Choke?

I'm going turkey hunting for the first time this Wednesday. I would be using my Z7, but I just got it in February and it's just not quite ready to hunt; So i'll be using a shotgun. My question is do you NEED a choke on the shotgun for turkey hunting?

 

Its not a necessity, but it does extend your range quite a bit. Before you head out, you should pattern your gun to figure out what your effective range is. Just use whatever shells you use for hunting, and shoot them at a target downrange. Start at 30 yards or something, then go from there.

Good luck

 

While a choke isn't a necessity it does add range. I would say without a choke keep your shots inside of 30 yards. But like what was said pattern your gun with the shells your going to use

 

I should use pellets right? Not a slug..?

 

Here in MD its 4 shot or smaller, as far as chokes go I have a XX Full choke, but then again what do I know going out for the first time tomorrow

 

Primos boys are reaching out near 50yards with their jelly head chokes on a 20 gauge. At 70 yards they put 12 bb's through a soda can with a 12 gauge, 12 bb's at 30 yards would be pretty impressive with most guns. I would never shoot a shotgun at a bird without at least patterning it first, you can fill a bird full of lead at 20 yards with some guns and never kill them. My grandfather had a Remington that just plain wouldn't hold a group, beach ball groups at 15 yards without a full choke.

 

A choke is a necessity, a turkey choke is optional but I definitely wouldn't shoot over 30 yards without one.

 

Generally 90% of my shots, a full choke is all that is needed. Thats 30yards and under.

I went out on a quest a few years ago, trying to put together a consistent 60 yards turkey gun. I think I came to the realization that 60 yards is too far. 40 yards is about all I should shoot.

 

You need to thoroughly read the rules and regs for your state before you hunt.

All shotguns are designed with a choke of some sort. Either built in or a choke tube system. Generally, with turkey loads, you want the tightest pattern possible. A Full choke at minimum and an extra-full or specifically designed turkey choke is best. Good luck.