Don't choke when you've got that gobbler in your crosshairs
John Johnston

It is the time of year when turkeys start to gobble and hunters put on their camouflage. But before hitting the woods, check your shotgun load and choke to ensure you can bring home the turkey when it is time to pull the trigger.

This is best done using a turkey target, which is the top half of a turkey silhouette. Use the choke and shells you plan to take to the field. Set up the target at 25-30 yards and fire one shot. This will tell where your pellets are hitting.

Most hunters who have shotguns with changeable chokes should use the full choke. This will keep the pellets in a tighter group at longer distances, but do not worry if you have a fixed modified choke shotgun. It will do fine; you just will have to get the bird in a little closer.

Often if you change brands of choke, the point of impact will change. Also, the brand of ammunition used can change the pattern. Various companies use different wads in their shells. This can cause the shot to open up quicker or slower, depending on the wad.

As ammunition goes, several major companies make "turkey loads." The one I use is a 3-inch #5 shot Winchester turkey shell. It works for me and patterns well in my 12-gauge Benelli Nova with a full choke.

You may be asking if 3-inch shells are necessary. The only difference between 2 3/4-inch, 3-inch and 3 1/2-inch shells is the amount of shot they contain. The 2 3/4-inch shoots 1 1/2 ounces of shot; the 3- inch, 1 3/4 ounces; and the 3 1/2-inch, 2 ounces. The muzzle velocity is the same for all three at 1,300 feet per second. I just prefer 3-inch shells for turkeys.

Some people would like to sell you extra-tight, so-called turkey chokes, and these are fine. They do not make the shot go any farther, but they will keep a tighter pattern for a longer distance.

There are some turkey hunting scopes on the market. As far as I am concerned, they are a waste of money. The excitement of turkey hunting is calling in the turkey. If you feel you need an extra-tight choke and a scope to make a longer shot, then maybe you should switch to a rifle.

Texas hunters have been killed or injured during turkey season, so know where other hunters are in your area and know your target before pulling the trigger. Rattlesnakes also are a problem this time of year, so be particularly observant.

John Johnston is a retired sergeant detective who served with the Austin Police Dapartment for 25 years. He also was a licensed gun dealer for 25 years. He now lives in Lampasas County and can be reached via e-mail at olsingleshot@gmail.com.