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Post by Loggy on May 3, 2022 6:18:22 GMT -5
Many turkey shotgun snobs are going to the 20 gauge with TSS 9 shot. Apparently they are getting the same performance with this load as the typical 12 gauge 6 shot lead 3 inch turkey loads. Kicks less and lighter to carry as well. Actually the latest craze is 410 with TSS shot for gobblers. Yep....there's always a "latest craze" coming out. IMO......the shot payload/killing potential of a 12 guage is superior to all lesser guages assuming comparable choke tuning & shot composition. Obviously, they ALL will kill a turkey.
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Post by davet on May 3, 2022 8:56:07 GMT -5
Congratulations!! Nice bird!
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Post by ridgecommander on May 3, 2022 9:23:18 GMT -5
So yesterday I drew a blank in one of my before work spots. Today I drove by on my way to work and there with three longbeards 60 yards from where I was set up yesterday. Figures. If it is not raining here tomorrow I will head back in.
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Post by Loggy on May 3, 2022 10:20:00 GMT -5
So yesterday I drew a blank in one of my before work spots. Today I drove by on my way to work and there with three longbeards 60 yards from where I was set up yesterday. Figures. If it is not raining here tomorrow I will head back in. I think they got your schedule Ridge!! Who ever said those longbeards can't reason!! LOL
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Post by Dutch on May 3, 2022 11:43:05 GMT -5
In my brother's case, his 12 guage has a scope, his 20 doesn't.
I saw the targets from the 20 with TSS, very impressive.
At this point, with patterns like that, a 12 is overkill.
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Post by Loggy on May 3, 2022 19:10:01 GMT -5
In my brother's case, his 12 guage has a scope, his 20 doesn't. I saw the targets from the 20 with TSS, very impressive. At this point, with patterns like that, a 12 is overkill. A 20 will do the job in "most" hunting conditions for sure. Especially, if shooting out of a blind etc. where blind placement is set-up for most shots within the 40 yard range. A 12 will allow much more versatilty(killrangewise) where shooting ranges are not always pre-planned such as when fall hunting in big mountain terrain when foiliage is sparse. In addition.....recoil of a 12 vs 20 is a zero issue(to me anyways) as in a gas operated 12 semi. Been there done that many times which is why I opt for a big heavy hitting 12. Certainly one of those "to each there own" choices for sure. As far as "overill"...... I have yet to find a Big Mountain Longbeard die too fast.
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Post by davet on May 4, 2022 7:40:58 GMT -5
My go to Turkey gun is my T/C Encore with a 12ga & Carlson choke. Light to carry…and who needs more than 1shot??
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Post by ridgecommander on May 4, 2022 8:13:56 GMT -5
This is why I use arrows. I don't have to debate which gauge or shot size is best for turkeys, lol....
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Post by Dutch on May 4, 2022 8:17:50 GMT -5
This is why I use arrows. I don't have to debate which gauge or shot size is best for turkeys, lol.... Kinda like debating which is best, 30-06 or 270 or the 6.5 Creedmoor. LMBO
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Post by Loggy on May 4, 2022 9:49:17 GMT -5
My Dad's turkey gun was a 12 ga Rem 870 3" Magnum chamber with a 30" full choke barrel(mfg pre-Rem Choke era). I got gun refinished/reblued after Dad passed. He never had a longbeard refuse it's greeting. Just a lil background why my bias!!
