Disclaimer: Always practice with your gear before hunting and seek professional instruction if you are unfamiliar with safe shooting techniques. Follow all Kansas hunting regulations and ethical guidelines. Safe, responsible hunting protects the future of the sport for everyone.
In spring turkey hunting, patience, judgment, and discipline matter just as much as a good aim. Ethical hunting starts with knowing your effective range and being willing to pass on shots that aren’t a sure thing. Turkeys have a very small vital area; the head and neck. There’s little room for error. A poor shot can wound the bird, causing it to suffer or escape, something no hunter wants on their conscience.
Before heading into the field, spend time with your gun. Pattern your shotgun with the exact load you plan to hunt with. Shoot from multiple distances—20, 30, 40, even 50 yards—and see where your pattern starts to fall apart. A good rule of thumb is to only take shots where your pattern will land a solid group of pellets solidly in the vital area. For most setups, that effective range falls somewhere between 30 and 40 yards, but it depends heavily on your gun, choke, and ammunition.
Don’t let the excitement of the hunt push you beyond your limits. It’s better to let a bird walk away clean than to risk a bad hit. Ethical hunters show respect for the land, the traditions of hunting, their fellow hunters, and their game.
Knowing your gear, practicing regularly, and making responsible decisions in the moment are good habits. They’re part of the responsibility that comes with carrying a weapon into the woods.
The Terra Tactica Outfit 