What is the Best Choke for Turkey Hunting?
The best choke for turkey hunting is subjective and depends on your shotgun, ammunition, and preferred hunting style, but a tight, aftermarket choke designed specifically for turkey hunting, coupled with high-quality turkey loads, generally yields the most consistent and effective patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges.
Understanding Turkey Chokes: Setting the Stage
Turkey hunting requires precision. Unlike wing shooting at flying birds, turkey hunting typically involves aiming at a stationary target. A tight, dense shot pattern is crucial for delivering lethal pellets to the turkey’s head and neck, ensuring a clean and ethical kill. This is where the right choke tube comes into play. A choke tube is a constriction at the end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot as it leaves the gun. Different chokes produce different patterns at various distances.
The Purpose of a Turkey Choke
The primary purpose of a turkey choke is to increase the density of your shot pattern at longer ranges. This is achieved by constricting the shot column, forcing the pellets to stay closer together for a greater distance. A well-chosen choke, paired with the right ammunition, significantly increases your chances of hitting the vital areas of a turkey’s head and neck, even at 40 yards or more.
Types of Chokes Suitable for Turkey Hunting
Several choke options are available, each with its own constriction and intended use:
Full Choke: Traditionally used for waterfowl hunting, full chokes provide a tight pattern but may be too tight for closer turkey shots, resulting in a smaller pattern and potentially missed birds.
Extra-Full Choke: Offers a very tight pattern, best suited for longer ranges (40+ yards). These chokes are common among dedicated turkey hunters.
Turkey Choke (Aftermarket): Designed specifically for turkey hunting, these chokes often feature unique constriction designs and extended tubes for improved performance with turkey loads. They are typically the tightest options available.
Ported Choke: Some turkey chokes are ported, meaning they have holes drilled near the muzzle. These ports are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Factors Influencing Choke Selection
Several factors influence the ideal choke choice for your turkey hunting setup:
Shotgun Model: Different shotguns pattern differently. What works well in one gun might not work in another.
Ammunition: The type and size of shot you use will significantly impact the pattern. Heavier shot (e.g., TSS) often requires a different choke than lead or copper-plated shot.
Range: The distance at which you typically encounter turkeys will dictate the tightness of your choke. Closer shots (under 30 yards) may benefit from a slightly more open choke.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choke is the one that patterns best with your chosen ammunition in your shotgun at your preferred range.
The Patterning Process: Finding the Perfect Match
The most crucial step in selecting a turkey choke is patterning your shotgun. This involves shooting at a target (typically a large paper target with a turkey head silhouette) at various distances to assess the density and distribution of the shot pattern.
Steps for Patterning Your Shotgun:
- Gather Supplies: Target paper, turkey head silhouette, shotgun, various turkey loads, different choke tubes, shooting rest, measuring tape.
- Set Up Target: Place the target at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
- Shoot at Target: Using a stable rest, aim carefully at the center of the target and fire one shot with each choke/load combination at each distance.
- Analyze Pattern: Count the number of pellets within the turkey’s head and neck on the target.
- Repeat: Repeat the process several times with each combination to ensure consistent results.
- Select Best Combination: Choose the choke and load combination that produces the tightest and most consistent pattern, with the highest number of pellets in the vital area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Turkey Choke
- Assuming All Chokes Are Created Equal: Different chokes have different constrictions and are designed for specific purposes.
- Neglecting to Pattern: Failing to pattern your shotgun is the biggest mistake you can make. You must pattern to find the optimal choke/load combination.
- Overchoking: Using a choke that is too tight for the range you are hunting at can result in a small, inconsistent pattern.