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Post by dougl on May 4, 2022 14:51:14 GMT -5
In my brother's case, his 12 guage has a scope, his 20 doesn't. I saw the targets from the 20 with TSS, very impressive. At this point, with patterns like that, a 12 is overkill. A 20 will do the job in "most" hunting conditions for sure. Especially, if shooting out of a blind etc. where blind placement is set-up for most shots within the 40 yard range. A 12 will allow much more versatilty(killrangewise) where shooting ranges are not always pre-planned such as when fall hunting in big mountain terrain when foiliage is sparse. In addition.....recoil of a 12 vs 20 is a zero issue(to me anyways) as in a gas operated 12 semi. Been there done that many times which is why I opt for a big heavy hitting 12. Certainly one of those "to each there own" choices for sure. As far as "overill"...... I have yet to find a Big Mountain Longbeard die too fast. A 20ga with TSS will outperform any 12 gauge with copper plated shot and will do it with a fraction of the recoil and a fraction of the weight.I haven't owned a 12 ga since my son started using TSS 7 years ago.A 20ga with TSS will kill turkeys with authority at 50+ yards and there's no reason to shoot a turkey any further than that.A 20ga with TSS will out pattern and have better terminal performance than any 12 ga with 4-6 lead shot
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Post by Loggy on May 4, 2022 16:51:25 GMT -5
A 20 will do the job in "most" hunting conditions for sure. Especially, if shooting out of a blind etc. where blind placement is set-up for most shots within the 40 yard range. A 12 will allow much more versatilty(killrangewise) where shooting ranges are not always pre-planned such as when fall hunting in big mountain terrain when foiliage is sparse. In addition.....recoil of a 12 vs 20 is a zero issue(to me anyways) as in a gas operated 12 semi. Been there done that many times which is why I opt for a big heavy hitting 12. Certainly one of those "to each there own" choices for sure. As far as "overkill"...... I have yet to find a Big Mountain Longbeard die too fast. A 20ga with TSS will outperform any 12 gauge with copper plated shot and will do it with a fraction of the recoil and a fraction of the weight.I haven't owned a 12 ga since my son started using TSS 7 years ago.A 20ga with TSS will kill turkeys with authority at 50+ yards and there's no reason to shoot a turkey any further than that. A 20ga with TSS will out pattern and have better terminal performance than any 12 ga with 4-6 lead shotNot if using TSS in BOTH the 20 & 12. The Pros favor the 12 as a harder hitter vs lessor guages in long range hunting situations. I fully agree:
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Post by dougl on May 5, 2022 7:39:50 GMT -5
That would be true if you were taking long shots,which in my opinion,is not what turkey hunting is about.
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Post by jj103 on May 5, 2022 9:36:28 GMT -5
That would be true if you were taking long shots,which in my opinion,is not what turkey hunting is about. To each their own but I agree with you Doug. You haven’t really experienced a great turkey hunt till you get an old gobbler within 25 yards and watch and listen to the show. Last Saturday I had my oldest grandson out and had a nice long beard come in 3 times but hung up at about 70 yards each time. No way was I letting him shoot at that distance but what a fun hunt we had. To me it’s not about having to kill one.
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Post by Loggy on May 5, 2022 10:02:57 GMT -5
Amen JJ you're teaching your grandon right.......best not taking a shot you're not comfortable successfully making. Same ethics follow through with archery & deer hunting with rifles/muzzleloaders. We all must know our limitations out of the utmost respect for our game..
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Post by ridgecommander on May 7, 2022 12:16:21 GMT -5
Got up at 3:30 and hit the road at 4 for my hour drive to my turkey spot. Once I got close it became apparent that I might not get there. Roads were closed due to flooding. I tried every way I know to get to the property and I couldn't. Had to turn around and head back home. I texted the farmer and he said massive amounts of rain overnight and everything flooded. Wasted 2.5 hours of fuel and was back in bed by 6:45. Ugh!!
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Post by davet on May 7, 2022 15:38:15 GMT -5
Got up at 3:30 and hit the road at 4 for my hour drive to my turkey spot. Once I got close it became apparent that I might not get there. Roads were closed due to flooding. I tried every way I know to get to the property and I couldn't. Had to turn around and head back home. I texted the farmer and he said massive amounts of rain overnight and everything flooded. Wasted 2.5 hours of fuel and was back in bed by 6:45. Ugh!! Shouda went pond fishing.
