Turkey hunting wtih .22LR
- Thread starter Toshmo
- Start date
I have personally witnessed a turkey take 3-5++ upper body shots with CCI mini mags at under 20 feet. Turkey didn't like it, but it sure didn't "break 'em down." The bird/s were never recovered. 
Best area would most assuredly be center head. Even as skinny as their necks are, I'd bet that only 1/2 that thickness is immediately lethal. A straight away shot through the spine should cut body function, but side to side, that's just as small a target as the head.
CO's got a min rifle/pistol caliber which works out to .22mag in a 6" bbl & I'd say that's pretty much on the money. I did take my first turkey with a 6"er at ~60 yards - dropped right there.
I would have thought that a solid upper body shot with a .22LR would do 'em right in, but "experience" certainly shows a much different picture.
& I"ve carried a .22LR pistol for CCW.
Best area would most assuredly be center head. Even as skinny as their necks are, I'd bet that only 1/2 that thickness is immediately lethal. A straight away shot through the spine should cut body function, but side to side, that's just as small a target as the head.
CO's got a min rifle/pistol caliber which works out to .22mag in a 6" bbl & I'd say that's pretty much on the money. I did take my first turkey with a 6"er at ~60 yards - dropped right there.
I would have thought that a solid upper body shot with a .22LR would do 'em right in, but "experience" certainly shows a much different picture.
& I"ve carried a .22LR pistol for CCW.
scouter 27 and labgrade thaks for your replys! I now remember that the "back" shot was in reference to bow hunting turkeys.
I think that I will stick to my trusty shotgun this fall base on your inputs. The .22 I was thinking of using is not scoped. I am very competent with open sights but would not take a head shot with the .22 unless it was within 30 to 40 yards, and I know what my shotgun does at that range. I have been looking for more of a challange hunting turkeys and want to eventually bag one with a bow. I am looking into a muzzle loading shotgun for turkey and plan on buying one and patterning it. While I'm doing that I might as well prectice with the .22 with a good turkey target and practice head shots. Variety is the spice of life!
I think that I will stick to my trusty shotgun this fall base on your inputs. The .22 I was thinking of using is not scoped. I am very competent with open sights but would not take a head shot with the .22 unless it was within 30 to 40 yards, and I know what my shotgun does at that range. I have been looking for more of a challange hunting turkeys and want to eventually bag one with a bow. I am looking into a muzzle loading shotgun for turkey and plan on buying one and patterning it. While I'm doing that I might as well prectice with the .22 with a good turkey target and practice head shots. Variety is the spice of life!
It's legal in TX, but don't do it.
I've seen turkeys rolled by several shots with a 10-.22, then get up, run, and fly away!
Not advised. Even going up to a .22 WMR would be better. Use a handgun caliber if you want to keep the shot power lower and don't want to use a shotgun.
I've seen turkeys rolled by several shots with a 10-.22, then get up, run, and fly away!
Not advised. Even going up to a .22 WMR would be better. Use a handgun caliber if you want to keep the shot power lower and don't want to use a shotgun.
Mad Max and Long Path,
Up here in Maryland it is legal to hunt fall turkeys with a .22. The hunting regulations do not specify caliber and only refer to it as"rifle". In spring you can only use shotgun loaded with shot no larger tha #4 and no smaller than #6. It does not specify and shot or rifle caliber for fall. Looks like the concensus is to stay with the scattergun. I thank you Texans for your replys.
Up here in Maryland it is legal to hunt fall turkeys with a .22. The hunting regulations do not specify caliber and only refer to it as"rifle". In spring you can only use shotgun loaded with shot no larger tha #4 and no smaller than #6. It does not specify and shot or rifle caliber for fall. Looks like the concensus is to stay with the scattergun. I thank you Texans for your replys.
Poodleshooter
New member
I've shot one with a 22 magnum in the base of the neck. I had to finish it with a friends shotgun. The head is honestly too hard of a target to hit, as it bobs too much. For a body shot, I'd stick to a .223 or bigger for long range. For less than 50yds, a 12 gauge with 1-5/8+oz of shot would be a better combo.
Steve in PA
New member
I'd go with a .22mag. I've taken several fall turkeys here in PA with my.22mag....its a Marlin 882 with a 4x scope. All have been shot right where the neck meets the body......and all have been imobilized........only one required a finishing shot. I'd say the distances were from 60....to about 100 yards. I use Winchester HP's in my gun.
i have personally witnessed turkeys getting up and flying away after my precision application of the double bit wood axe...
theres a whole lot o spine powered redundant back up in mr turkey
you really have to convince them of their mortality
12 gauge / 22 hornet drilling would be a nice field piece
theres a whole lot o spine powered redundant back up in mr turkey
you really have to convince them of their mortality
12 gauge / 22 hornet drilling would be a nice field piece
JosephBoeckner
Moderator
if its such a downside send it to me lol-been wanting one forever lol
lol-been wanting one forever lol