‘Reign of Terror’ on Turkeys | Gun Talk Hunt

Published on May 27, 2023
Duration: 36:25

This episode details Thomas Allen's exceptionally successful turkey season, highlighting his "reign of terror" on turkeys. Key techniques discussed include the dangerous but effective 'fanning' method with decoys, the importance of scouting and landowner relations, and the effectiveness of modern ammunition like Boss Tom shells in smaller gauge shotguns (20, 28, and 410). The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of hunting and building relationships within the hunting community.

Quick Summary

Fanning is an advanced turkey hunting technique where a hunter crawls behind a decoy to provoke aggressive gobbler responses. Safety is critical, and it's best used in open fields. Modern ammunition like Boss Tom shotshells, featuring tungsten shot, makes smaller gauge shotguns (20, 28, 410) effective for turkey hunting, offering reduced recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Reign of Terror on Turkeys
  2. 00:15Host KJ's Hunting Philosophy
  3. 00:32Guest Thomas Allen Joins the Show
  4. 01:10Winding Down Turkey Season
  5. 02:10Thomas Allen's Successful Season Recap
  6. 03:13Hunting in Snow Conditions
  7. 04:23Travis's Hunt and Wife's Success
  8. 05:04Taylor's Big Spurred Turkey
  9. 05:14Upper Michigan Hunt Success
  10. 05:42Spot and Stalk vs. Calling
  11. 05:54Acquiring New Hunting Properties
  12. 06:10Run and Gun in Timber
  13. 06:18Catherine's Challenging Hunt and Confidence Building
  14. 07:00Three Gobblers at 20 Yards
  15. 07:11The Strutter Decoy's Effectiveness
  16. 07:55Thomas Allen Luck: The Bean Field Encounter
  17. 09:00Attempting to Fan the Turkeys
  18. 10:03Catherine's 35-Yard Shot
  19. 10:27Explaining the Fanning Technique
  20. 10:42Safety Concerns with Fanning
  21. 12:43Considerations for Fanning Location
  22. 13:11Reaping vs. Fanning
  23. 14:07Key Components to Successful Fanning
  24. 15:35Sponsor Messages: Timney Triggers, Ruger, Range Ready Studios
  25. 18:24Effective Turkey Hunting Products
  26. 18:41Boss Tom Ammunition
  27. 19:00Smaller Gauge Shotguns (20, 28, 410)
  28. 20:34Recoil Sensitivity and Shotgun Choice
  29. 21:34Advancements in Ammunition Technology
  30. 22:32Arranging Ourselves Out of Being Good Hunters?
  31. 23:22Missed Shots and Patterning Shotguns
  32. 24:16Importance of Decoy Placement
  33. 24:54Upper Michigan Hunt: Shooting the Same Turkey
  34. 26:29The Importance of Scouting
  35. 26:54Quality Binoculars and Trail Cameras
  36. 27:17Essential Elements of a Successful Hunt
  37. 27:34Taking Care of Landowners
  38. 29:28Building Relationships with Landowners
  39. 30:48Sharing the Sport with Others
  40. 32:08Reflections on an Unbelievable Season
  41. 32:43Planning the Last Hunt of the Year
  42. 34:04The Shed Buck Story
  43. 35:02Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
  44. 36:13Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'fanning' technique in turkey hunting?

Fanning is an advanced turkey hunting technique where a hunter crawls behind a turkey decoy to conceal their movement and provoke aggressive responses from gobblers. It's crucial to approach cautiously and avoid spooking the birds by revealing yourself too soon. Safety is paramount, and it's generally not recommended for public land.

What ammunition is recommended for turkey hunting with smaller gauge shotguns?

Boss Tom shotshells are recommended for turkey hunting, especially with smaller gauges like 20, 28, and 410. These shells utilize tungsten shot, which provides excellent ballistic performance and effective killing power at longer ranges, making these smaller gauges more viable for turkey hunting.

How important is scouting and landowner relations in turkey hunting?

Scouting, often aided by trail cameras, is vital for understanding turkey patterns and knowing where to find them. Equally important is maintaining strong relationships with landowners through appreciation and assistance, as this ensures continued access to prime hunting grounds.

What are the benefits of using smaller gauge shotguns for turkey hunting?

Smaller gauge shotguns like the 28 gauge and 410 offer a significant reduction in recoil, making them more comfortable for hunters, especially those sensitive to recoil. With advancements in ammunition technology, they can now be effective for turkey hunting at reasonable ranges.

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