If your spring Turkey hunt has you yawning, I’ve got a challenge that just might wake you up. Take your gobbler hunt to the next level with an air gun. If you have the stalking skills, air rifle turkey hunting will give you something to brag about.
There are going to be two tests of skill. The first, of course, will be your ability to get close to the birds. Your calling skills will help. Talking about Turkey is an art form that can almost bring a fat man to your touch. But there’s still something to be said for moving stealthily and anticipating the movements of the birds.
For those that want extra insurance, I’d suggest keeping a close eye on the wind. If you want even more of an edge, set out some decoys.
As with any hunting or shooting sport, I advise everyone to be cautious. Making yourself look and sound like a turkey poses some obvious risks. Do not hide directly behind a turkey decoy.
Seeing the birds, though, is just the first part. How do you get it on the table?
Turkey hunting is a popular sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. But what if you don’t have a traditional firearm? Can you kill a turkey with a pellet gun?
The answer is yes, you can kill a turkey with a pellet gun, but it’s important to choose the right caliber and shot placement. A 22 caliber air rifle firing a 14-grain pellet at 800 fps will do the job with a headshot. A 25 caliber air rifle firing a 26-grain pellet will also work with a headshot. A 30 caliber PCP air rifle shooting a 50-60 grain pellet will work with body shots.
Here are some things to keep in mind when turkey hunting with a pellet gun:
- Use a powerful enough pellet gun. A 22 caliber air rifle is the minimum caliber that is recommended for turkey hunting. A 25 or 30 caliber air rifle is even better.
- Use the right pellets. Choose pellets that are designed for hunting, not target shooting. Hunting pellets are heavier and have a larger diameter than target pellets, which makes them more effective at killing turkeys.
- Aim for the head or neck. A headshot is the most humane way to kill a turkey with a pellet gun. Aim for the base of the skull, just behind the eyes.
- Be aware of your limitations. Pellet guns are not as powerful as traditional firearms, so you need to be closer to your target when shooting. The maximum effective range for a turkey with a pellet gun is about 50 yards.
Here are some additional tips for turkey hunting with a pellet gun:
- Scout your hunting area. Find out where the turkeys are feeding and roosting.
- Set up a blind or use natural cover. This will help you stay hidden from the turkeys.
- Use a turkey call. This will help attract turkeys to your location.
- Be patient. Turkey hunting can be challenging, so don’t give up if you don’t see any turkeys right away.
You can use a pellet gun to kill a turkey if you have the necessary tools and are ready for the hunt. Just remember to be safe and ethical, and always follow the law.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney before engaging in any hunting activity.
Additional Resources:
- Gateway to Airguns: https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=185421.0
- Refuge Forums: https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/pellet-gun-for-turkey-hunting.941602/
Umarex Gauntlet Air Rifle for Turkey Hunting
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Nothing beats a reliable pre-charged pneumatic for hunting. My choice is the Umarex Gauntlet. I’d go for a .22 or, even better, a .25—both of which pack ample punch. When zeroed at 40 yards, you have more than enough range to ensure proper shot placement on a turkey.
Use a good scope. A 3-9×40 is ample for a 40 yard shot, but the more magnification, the better. The kill zone on a turkey is tiny. One advantage is that they usually walk with their heads level and relatively still despite their movements. Otherwise, you will have to sever the spine or penetrate a dense batch of feathers over the heart.
The real appeal of the Gauntlet is the rapid fire potential of this bolt action. If the first shot misses, you may get a second or third. As the Gauntlet runs from a precharged tank, those shots are easy to fire. I’ve gone hunting with the Gauntlet and found that I can fire the bolt from my shoulder without taking my eyes off the scope. Since there is almost no noise or recoil, I rarely lose sight of the target after I fire.
Turkey Hunting with Walther Parrus Pellet Rifle
The downside to any PCP is that they do have to be charged. The .25 Gauntlet will fire 20 or more shots before you have to top off the tank. You might have to leave the woods to find air (or carry a spare tank and swap them out).
Or you can simply crack open your Parrus and slide in a new pellet. The Walther Parrus in . 22 is a beast. This is a hefty gun. That weight not only makes for more comfortable long walks in the woods, but it also makes for a very stable platform for bringing down turkeys.
The break-barrel Parrus in . 22 can easily break a turkey neck, though—again—shot placement is everything. With 23 foot-pounds at the muzzle, this is a hunting gun.
The Parrus, though, is meant for the woods. The synthetic stock is ideal in wet conditions, and Walther’s smooth German engineering makes repeat accuracy easy. The Parrus has fiber optic sights that speed up the growth of facial hair, but a scope is still advised.
Hunting TURKEYS with an AIRGUN!?
FAQ
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