With the combination of today’s shotshell technology and custom chokes, shooting a shotgun for turkey hunting is much more akin to shooting a slug gun or even a rifle than it is to swinging a scattergun on flying game. Oddly enough the closer the range, the more that holds true.
To me the thrill in turkey hunting is calling a bird into your lap. First turkey I ever killed was taken at 8 steps. He came in strutting, gobbling, dragging his wings and strumming. From that moment I was hooked, and the challenge is all about calling birds close. Over the years, the distances have stretched to more average ranges. A couple notable exceptions topped 50 yards. One bird fell in a bare dirt field at 60 yards. It was good to have those birds in the bag, but the adrenaline rush wasn’t the same as a bird in close; so close that when he gobbles you feel that vibration right through your own body!
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