Archery hunting turkey questions

[shanevg]

Never hunted turkey before but I got drawn for a spring bear tag in NE Washington and have been told it is definitely worth carrying a turkey tag in my pocket. I'm planning on going after bears with my bow so I will have my bow in my hand. My question is - where do you aim for a turkey with a bow? Should I be shooting with a broad head or a judo point?

Thanks!!!

 

[gulicemo]

Big cut broadhead. They are tough birds with small vitals.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I normally aim at the head, punch the trigger, drop my bow arm and the arrow should hit in the upper 3rd part of the body.

 

[a3dhunter]

I normally aim at the head, punch the trigger, drop my bow arm and the arrow should hit in the upper 3rd part of the body.

I thought that was for all 3d shooting? It works in real life too?

 

[OBP]

X2 what gulicemo said. Aiming point depends on which way they're facing, what the bird is doing, etc. Broadside shots I aim for somewhere between where the wingbone sits and top of their thighs, this is the most lethal shot in my experience, really anchors the bird. Full strut, head on aim for the beard, and going away base of the fan (this shot is devastating for turkeys but I 100% do not advocate it for mammals.) IMO turkeys are the hardest animals to kill with a bow I've come across, their vitals are very small and they just seem to take punishment more than other animals.

 

[MattB]

As I have heard it said, "aim high and watch them die, aim low and watch them go". Their vitals are right up against their spine which follows their backline. I like to aim right up the leg and 2-3" below the top of the back. For some reason, lots of guys shoot them through the breasts usign the low and forward shot placement they use on ungulates - there is nothing vital there. Alternately, if you can break a leg or wing or both legs, you will anchor them quickly.

Broadhead-wise a big cut mechanical is best for body shots. I have used the 2 3/4" Vortex 125's with fantastic success.

 

[Nick Muche]

Head or follow the legs up and shoot for the hip... Turkey hunting with the bow is.....a blast!

 

[MJ from Oregon]

Straight up the leg in the middle of cavity!!!

 

[larryschwartz]

Draw a line up from the V of the legs and a horizontal line from a little above where the beard hits the body. The intersection should put you in the vitals. If you can get a shot with him facing away shoot for the middle or top of the ring where his tail feathers connect to the body.
View attachment 6435

Here is an article that talks about shot placement: http://www.bowsite.org/bowsite/features/articles/turkeycolumn/column2/placement.html

Larry

 

[shanevg]

Thanks for all the help guys! Unfortunately, WA state does not allow expandable broad heads for whatever reason. My Montecs will have to do

 

[Evan Williams]

Whatever you are throwing for your bear is what I would throw at a gobbler!!! Watch your shot angles!! Turkey vitals are small!! On broadside shots I go 1" behind the wing butt, if its facing away anywhere between the head and butt BREAK that spine!!! facing you aim right for the read waddles!!! and HAVE FUN!!

 

[joehunter8301]

http://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?threadid=406747&messages=138&forum=14

 

[vcb]

That's a great thread joe hunter, I have read it 4 times and still picking up tips

 

[CtP]

That's a great thread joe hunter, I have read it 4 times and still picking up tips

agreed. great thread.

this is my first year and I'm gonna use a hen and jake decoy with 2" grim reapers. I'm not good enough (yet) to shoot their heads off so a body shot is key.

I am very excited to get out there for these big birds!!

 

[trkyslr]

Dang joe beat me to posting that link to the thread. Some good info on there by several turkey slayers!

 

[JG358]

I use whatever head I'm using for what ever else I'm hunting.... I dont do well having to remember which arrow is for this and which arrow is for that.
Bow hunting turkeys is a blast, Aim high and watch em die.

 

[miller1]

Shoot them in the head/neck, wont take long to find them.

 

[2rocky]

Be ready for a Coyote or Fox to respond to your calls. My first Turkey hunt I had one come in so fast, I wasn't ready!

 

[Nick Muche]

30 Days until our Idaho hunt! Can't wait!

 

[trkyslr]

Man nick thats a long wait. Dunno if i could do it ;-)