Talking Turkey With John La Mond

Spring Turkey season starts in Western New York on Sunday May 1st.  My son Tyler and I will be down in Caneadea, NY hoping to bag a bird or two.  One of the biggest questions I am often asked is, "What is the best kind of ammo to use for turkey hunting?".  First of all, there is no single answer to that question, but a few basics to keep in mind. Most turkey hunters use either a 10 or 12 gauge shotgun.  I am partial to the 12 gauge.  This year, it's going to be a toss-up between my Mossberg 500 pump or my Spanish over and under.  Tyler will be using his Benelli Super Black Eagle II.  What you really want to use is either number 4, 5 or 6 shot.  There are a number of different choices available and probably all are more than capable of harvesting a bird.  Probably the most important aspect of your ammo choice will be your pattern.  It is most critical that you test fire your ammo choice in your gun before hunting.  You need to see what kind of a pattern you are throwing at 40 yards.

This year, I am trying something new. Hornady has come out with a new turkey load for 2011.  It's called the Heavy Magnum #5 Turkey.  It contains 1 and a half ounces of nickel plated lead shot. I will be testing these out this weekend and will let you know what I think.  More turkey hunting tips to come. Keep checking back on my blog here at www.wyrk.com.  Good hunting to you and please be safe!