Bow for Turkey

[returnofsid]

Mechanical broadheads aren't legal for anything, yet.  It's an equipment rule.  Later this year they'll probably be legal, though, when the new rules come out.

Incorrect.  Mechanical broadheads are perfectly legal for Turkeys, and have been for at least an entire season. 

I use the same broadheads I use for deer and elk, 100 grain 3 blade Muzzy.

[jackelope]

Mechanicals have been legal for turkey and small game!  No problem using them.  This question comes up often...here is the WDFW link to the answer:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/help/questions/113/Is+it+legal+to+use+retractable+broadheads+during+wild+turkey+seasons%3F

[RadSav]

I have been thinking of using my bow this year too, was looking at head-cutters today, but had the same questions already posted. Thanks for the info.

Problem I find with most head cutters are they break so dang easy.  If you don't have a pond or swimming pool to shoot them into the expense of getting them sighted in can be extremely high!  They also are not much good unless you plan to hunt from a blind.  Since they are too big to place in a quiver you need to carry them separate and then assemble once in the blind.  Though they usually result in either a miss or instant death.  Which isn't such a bad thing on turkey.

I find often when you get a turkey to go down instantly the next dominant tom will rush in and try to peck or dry hump him.  Offers a great opportunity to shoot your second bird.

[D-Rock425]

Have  you seen the new muzzy head for Turkey rad

[RadSav]

Have  you seen the new muzzy head for Turkey rad

Only the ad stuff you showed me at the show.  Looks like the best idea so far.  I'd rather have an 1.5" or 2" four blade than a 3" three blade when it comes to head choppers.  Have done two with the Ti-Con @ 1.125".  Tried last year with a DelMastro when I cut a nice hole in one of Bearpaw's fancy new blind   Ooops!!  I bet Dale puts me in some old junky Ameristep this year

[docsven]

I have been thinking of using my bow this year too, was looking at head-cutters today, but had the same questions already posted. Thanks for the info.

Problem I find with most head cutters are they break so dang easy.  If you don't have a pond or swimming pool to shoot them into the expense of getting them sighted in can be extremely high!  They also are not much good unless you plan to hunt from a blind.  Since they are too big to place in a quiver you need to carry them separate and then assemble once in the blind.  Though they usually result in either a miss or instant death.  Which isn't such a bad thing on turkey.

I find often when you get a turkey to go down instantly the next dominant tom will rush in and try to peck or dry hump him.  Offers a great opportunity to shoot your second bird.

I had wondered about that-how much different the flight is, and trying to figure out how to test without breaking/losing a lot of arrows. Saw the wire snare they sell, that must fly like a lawn dart!

[RadSav]

They shoot horrible!  But nothing four 5" feathers won't take care of!  I think they would fly better if they made them 145-160 grains.

Remember as a kid putting your hand out the window of the car traveling down the highway?  That was 55 or 60 MPH.  Now imagine putting that 3" flat blade monster broadhead out the window at 180-200 mph!!!  Takes a lot of forward energy to offset the drag.  Also takes a lot of fletching to add enough drag to the back to exceed that of the front end.  Doable, but takes some thought on arrow setup!

You do not need a deep pond or swimming pool to safely practice with those chopper heads.  I used small pop bottles and ping pong balls thrown on the water.  Not very easy on feathers, but works best I have tried.  Old polyfill bag targets work OK too.  Want them good and shot up though.

[docsven]

I didn't buy any of the choppers since I wasn't sure what the regs said, the recommendation was to use them with 4-fletched 300 spine or better arrow. I have a couple bird head tips, but I think i may just use a broad head if I do.  I'm taking my son down by Klickitat, more interested in him getting a bird with his shotgun.
Thanks for the advice, Rad.

[RadSav]

Most bird heads are not anywhere near effective enough for turkey.  They are super tough and their vitals are very small.  I put three arrows into one a few years ago.  Not sure how I did it, but I missed the lungs on every shot.  That bird flew 1,000 yards before he went down.  Brian Denny walked up to him figuring he was DOA.  Bugger got up and flew/glided another 500 yards.  I was dang lucky to get that bird!!

The bird pictured below is shot with a set up that will shoot end to end on a mature bull elk.  That darn turkey's breast bone stopped it like he was made of brick.

[docsven]

Wow, earned that one!

[lokidog]

I have been thinking of using my bow this year too, was looking at head-cutters today, but had the same questions already posted. Thanks for the info.

Problem I find with most head cutters are they break so dang easy.  If you don't have a pond or swimming pool to shoot them into the expense of getting them sighted in can be extremely high!  They also are not much good unless you plan to hunt from a blind.  Since they are too big to place in a quiver you need to carry them separate and then assemble once in the blind.  Though they usually result in either a miss or instant death.  Which isn't such a bad thing on turkey.

I find often when you get a turkey to go down instantly the next dominant tom will rush in and try to peck or dry hump him.  Offers a great opportunity to shoot your second bird.

I had wondered about that-how much different the flight is, and trying to figure out how to test without breaking/losing a lot of arrows. Saw the wire snare they sell, that must fly like a lawn dart!

I tried some a few years ago and took a tyvek chicken food bag and stuffed it with grocery bags to use as a target.  I hung it by two ropes so it could swing when it was hit.  I think I did break one arrow though, but I can't remember for sure.  I never did use the things.

I can see a use for them like when a tom stops at twenty yards and all you can see is his head and neck above the brush.  This happened that year.