Will a .22 Kill a Turkey? Everything You Need to Know

The .22 long rifle is one of the most popular and widely available cartridges for small game hunting. Its low recoil, inexpensive ammunition, and inherent accuracy makes it an excellent choice for hunting small game like squirrels, rabbits, and other similarly sized animals. But many hunters wonder – will a .22 kill a turkey?

The short answer is yes, a .22 can kill a turkey under the right circumstances However, there are a number of important factors to consider before using a 22 for turkey hunting.

Is it Legal to Hunt Turkeys with a .22?

The first question to address is whether it is legal to hunt wild turkeys with a .22 in your area. Hunting regulations can vary significantly from state to state. Some states prohibit the use of rimfires like the .22 for turkey hunting altogether. Others may have certain restrictions, like specifying a minimum caliber or only allowing rimfire use during certain seasons. Always check your local hunting regulations before heading out.

Aiming for the Right Shot Placement

If hunting turkeys with a .22 is legal where you live, shot placement is paramount. Turkeys have thick feathers and heavy muscle mass that can prevent proper bullet penetration. Head and neck shots are key for quickly dropping a bird.

Aiming for the turkey’s lower caruncles (the fleshy parts on the head) can increase the odds of proper shot placement. This places the bullet path through the head and neck vertebrae while allowing room for error. Body shots are not recommended with smaller calibers like the .22.

Sufficient Velocity and Energy Are Required

The .22 long rifle fires bullets at modest velocities, normally between 1000 to 1400 feet per second depending on bullet weight and barrel length. This results in relatively low energy levels compared to larger calibers.

For the .22 to cleanly harvest a turkey sufficient velocity and energy is required. High velocity .22 loads such as CCI Stinger which achieve 1640 fps, are better suited for turkeys than standard velocity rounds.

Additionally, expanding bullets like hollow points transfer energy more efficiently. Shot distance also plays a role. Shots past 50 yards may lack the power for a clean, ethical kill on a turkey.

Accuracy and Precision Are Essential

Due to the low power, the .22 leaves little room for error. Precise shot placement is imperative. Not only does the bullet need to impact the head or neck, but hitting the desired part of the head and neck is key. A slight deviation can mean wounding the bird or a non-lethal hit.

Excellent marksmanship skills are a must when hunting turkeys with a .22. Taking the time to become intimately familiar with your rifle’s ballistics and zeroing it for maximum accuracy is highly recommended.

Turkey Hunting Strategies Must Be Adapted

Successfully taking a turkey with a .22 requires adapting strategies and tactics. The effective range is significantly shorter than a shotgun or larger caliber rifle.

Stealth and concealment are paramount when trying to get within .22 range. Calling turkeys in close enough for an ethical shot may be difficult. Having patience and shooting only when the turkey’s head and neck are perfectly presented is critical.

Expert Opinions on Using a .22 for Turkeys

Many experienced turkey hunters advise against using a .22. The small margin for error and need for specialized hunting strategies causes concerns. A 20 gauge or 12 gauge shotgun is generally considered a safer bet for the majority of hunters.

However, expert marksmen comfortable with the limitations acknowledge a .22 can take turkeys when used responsibly. Adapting strategy, using quality ammunition, and practicing precision shot placement are essential to success and ethics when hunting turkeys with a .22 long rifle.

Real World Experiences

While most experts recommend against it, some hunters have successfully taken turkeys with a .22 LR. However, their experiences reinforce the need for close range shots and precision shooting to humanely harvest a bird.

One hunter reported killing two juvenile turkeys at close range using CCI Mini-Mag hollow points from a .22 rifle. Another was able to take a mature hen at 40 yards using a .22 Magnum. The bird dropped immediately upon hitting the spine.

These outcomes rely heavily on shot placement and range. They demonstrate a .22 can kill a turkey under specific conditions if the hunter adheres to ethical practices.

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some final things to keep in mind when considering using a .22 to hunt turkeys:

• Adhere to all hunting laws and regulations in your area.

• Use expanding high velocity ammunition designed for hunting.

• Limit shots to 50 yards or less.

• Stick to head and neck shots for quick, clean kills.

• Be exceptionally familiar with your rifle’s ballistics and zero.

• Hunt patiently, waiting for prime shot opportunities.

• Be prepared to adapt tactics for success within the .22’s limitations.

• Consider starting with a .22 Magnum rifle to allow for greater margin of error.

The Bottom Line

While it presents some challenges, a .22 long rifle can humanely harvest a turkey when used responsibly by an accurate marksman at close range. The lower power and limited effective range mean hunters must adhere to ethical practices regarding shot placement and distance. Understanding the limitations and adapting strategy is key to success. For most hunters, a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun is a more forgiving and effective option. But with practice and mastery of proper technique, taking a turkey with a .22 is certainly possible.