- Ignoring Ammunition Compatibility: Some chokes are not compatible with certain types of ammunition (e.g., steel shot). Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
| Choke Type | Constriction (Typical) | Ideal Range (Yards) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full | .035″ – .040″ | 30-40 | Good for general use, can work with some lead turkey loads. | Pattern may be too open for longer ranges with specialized turkey loads. |
| Extra-Full | .045″ – .050″ | 40+ | Tight patterns at longer ranges. | Pattern may be too tight for closer shots. |
| Turkey Choke | Varies, typically .050″+ | 30+ | Optimized for turkey loads, often produces the tightest patterns. | May not be suitable for non-turkey loads. |
| Ported Choke | Varies, typically .050″+ | 30+ | Optimized for turkey loads, reduced recoil, often produces the tightest patterns. | May be louder than non-ported chokes, requires more frequent cleaning. |
Conclusion: The Quest for the Perfect Pattern
Selecting the best choke for turkey hunting is an ongoing process of experimentation and refinement. While there is no single “best” choke, understanding the factors that influence pattern performance and diligently patterning your shotgun with different chokes and ammunition will ultimately lead you to the optimal setup for your specific needs. Remember to prioritize safety, ethical hunting practices, and the pursuit of a clean, decisive shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is choke constriction and how does it affect shot patterns?
Choke constriction refers to the narrowing of the shotgun barrel near the muzzle. A tighter constriction results in a denser, narrower pattern, effective at longer ranges. A looser constriction produces a wider, more open pattern, better suited for closer shots. Measuring the choke’s actual internal diameter is the best way to know its constriction.
2. Can I use a steel shot choke for turkey hunting with lead or TSS?
Yes, a choke marked safe for steel shot can generally be used with lead or Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). However, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific choke and ammunition combination. Avoid using chokes not rated for steel with steel shot loads, as this can damage the choke and barrel.
3. How often should I clean my turkey choke?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the performance of your turkey choke. Clean your choke after each hunting trip or after firing approximately 25-50 rounds. Powder residue and plastic wad buildup can negatively affect the shot pattern.
4. What is the difference between a ported and non-ported turkey choke?
Ported turkey chokes have holes drilled near the muzzle, designed to vent gases and reduce recoil and muzzle jump. Non-ported chokes do not have these holes. While ported chokes can offer recoil reduction, they are often louder than non-ported options.
5. What is TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) and why is it popular for turkey hunting?
TSS is a high-density shot material made from tungsten alloy. Its superior density (much higher than lead) allows for smaller shot sizes to deliver more energy and penetration at longer ranges. TSS enables hunters to achieve tighter patterns and increased lethality compared to traditional lead or copper-plated shot.
6. How does shot size affect choke selection?
Smaller shot sizes (e.g., #9 TSS) require tighter chokes to maintain pattern density, while larger shot sizes (e.g., #4 lead) may perform better with a slightly more open choke. Patterning your shotgun with different shot sizes is crucial for determining the optimal choke.
7. Can I use a modified choke for turkey hunting?
While a modified choke can be used for turkey hunting in a pinch, it’s generally not the best option. Modified chokes produce a wider pattern than specialized turkey chokes, making it harder to consistently hit the vital areas at longer ranges.
8. What are some reputable brands of turkey chokes?
Some reputable brands of turkey chokes include Carlson’s, Patternmaster, and Trulock. These brands are known for their quality construction and consistent performance.
9. How do I know if my choke is compatible with my shotgun?
Consult your shotgun’s owner’s manual to determine the correct choke thread pattern for your firearm. Most modern shotguns use interchangeable choke tubes, but some older models may have fixed chokes.
10. What is the best distance to pattern my shotgun for turkey hunting?
Pattern your shotgun at the distances you anticipate shooting turkeys. Typically, this involves patterning at 20, 30, and 40 yards. This will give you a clear understanding of your pattern density and effective range with each choke/load combination.
11. What is the importance of a proper rest when patterning a shotgun?
A stable rest is crucial for achieving consistent and accurate results when patterning your shotgun. Use a sandbag rest, shooting sticks, or a bipod to minimize movement and ensure that you are aiming consistently at the center of the target.
12. Is it ethical to shoot turkeys at very long ranges (50+ yards)?
Shooting turkeys at extreme ranges (50+ yards) is generally considered unethical unless you have thoroughly patterned your shotgun and are confident in your ability to consistently place multiple pellets in the vital area of the head and neck. It is always best to get closer for a clean, ethical shot.