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, hunting turkey with an air rifle 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. Turkey talk is an art form, and one that can bring a fat tom almost close enough to 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?
Pellet guns are a popular choice for small game hunting and target practice. But when it comes to larger game like turkeys, many wonder if a pellet gun is up to the task. Here is a comprehensive look at using pellet guns for turkey hunting.
Is It Possible?
The short answer is yes, it is technically possible to kill a turkey with a pellet gun However, there are some important caveats to consider
Pellet guns (also called air rifles) propel a projectile using compressed air or CO2 This makes them much less powerful than firearms that use gunpowder Most standard ,177 or ,22 caliber pellet guns do not produce enough force for a clean turkey kill,
Higher powered pellet rifles specifically built for hunting can humanely take down turkeys when used correctly Large caliber models (25, .30, .35, .45 and up) firing heavy pellets deliver much more impact energy. Well-placed head and chest shots can provide a quick, ethical kill.
Challenges of Using a Pellet Gun
While feasible, hunting turkeys with pellet guns presents some difficulties:
-
Limited range and accuracy require getting very close to the turkey.
-
Precise shot placement is crucial for a clean kill. Most of a turkey’s body is protected by thick feathers and bone.
-
Pellet guns are single shot. Follow up shots are very difficult if the first shot is non-lethal.
-
Lower power increases the risk of wounding or crippling the animal rather than killing it.
-
May be illegal depending on local hunting regulations. Most states require a minimum caliber for turkey hunting.
Due to these limitations, pellet guns are generally not recommended as a first choice for turkey hunting. But they can be effective when used responsibly by experienced hunters.
Choosing the Right Pellet Gun
If you plan to hunt turkeys with a pellet gun, choose a high powered model made specifically for hunting:
-
High caliber – .30, .35 or .45 have enough force to humanely kill a turkey.
-
Powerful FPS – Look for velocities of 800+ fps in a heavy pellet. This delivers knockdown power.
-
Single stroke or multi-pump – Provides flexibility to maximize power per shot.
-
Repeating mechanism – Follow up shots are easier without reloading each time.
-
Adjustable scope – Precise sighting on target is a must.
Quality pellets designed for hunting are also important. Choose heavier grains in hollow point or domed tip for maximum impact. Be sure to practice extensively with your setup before hunting.
Using Proper Shot Placement
Due to their thick feathering and bone structure, most of a turkey’s body is protected. For a pellet gun to be an effective killing instrument, shot placement must be precise.
The best targets are the head and upper chest. Shooting at these vital areas damages the central nervous system and major blood vessels. This provides the quickest, most humane death.
-
Head – Aim at the neck right below the head. This severs the spinal cord.
-
Upper Chest – Penetrate the vitals area above the breastbone.
Avoid low chest, wing and leg shots. These often fail to kill cleanly and risk wounding the animal.
Laws and Ethics
Before considering turkey hunting with a pellet gun, be sure to check your state’s hunting regulations. Most states prohibit using air guns for turkey hunting or require a minimum caliber such as 20 gauge.
You should also weigh the ethical considerations. Hunting turkeys with pellet guns ups the chances of wounding the animal or requiring multiple follow up shots. Be sure you are proficient with your equipment and able to make a quick, humane kill.
For most hunters, a shotgun or archery equipment present better options for an ethical turkey harvest. But with a powerful pellet rifle, proper shot placement and hunting skill, taking a turkey with an air gun can certainly be done.
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 is a downer for long walks in the woods, but it makes for a very steady platform for knocking 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. While I’d still recommend a scope, the Parrus has fiber optic sights that making getting a bead on a beard even faster.
Umarex Gauntlet Air Rifle for Turkey Hunting
.jpg)
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. As they walk, they tend to keep their heads level and somewhat still as their bodies move, so that’s a plus. 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 hunted with the Gauntlet and find I can even run the bolt from the shoulder, without breaking from the scope. Since there is almost no noise or recoil, I rarely lose sight of the target after I fire.
Hunting TURKEYS with an AIRGUN!?
FAQ
Is a pellet gun strong enough to kill?
What kind of gun do you use for turkeys?
What happens if you shoot a turkey with a rifle?