First timer getting ready and excited!

[djnoodle]

Picked up a Mossberg 535 at a gun show. XX-Full choke, I think it is a factory stock Turkey Fed 535 in Mossyoak.



Anyhow, picked up some 3" #4 turkey loads, and a beginners call pack and a Jake Decoy. Plans to pick up at least one hen decoy before spring season.

Anyhow  what else would this board recommend for a first timer? I plan on hunting the area around Colville.

[Deer slayer]

Go to a seminar and learn a few things. There is a lot to learn. Luckily the birds teach you a lot as you go.

[ghosthunter]

I have the same gun. Looking for a better choke.

Get out and pattern it  soon see what it's throwing.

You will find #5 in 3 inch work the best. At least in mine.

[djnoodle]

I bought some #4 shot turkey loads in 3 inch. And I bought some #6 3" target loads. I'll probably shoot it tomorrow for the first time.

[RadSav]

That should do the trick

Anyhow  what else would this board recommend for a first timer? I plan on hunting the area around Colville.

A good cushion to sit on, a good pair of gloves, tick repellant and a good face mask that doesn't move when you turn your head, Walker game ears.  Maybe some sort of shock gobble call...loud crow call works good.

[turkeydancer]

Get your self a box call and/or pot call with a peg pack and then practice ... practice ... practice.  Learn the minimum of yelps and clucks ... then you may want to learn excited cutting and soft purrs.

Camo from head to toe since their #1 defense is their eye sight which is at least 10 times better than ours.  Limit your movement in the field (note the pad or seat helps you be move comfortable with less movement). 

Their # 2 defense is their hearing which is at least 10 times better than ours.  Be quiet and do not overcall.

I carry a Gerber ratchet pruners/saw combo to quietly snip branches from the tree I will be setting up against or to clear brush that may stop me from slowly swinging my shotgun onto the birds. 

 I also carry a "Fish De-lier" to measure weight plus beard and spur length after harvest.

Attend some turkey hunting clinics as mentioned - Cabelas usually puts some on ... I will be at Cabelas in Tulalip (just north of Marysville) on Feb 22nd from 1 - pm if you can make it.

[GrampasGuns]

I would say my number one tip. BE PATIENT. I have busted the biggest birds of my life after I thought he figured me out. Last year one was no more than 15 feet away and I didnt see or hear him, but he sure took off like hell once I stood up! Also, practice SHOOTING WHILE SITTING DOWN!!!!!!

[GrampasGuns]

and these guys are not joking. Calling too much will bust you quick. Patience is key.

[kevinlisa06]

The wife and I shoot Mossberg great choice of gun in my opinion both of us use Remington 4x6  loads. Be patient very patient when you least expect a bird to show up is when they do! If you have a gobbler coming in to you and he hasn't made a peep in awhile stay put cause they will come in silent as well. If you want to get up and move stay put for an extra 30 mins, they're sneaky lil buggers. A padded seat is definitely needed to wait out birds and your bottom will thank you. Attend a turkey seminar by TD he's great and knows his stuff!


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[djnoodle]

I've really got to put some time into this 535 before I'm going to know which shells I want to use. But I know one thing already... I like this firearm! A lot! I hope I am successful with it, and if not, I will more than likely not be blaming the firearm. It seems to be rock solid so far. The cardboard box I used as a target, not quite as rock solid anymore.

I can't wait to cop-a-squat under an old tree this spring and talk to some gobblers!

[NavyChief08]

Don't do it and heed my advice. You will never be the same hunter ever again.. Last year was my first year and I saw turkeys in my sleep 3 months after the season ended. I can tell you this there is no other rush when you start calling and start get responses back. This is a great forum to get advice on but most of the knowledge that you will learn is in the field. Be it good and bad results. TurkeyDancer help me a lot last year with all of his advice. Definitly go to the Turkey class at Cabelas. I'm sure most of us on the forum will be there. Without the help on the forum I would have never known what the hell to do or where to go so if you need any helpful hints as where to go message me.

[oneshot12]

  Been Hunting gobblers for years now  still get  excited every time I see them coming  to the decoys or calls     reading your stuff brings back  the fond memories  of my  first  Turkey hunting exploits   Best of luck to you   

[turkeydancer]

There's a fine line between turkey hunting and insanity ... her name is "the wife" ..... 

Glad I could help NavyChief !