MN spring Turkey hunt

[MorganMan]

I have never turkey hunted before and we now have the opportunity on our land. I have applied for a license for myself and two of my boys. I don't know much about it at all other than what I have read lately. I have a Remingtion 12 ga and the boys have a 20ga. Best choke to use? what shot? We will be hunting out of a ground blind. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[CSH Kucinski]

I would start out with an extra full choke on each gun. Unfortunately one manufacturer's ammunition may not work for both guns so if you can afford it buy a couple different kinds and lengths of shell. A 2.75" Federal #5 shot shoots the best pattern out of my gun which has a 3" chamber and an extra full choke on it. You'll have to do some target practice at 30 to 40 yards so that you can see what patterns the best. You want to get as many BB's as possible in the head (Kill Zone) of the a turkey head on your target. A neck or body shot will do you no good!

[lacywbosu]

Hurray for taking the boys hunting. My son, my grandson, and my nephew have all gotten multiple turkeys with me. The whole experience will be priceless for you. If I may offer a few tips that I am sure will heop as I have learned the hard way. You mentioned a ground blind, I hope that it is one of the two man blinds made for total concealment. The kid just can not hold still and two people doubles the problem. You can pack a lunch and refreshments, the kid can take a nap, whittle, whatever and not ruin the hunt. The netting on blinds can be shot through. A shooting rest, bipod, monopod can be used. As far as guns, be careful with full choke if the bird is close.. My nephew got one bb in the head of a gobbler at 15 yds., dead bird but close to a miss. He used my extended choke 12 ga. My fault, he should have used his mod. 20. It depends on what the distance might be for that situation. Early in the season and not pressured, they will generally come in close. Later on, you may have to reach out and touch one at a distance.
Call to get their attention, don't overcall. Once they are coming and have seen your decoy, shut up or maybe a little soft purr. There are a bunch of calling videos out there. Have several calls with different pitches. The decoys are a personal choice too. One hen, a jake and a gobbler makes it look like a love triangle and it works. Younger gobblers may be afraid ot the gobbler deke, but will jump at the chance to do battle with another jake. There is alot to setting up a spread. The challenger will try for some high ground if available. A lower standing jake or gobbler makes the challenger feel better.
Good luck

[MorganMan]

Thanks for the information lacywbosu. Some things I never would have known. I will be getting some videos about calling as the call I bought are useless now as I am not sure how to use em. I will be studying more in the next few weeks to better our chances. Thanks again.

[lacywbosu]

Just wondered how the youth turkey hunt went with the youngster. I hate to admit it, but I went to Kansas and missed four birds with my bow. Shot under every single one. I hung around for gun opener and shot one and blew another opportunity. I had to get back to Ohio to take my nephew for youth season and he scored a jake, his fourth bird in a row with me.
I got a dandy this moring. Today is the first day with no rain in a week. Alot of my spots are under six feet of water. Guess I will head to the hills of W. Va. and scare some there.

[Knot Tellin]

I really like kicks chokes, Gobblin Thunder. I would recommend using #5 shot out of the 12 gauge, I like the Winchester Extended range shells. We call them the wammy shells. But the best thing to do is call Kicks and they will recommend a combination for your specific gun that will nock the feathers off them. They also have a recommendation chart on the page below.

http://kicks-ind.hostasaurus.com/mm5...GobblinThunder