http://www.MS-Sportsman.com April 2015 | Mississippi Sportsman 95
touches. There are even some with battery operated fans.
Top choice: Avien X Breeder Hen5) Shotgun — Unless you’re going to shoot one with a sling
shot, you need a shotgun in which you have confidence.
“Many people use what they already own, but some hunters
want guns designed specifically for turkey hunting — in terms
of camo, ergonomic design, chamber length and even weight,”
Loupe said. “In the last few years, for example, there has been a
move toward lighter, shorter 20-gauge guns that pack a lethal
punch out past 30 yards but make the last couple of miles out
of the woods or hills a lot less
tiring.”6) Turkey shells — Can you
kill a turkey with the old No. 6
lead you’ve got laying around
the house? Maybe, but these
birds are tough. That’s why
there are shells manufactured
just for turkey hunting.
“There are an increasingly
wide array of shotgun shells
designed for turkey hunt-
ing,” Loupe said. “Typically,
they attempt to achieve
knock-down power at up
to 40 yards. Although some
hunters shoot and kill birds
at greater distances, an ethi-
cal hunter needs to know the
effective range limit for hit
shotgun and shells.
That means you really have
to pattern your shotgun,
using the shells with which
you plan to hunt.
“The best way to determine
(knock-down power) is to
pattern your shotgun at 20,
30 and 40 yards,” Loupe said.
Turkey guns usually come
with chambers designed to
accommodate at least 3-inch
shells, but many even allow
3 1/2-inch shells — the better
to reach out and knock that
bird’s head clean off.
And there are options other
than lead, like Hevi-Shots’s
tungsten allow, that will
really do some damage. ■best selection
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FACING PAGE, LEFT: Full camo is very important for turkey-
hunting success because turkeys see in color. FACING PAGE,
RIGHT: Realistic decoys can make all the difference in bringing
that gobbler a few yards closer. RIGHT: Shells made specifically
for turkey hunting are best to bring down these tough birds.