I know upland season is still on in most of the country, but not here. Just bought the turkey application today here in Michigan. That time again. Please share any pics and comments on your choice of gun,load, and your call preference. Yes, jOe, post photos of your turkey dogs.
Last spring, I had the chance to use a FOX HE/12b, borrowed from a friend. Sorta ala Buckingham. Had my own LC Longrange/12b at the time and did compare patterns with some vintage Western SuperX, paper hull, 1 1/4oz, #4's and the LC shot noticeably tighter at 40yds. than the FOX. Both measured very close to each other in choke diameter. This particular FOX was not Becker bored. Maybe made the difference. I did use the FOX, and the bird called into 50ft. it didn't seem to matter.
I'm not an expert on turkeys, got my first look at hunting turkeys (Merrimans) on a weekend hunt to Nebraska with a friend. Skipped school at Colorado State(1968) and we roared to Indianola Ne. in my 62 Chevy Impala 327 for the hunt. Hez got a bird the first morning, locating with an owl call and talking them in with an Ashby "Old Hen" box call. That year I picked up the same outfit as my friend. Ashby "Old Hen" and a wood owl hooter call. It wasn't until the mid 90's before I thought I'd give this turkey thing a try. Still had the calls. Now, I really get a hoot (so to speak) out of this turkey hunting. The owl call is now destroyed as I took one of my lab pups along on a morning scouting trip last spring and didn't associate the gnawing sound in the back to my owl call being consumed by the eager pup.
This spring the gun of choice will be my LC Smith Pigeon Grade/12b, 30" steel barrels, Mod/Full.
Photo #1 Turkey and the FOX, Ridges provided good cover to get within calling distance of the roosting birds.
Photo #2 Closeup of FOX, great gun
Photo #3 Wife Patty with FOX and pattern board
