7, 2015 Wow! Thank you guys, I appreciate all the advice! I did get a 870 Supermag and shot a few loads. Next is some calls, thanks for the opinions in those. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted December 7, 2015 Solid advice ... The only thing I would add is resist the urge to OVER CALL... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spqhunt Report post Posted December 8, 2015 Push button box call is great, paddle box, and slate pot calls for the beginner, diaphragms are great if experienced with them, but the easier ones have called in just as many turkeys for me as have diaphragms, it's all about the birds attitude. They say not to over call but don't believe that it doesn't work, sometimes that aggressive calling is what brings them in. Welcome to turkey hunting, there is no textbook. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spqhunt Report post Posted December 9, 2015 And as far as a locator I use owl at night and morning and crow during the day. In Oklahoma I was trying to locate birds from my truck on a trail and used a box call, they ran into me while I'm still sitting in my vehicle, flat footed and dumb. That's the last time I've ever made hen sounds when not prepared to kill one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
