Longest turkey shot?

T.A.Sharps · October 1, 2008, 01:52 AM

I was curious if anyone has taken a turkey at "long range", something over 50 yards maybe? With a shot gun.

Kreyzhorse · October 1, 2008, 07:14 AM

My buddy took one this spring at 69 or 70 yards. He had no idea it was that long of a shot when he took it. Figured it was 55 to 60 yards tops. Anyway - after the shot, we verified the distance with two different range finders. One read 69 yards the other read 70 yards.

He used a NEF 3.5" 12 ga and Winchester Supremes. The pattern held out to 70 yards but I wouldn't have bet on a kill at 75 yards.

cat9x · October 1, 2008, 07:20 AM

3.5" Federal Flightcontrol #6's at 52 yards. I also misjudged the turkey's distance believing him to be more near 45. I now rangefind landmarks in my hunting locations so that I do not shoot over 50. I think going out at ridiculous ranges brings up an ethical debate.

Here's a picture post about my pattern's...

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...=311852&page=2

Kreyzhorse · October 1, 2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

I think going out at ridiculous ranges brings up an ethical debate.

I think that is a very good point. The bird my buddy took at 70 yards would not have been taken had he realized the distance was that far. Had he ranged it prior or if he gets a second shot at that distance he won't take it again. In my mind anyway, 60 yards is limit to shooting a turkey.

NRA4life · October 1, 2008, 10:41 AM

63 yards. A desperation shot after a couple hens outed me at 8 yards with an alarm put. I too misjudged in the early morning when it was foggy. I thought 45-ish. Gun was a single shot 12 ga, 3" mag # 4's. Big tom, 24 lbs. He got up before I could reload and I didn't find him until a couple hours later when I jumped him in a creek bed.

VaFisher · October 1, 2008, 05:17 PM

Most I have done would be at 50 yards and I think that would be about as far as I would take a ethical shot. In fact I was surprized how well the pattern did at that range, several shot in his head and neck so did pretty good job. Never did shoot targets out that far because I never thought of taking that long of a shot. Now I know it's okay at that range but like them up close myself so it would be rare ever to do that again.

bcarver · October 2, 2008, 12:53 AM

I would say 35 would be the farthest I shot a bird.

What is an ethical shot distance?
Depends on the gun,shot, shooter and bird.

If bird is nervous or moving You should limit the range of shots.

If the gun patterns poorly, shots should be limited.

If shot is too small for a clean kill shot should be limited.

If you have not patterned your gun with that shell at that distance you should not make the shot.

If the bird ain't floppin' then you missed or it was too far.

October 1, 2008, 01:52 AM	#1
T.A.Sharps Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2007 Posts: 675	Longest turkey shot? I was curious if anyone has taken a turkey at "long range", something over 50 yards maybe? With a shot gun. __________________ " ...Said I never had much use for one. Never said I didn't know how to use it..." "Your reality, sir, is lies and bladerdash, and I am delighted to say I have no grasp of it whatsoever!"

October 1, 2008, 07:14 AM	#2
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	My buddy took one this spring at 69 or 70 yards. He had no idea it was that long of a shot when he took it. Figured it was 55 to 60 yards tops. Anyway - after the shot, we verified the distance with two different range finders. One read 69 yards the other read 70 yards. He used a NEF 3.5" 12 ga and Winchester Supremes. The pattern held out to 70 yards but I wouldn't have bet on a kill at 75 yards. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

October 2, 2008, 12:53 AM	#7
bcarver Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2007 Location: Jackson,Mississippi Posts: 838	35 yards I would say 35 would be the farthest I shot a bird. What is an ethical shot distance? Depends on the gun,shot, shooter and bird. If bird is nervous or moving You should limit the range of shots. If the gun patterns poorly, shots should be limited. If shot is too small for a clean kill shot should be limited. If you have not patterned your gun with that shell at that distance you should not make the shot. If the bird ain't floppin' then you missed or it was too far.

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October 1, 2008, 07:20 AM	#3
cat9x Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 212	3.5" Federal Flightcontrol #6's at 52 yards. I also misjudged the turkey's distance believing him to be more near 45. I now rangefind landmarks in my hunting locations so that I do not shoot over 50. I think going out at ridiculous ranges brings up an ethical debate. Here's a picture post about my pattern's... http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...=311852&page=2

October 1, 2008, 10:41 AM	#5
NRA4life Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: WA Posts: 183	63 yards. A desperation shot after a couple hens outed me at 8 yards with an alarm put. I too misjudged in the early morning when it was foggy. I thought 45-ish. Gun was a single shot 12 ga, 3" mag # 4's. Big tom, 24 lbs. He got up before I could reload and I didn't find him until a couple hours later when I jumped him in a creek bed.

October 1, 2008, 05:17 PM	#6
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	Most I have done would be at 50 yards and I think that would be about as far as I would take a ethical shot. In fact I was surprized how well the pattern did at that range, several shot in his head and neck so did pretty good job. Never did shoot targets out that far because I never thought of taking that long of a shot. Now I know it's okay at that range but like them up close myself so it would be rare ever to do that again.