Take'Em Down
High-density turkey loads have been around for a while, and have really grown in popularity due to their hard-hitting knockdown power.
These specialized loads, such as Winchester's Xtended Range HD Turkey Load, provide smaller gauge shotguns with the knockdown power to take turkeys out to 30 and 40 yards, giving young hunters better opportunities to take birds.
However, hunters need to shoot a variety of brands and shot sizes to find the correct load for their guns. Loads shoot differently depending on the firearm, shot and choke combinations. A turkey load that shoots great out of one gun might leave a small hole in the pattern of another gun, which could result in a bird getting away.
"Turkey shotguns are similar to rifles in that hunters must know how they shoot at different ranges for success," said P.J. Perea, NWTF Get in the Game editor.
Before turkey season hunters should take their shotguns to the range and shoot at 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards with at least a couple of different turkeys loads to find the one that patterns best in their gun (Find a downloadable turkey patterning target on the NWTF's Turkey Hunting Success & Safety Curriculum).
To really get a feel for a turkey shotgun, hunters should pattern with multiple brands and shot sizes at varying ranges. After determining which combination shoots best, they should then shoot that combo at least three more times to be absolutely sure about their choice.
With all the money you spend purchasing licenses, stamps, gas, food and even motels and flights for turkey season, don't skimp during patterning and possibly mess up your only chance on a once-in-a-lifetime hunt by not knowing your gun.
For 2008, Winchester Olin is offering a free cap and mask with the purchase of two boxes of Winchester Supreme or Xtended Range turkey loads. In addition, for every cap and mask redemption, Winchester is donating $2 to the NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program.
Other high-density turkey loads that pack a punch are:
- Federal MAG SHOT Heavyweight
- HEVI SHOT by Environmetal
- Remington Wingmaster HD
This season, find out which one works best for your shotgun.