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Post by ridgecommander on May 11, 2022 10:15:53 GMT -5
Had my 2nd and 3rd longbeards of this season within 40 yards this morning and couldn't get a shot with the bow. Went to one of my before work spots where I saw a strutter yesterday while driving in to work. He had a buddy today and a hen. They came on a string at 6:10 but ended up directly on my right side at 25 yards in a mess of brush, then slowly walked away. I could have sent an arrow as they were walking away but that is just asking for trouble. Double ugh this morning but such is bowhunting turkeys.
I wish my crossbow was just like a gun, lol.
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Post by Loggy on May 11, 2022 10:38:59 GMT -5
Had my 2nd and 3rd longbeards of this season within 40 yards this morning and couldn't get a shot with the bow. Went to one of my before work spots where I saw a strutter yesterday while driving in to work. He had a buddy today and a hen. They came on a string at 6:10 but ended up directly on my right side at 25 yards in a mess of brush, then slowly walked away. I could have sent an arrow as they were walking away but that is just asking for trouble. Double ugh this morning but such is bowhunting turkeys. I wish my crossbow was just like a gun, lol. Yeah....there's not too many bowhhunters out there that can successfully manage a high kill percentage when getting a big ole longbeard even inside 40 yards. Way too many variables to deal with. Well....good it's not "3 strikes & your out!!" I'm sure if you keep putting the time one will hopefully offer-up a chip shot!! Best of luck!! I plan for a few days out there next weekan don't even expect a cake walk with a shotgun.
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Post by ridgecommander on May 12, 2022 6:26:16 GMT -5
Well... Went back to my pre work spot and had longbeards 4, 5 and 6 of the season within 40 yards. I went with no decoys this morning. I had a hen fire up and the gobblers were in tow. She drug them past me at 36 yards. Just too far to be sure of a well placed arrow. I had to leave them gobbling. I peaked up over a crest of the hill and they were strutting with the hen about 100 yards away. Getting quite frustrating but gonna stick with arrows.........
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Post by fleroo on May 12, 2022 9:22:08 GMT -5
It's the thrill, not the kill anyways. Wild Turkey taste like sh!t compared to a plumped up Butterball. Don't sweat the kill. LOL
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Post by ridgecommander on May 12, 2022 11:35:16 GMT -5
Don't sweat the kill. LOL Pretty much my motto anyways which is why I pass up deer quite often. Its all work after shooting one. I prefer the hunt to the kill. I could have had both gobbler tags punched if I were using a shotgun. There is some sense of satisfaction knowing that I could be done if I chose to be.
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Post by dougl on May 12, 2022 15:03:08 GMT -5
My motto is,I'm getting old and would rather see someone else kill one.I've been out twice,I called in a jake the first time I went out but won't shoot a jake.Between the weather and baseball,Jordan hasn't had a chance to get out once time.He scouted a new spot after school on friday and saw a lone long beard with two jakes.We planned on going after them in the morning but it was pouring rain.I went out monday,on more of a scouting mission HAVING NO IDEA WHERE THEY'D BE ROOSTED.They were already on the ground when I got there and immediately answered my searching yelps.I made exactly two series of yelps and two long beards came strait in all by themselves.Once they came into view,I stopped calling and they eventually just walked away.I have zero desire to kill one but still like talking to them.Weather doesn't look terrible on saturday but Jordan has a game.
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Post by Loggy on May 12, 2022 16:07:09 GMT -5
Now that we're on the "My Motto" thingie....my Motto is I love turkey hunting even after over 50 years in the sport. I grew-up with & was mentored by an avid Turkey Hunter....my Dad. He loved the excitement of the sport up until the day he died as I will too. Bagging a Longbeard never got old for Dad nor will it be for me irregardless of the legal weapon used. Won't hear any of those "woulda, coulda, ifies, " from me. I love the hunt from the time I hit those magnificent mountains, the calling challenges and if lucky bagging a gobbler which is merely icing on the cake. I still love the fishing sport with equal enthusiasm....filling the freezer or not. Whenever such enthusiasm leaves me.....I will likely be on a soft food diet or be 6 ft under.
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Post by Loggy on May 13, 2022 5:55:50 GMT -5
Don't Forget:
May 16-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
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