Shot size regualtion

[CP]

I just ran across this new reg:

cBeginning with the 2009 Fall turkey seasons, hunters must use #4 shot or smaller to hunt turkey.

Anyone else surprised by that?  Good thing that I read regulations when I’m bored. 

[Machias]

It started being adopted back east several years ago.  I think MO started it in the mid 80s.  It cuts down on the possibility of killing someone in a hunting accident.  Your chances of killing someone goes up quite a bit with shot #2 and up.....of course if you ID your target properly your chances of killing someone goes down substantially.   

[Wacenturion]

Agree with Machias's comment.  It also tends to keep people from thinking they can kill a turkey with 2's or even buckshot at ridiculous distances, which is equally good for turkeys and turkey hunting as it should be.   

[yelp]

I use 3.5 winchester #5's which patterned the best in both my shotguns..but realize many turkey hunters not so long ago only had #2's to choose from.  I shot my first turkey with a 3" #2 Winchester XX.  Now I don't see many turkey hunters using them much..there are better choices out there and better specialty choke systems and  shotguns.  Even 20 gauge users have better choices than they have in the past.  I am not worried about it.  Not sure if I would want to be shot with #2's or #6's..they both would cause damage.  Safety first and identifying target are first and foremost no matter what you shoot. 

[turkeydancer]

 

When people ask I tell them 4, 5, or 6's .. whichever patterns best in your gun.  The 4's have better knock down, 6's more bb's flying, and 5's are a good compromise between the 4's & 6's ... but again whichever patterns better.

My 6's work great and give me the best pattern ...  

[CP]

Well I’ve got about 40 pounds of #5 so I guess I’ll use that.  But now I have a bunch of old 3” #2 shells that I need to find a use for.

[bobcat]

I've heard lots of people say they use buckshot for turkey hunting.

I guess they needed a new law because not everybody has common sense. 

[Curly]

What happens if the DOE and these environmental groups get their way and lead shot is banned?  Will Steel 4's have enough energy or will turkey hunters have to use expensive alternates like Hevi Shot?

[Machias]

Well I’ve got about 40 pounds of #5 so I guess I’ll use that.  But now I have a bunch of old 3” #2 shells that I need to find a use for.

Yotes and bobcats.

[bobcat]

Well I've got about 40 pounds of #5 so I guess I'll use that.  But now I have a bunch of old 3" #2 shells that I need to find a use for.

Well that's a good thing that you're going to switch to the #5's. #2 shot is too big and there aren't enough pellets for a good pattern. Have you killed any turkeys with #2's?

What happens if the DOE and these environmental groups get their way and lead shot is banned?  Will Steel 4's have enough energy or will turkey hunters have to use expensive alternates like Hevi Shot?

For turkeys it wouldn't be that expensive to use the other types of non-toxic shot. When you only shoot one shell per turkey I can't see that being an issue.

[CP]

Well I've got about 40 pounds of #5 so I guess I'll use that.  But now I have a bunch of old 3" #2 shells that I need to find a use for.

Well that's a good thing that you're going to switch to the #5's. #2 shot is too big and there aren't enough pellets for a good pattern. Have you killed any turkeys with #2's?

Yep, I’ve killed turkeys with #2s.  1 ¾ oz loads pattern just fine and kills them just as dead as smaller shot.  2s penetrate better than 4s or 6s, but all of them work.  I don’t remember using 5s for turkey but I’m sure they will work too. 

[Intruder]

Great law.... much safer and discourages long range shots and to some degree body shots.

[fishcrazy]

We could just use rubber pellets. That would make it safe for other hunters and make killing a turkey harder.

As if they don't have other things to worry about in this state.   If people are going to shoot to far or at other people it's not the shots fault. It's the poor ethics that person practices and won't change with shot size. It's another example of trying to keep stupid people safe from them self.

I like #4 shot in my gun. It killed them dead enough for me.


Kris

[BigGoonTuna]

i don't know how anyone can be surprised by this.  it's typical WDFW boilerplate.  the guys that are going to try and take ridiculous shots or not properly ID their targets are probably not going to give a damn about what shot size they use anyway.

it's a lot like our fishing regs, making it harder for legitimate fishermen while doing nothing more to control those who have no ethics and/or break the law.  the only way to help is to add more enforcement, but that'll never happen.

[Wacenturion]

Have to disagree......it's not just the group that are going to ignore it anyway, it's a lot about newbies hunting something for the first time that may think bigger is better....or farther in this case.