Backing the kids.....should I take shotty or rifle?

[ICEMAN]

I will be backing my two kids on the youth turkey hunt. They will be both packing 20 gauge shotguns.

Should I pack the ole' 12gauge with buckshot, or the .243 for any possible shots on a yote...?

On one hand, I do not want anyone to think that I am hunting birds....(I would only carry buckshot)....and on the other why should I care what other people think... (I usually could care less...)

[Thenewguy]

I guess I don;t understand what you are backing on a Turkey hunt. In case of a bear or something?


p.s. I am completely prepared to find out that I am making a very dumb comment

[ICEMAN]

To shoot those damn coyotes that keep responding to my turkey call...  duh.... 

[JackOfAllTrades]

357 or 44mag.

No need for anything more than that.

-Steve

[Thenewguy]

AH! Then a .243 would hit the spot.

This brings up an interesting question, has anyone shot a Coyote with Turkey loads?

[ICEMAN]

I cant hit a dawg at over 40 yards with the smith/357... I am really wanting to blast a dog with the shotty, but think I may do better with the rifle...  Decisions, decisions, decisions....

[yelp]

yep...they work great...dead coyotes.

[Curly]

AH! Then a .243 would hit the spot.

This brings up an interesting question, has anyone shot a Coyote with Turkey loads?

No need for turkey loads even on a yote.  I've killed them with 1 1/8oz of 7.5's.......so turkey loads would even be better.

[PA BEN]

AH! Then a .243 would hit the spot.

This brings up an interesting question, has anyone shot a Coyote with Turkey loads?

I was goose hunting when a Coyote put the sneak on my decoys. A face full of BB's dropped him in his tracks.

[ICEMAN]

Thanks so far....

I have one for pistols, one for rifle, and a few for the shotty....

[alecvg]

I would bring both!  Take the shotgun when you are actually trying to call in turkeys, for if one comes in, and the .243 for if your driving and see one out there a ways!

[Machias]

AH! Then a .243 would hit the spot.

This brings up an interesting question, has anyone shot a Coyote with Turkey loads?

I shot two yotes opening morning last year, they ran out in front of me at about 20 yards and tackled each other and were playing.  No clue I was there, it was a bad place for them to be rough housing around.   

[jackelope]

My  and I may get educated here I guess...
if I'm turkey hunting, I'm turkey hunting. Not interested in shooting coyotes. I don't want to start shooting up the woods and run all the turkeys out of the countryside.
 
Coyotes are for another day when I'm not turkey hunting.

[turkeydancer]

I've killed several with turkey loads ... however I would check with WDFW to make sure that you won't be cited for carrying a shotgun (as an adultA) during the youth season  
... always better to be safe than extremely sorry ...    
 good luck with the kids, let us know how it went  

[benhuntin]

I dont think you can carry turkey loads over turkey decoys durring youth season if you are not youth.  I would carry something bigger than #2 because it would not be legal for turkey and your not hunting turkey then.  You can carry any gun with any load you want this is america BUT if you get checked you will have an argument on your hands.

[Machias]

I'm an opportunist, it's never had any effect on my turkey hunting, shooting the few yotes I've shot during spring gobbler season.  That's the great thing about turkey hunting, you mess up a stand, get busted or shoot something else, you can move over to the next canyon/hill and start on another bird.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I dont think you can carry turkey loads over turkey decoys durring youth season if you are not youth.  I would carry something bigger than #2 because it would not be legal for turkey and your not hunting turkey then.  You can carry any gun with any load you want this is america BUT if you get checked you will have an argument on your hands.

I would be careful carrying a shotgun during turkey season, I know a guy that got a ticket for having broadheads in his quiver..."Hunting during a closed season"................................................................ it all depends on the officer, He said "explain it to the judge"
So, I say .243 

[tlbradford]

I'm an opportunist, it's never had any effect on my turkey hunting, shooting the few yotes I've shot during spring gobbler season.  That's the great thing about turkey hunting, you mess up a stand, get busted or shoot something else, you can move over to the next canyon/hill and start on another bird.

I agree with this in regards to turkeys.  Coyotes will run off anything you may have coming in and ruin your set-up anyways.  A single gun shot won't mess you up for turkeys that are still out a ways.  I wouldn't do it before flydown or shortly after, but I shoot coyotes that respond to my calling during the day.

[NWTFhunter]

AH! Then a .243 would hit the spot.

This brings up an interesting question, has anyone shot a Coyote with Turkey loads?

We have dumped several Yotes over the years with #4, #5 turkey load.

[BPturkeys]

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Backing the kids??, what, are you think they're going to get eaten alive by some T-Rex or something.  It's a kids hunt, you don't need to be trying to shoot "yotes" or anything else for that matter. And BS on the "it won't hurt nuttin to go ahead and shoot a yote or two while your set up for turkeys!" You never know when there is a bird just out of sight on his way in, and believe me, gunshots scare turkeys off!! Take the kids out turkey hunting and the only thing you should be carrying is a turkey call.
If I was a wardan and caught you in the field with a shotgun during the youth turkey hunt I'd ticket you a** so fast your head would spin.

