Is It Possible To Hunt Turkey With A .22 Rifle?

As spring turkey season approaches, hunters start gearing up and sighting in their trusty shotguns Turkey hunting with a shotgun is the norm for good reason – the shots are usually close range and you need sufficient stopping power to ethically harvest these large birds. But some hunters like a challenge and ask – could I potentially hunt turkeys using my handy 22 rimfire rifle instead? Let’s take a look at whether hunting turkey with a .22 is feasible or inadvisable.

Background On Turkey Hunting

Before we analyze the capabilities of the .22, it helps to understand some basics about turkey hunting:

• Wild turkeys are large, sturdy birds. A mature tom can weigh over 20 pounds and have thick feathers and bones.

• Shots are typically taken at close range – usually 25 yards or less Turkeys have keen eyesight and will detect you if you get too close

• Head and neck shots are ideal to avoid damaging meat. The turkey’s vital organs are centered in its head and neck region.

• Hunters use camouflage, calls, and decoys to lure the gobbler within range. You may only get one opening for a clean shot.

• A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with turkey specific rounds is the standard choice to ensure sufficient stopping power and Knock down power at typical hunting distances

Could A .22 Rimfire Rifle Take Down A Turkey?

Now that we understand turkey hunting conditions, could a humble .22 rimfire rifle successfully harvest a turkey? Here are factors to consider:

• Limited Knockdown Power – Even high velocity .22 LR rounds produce under 150 ft-lbs of energy. Centerfire rifle cartridges are in the 1,200 – 3,000 ft-lb range. The .22 has vastly less stopping ability.

• Small Projectile Diameter – At .224″, the .22 bullet is tiny compared to most rifle calibers. Limited bullet mass presents penetration challenges.

• Margin For Error – Unlike shotguns, rifles have no spread. You must precisely hit the head or neck for clean kills. Less experienced shooters may struggle.

• Short Effective Range – The .22 rimfire rifles limit is about 60-100 yards. You’d need to call the gobbler very close compared to a centerfire rifle.

• Not Legal Everywhere – Some states prohibit smaller calibers for turkey hunting. Be sure to check regulations.

• Unethical Risk – Using underpowered ammunition risks wounding the turkey or non-fatal body shots. This causes needless suffering.

While it’s hypothetically possible to kill a turkey with a well-placed .22 LR headshot, the limitations and ethics of doing so are questionable at best. Most hunters agree it’s an impractical choice.

Recommended Alternatives To .22 For Turkey Hunting

Hunters looking for options besides a traditional 12 or 20 gauge shotgun do have some reasonable alternatives that still allow ethical, clean turkey kills:

• .410 Shotgun – Specialized turkey loads in 3″ .410 shells offer sufficient stopping power under 50 yards. Pattern your specific .410 to ensure adequate coverage.

• Archery – Bow hunting turkeys with broadheads is challenging but doable. Accuracy is paramount for a quick kill.

• Muzzleloader – Primitive firearms like muzzleloaders and black powder shotguns are allowed during special turkey seasons in some states. Loads with at least #4 or #5 shot work well.

• Air Rifles – Powerful modern pneumatic air rifles can take turkeys, but require very close range and perfect shot placement.

These methods allow taking turkeys as ethically as with standard shotguns. Unlike the .22, they provide enough power and shot spread to increase odds of clean kills.

Best Practices For Safe, Ethical Turkey Hunting

No matter what firearm you use, following best practices ensures a responsible hunt:

• Choose equipment suited for turkeys – sufficient power for 40 yard shots. Pattern your shotgun.

• Only take high percentage shots at the head and neck. Avoid risky body shots.

• Use proper ammunition – lead shot for shotguns, appropriate bullets or arrows for rifles.

• Maintain shooting proficiency through target practice. Shooting skills must be razor sharp.

• Stick to reasonable shooting distances based on your equipment. Don’t overextend your effective range.

• Ensure a clear backdrop – know what’s behind your target before shooting.

• Locate your turkey quickly after the shot and dispatch it humanely if still alive.

• Field dress turkeys promptly and handle the meat carefully to avoid spoilage.

Follow the hunters code of ethics. Turkey hunting serves to put healthy natural meat on the dinner table, not just for sport alone.

While it’s possible to harvest a turkey with a well-placed .22 long rifle shot under 25 yards, most hunters view it as impractical and risky. A shotgun with proper turkey loads remains the best tool for the job. But with mindful, ethical hunting practices, more challenging methods can be viable too. As with all hunting, technique and shot placement are as crucial as using an appropriate caliber firearm.