[jackelope]

welcome to washington, BPTurkeys...
great post.

[Copperwood]

 

[wastickslinger]

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Backing the kids??, what, are you think they're going to get eaten alive by some T-Rex or something.  It's a kids hunt, you don't need to be trying to shoot "yotes" or anything else for that matter. And BS on the "it won't hurt nuttin to go ahead and shoot a yote or two while your set up for turkeys!" You never know when there is a bird just out of sight on his way in, and believe me, gunshots scare turkeys off!! Take the kids out turkey hunting and the only thing you should be carrying is a turkey call.
If I was a wardan and caught you in the field with a shotgun during the youth turkey hunt I'd ticket you a** so fast your head would spin.

I think he is protecting the turkeys not his kids. From the reading that I have done, mostly articles from NWTF, statistics show that 40-60% of poult are killed by predators and upwards of 20% of mature turkeys are killed by predators. So why not shoot a yote that is prowling your flock. If you do you might blow an opportunity at a tom for the nxt 30 minutes(we all know that they will be fired right back up again in a short time) but you will have saved many birds by greasing a yote.

I vote .243 or let your kids roll em with the shotty, Im sure they would like that better.

[whacker1]

 

[woodywsu]

My vote is let the kids carry the guns. If you are taking kids, then you won't have any room for a gun. You will be too busy packing food, water, clothes, calls, decoy, camera, toilet paper, extra ammo, face masks, more food and water. The list goes on. Just let them enjoy the great outdoors. Let them smoke the coyote/cougar/bobcat sneaking up on the decoy. If it comes down to you needing a weapon, you can always take theirs.

[hirshey]

I dont think you can carry turkey loads over turkey decoys durring youth season if you are not youth.  I would carry something bigger than #2 because it would not be legal for turkey and your not hunting turkey then.  You can carry any gun with any load you want this is america BUT if you get checked you will have an argument on your hands.

I would be careful carrying a shotgun during turkey season, I know a guy that got a ticket for having broadheads in his quiver..."Hunting during a closed season"................................................................ it all depends on the officer, He said "explain it to the judge"
So, I say .243 

I'd say better safe than sorry. I know a shotgun may offer a fun challenge but it wouldn't be worth a trip to court either way have a great time!

[D-Rock425]

let the kids shoot the yotes.  i think game warden would not like the idea af you having a gun on a kids hunt.

[ICEMAN]

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Backing the kids??, what, are you think they're going to get eaten alive by some T-Rex or something.  It's a kids hunt, you don't need to be trying to shoot "yotes" or anything else for that matter. And BS on the "it won't hurt nuttin to go ahead and shoot a yote or two while your set up for turkeys!" You never know when there is a bird just out of sight on his way in, and believe me, gunshots scare turkeys off!! Take the kids out turkey hunting and the only thing you should be carrying is a turkey call.
If I was a wardan and caught you in the field with a shotgun during the youth turkey hunt I'd ticket you a** so fast your head would spin.

Really? The stupidest thing you have ever heard?  I feel honored.

Have you ever seen a turkey following a coyote into the dekes?

I am also interested with what you would cite me for?  Name the violation, thanks.


The way I see it is this...; I occasionally call yotes into my setup. In the past, I have been late seeing them, and usually do not get close in shots.   I think I will end up taking the rifle so that I can make as much noise as possible blasting away at coyotes. If a close shot presents itself, my son or daughter would love taking out a turkey eating coyote.

Looks like I will take the rifle. Thanks guys...you too bpturkey.

[Tom Tamer]

Rifle.....I'm with the gang that says let the kids pop the close ones and you take the ones that need reaching. Also agree not too many turkeys hang out once they see the yote. On the other hand a gun shot or two don't bug a turkey too much, how many times have you seen those videos or seen it personally that a gun shot actually get's a shock gobble? Heck my second big tom I ever got he shock gobbled to my partner shooting his turkey. Last year I shot at a tom, but missed I didn't account for the limb in the road, but thirty seconds after I shot he answered a call and gave me another shot...I missed Dumb bird......dumber shooter )

[hirshey]

I am also interested with what you would cite me for?  Name the violation, thanks.

I'd say they could get you under 77.15.400
Could be the unlawful hunting of a wild bird if the official was having a bad day.. it states:

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person:

     (a) Hunts for, takes, or possesses a wild bird and the person does not have and possess all licenses, tags, stamps, and permits required under this title;

     (b) Maliciously destroys, takes, or harms the eggs or nests of a wild bird except when authorized by permit;

     (c) Violates any rule of the commission or director regarding seasons, bag or possession limits but less than two times the bag or possession limit, closed areas, closed times, or other rule addressing the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild birds; or

     (d) Possesses a wild bird taken during a closed season for that wild bird or taken from a closed area for that wild bird.

They could cite you for "hunting for" if you possesed a firearm they deemed suitable for a turkey.


Again, good luck! Looking forward to the photos! Get them 'yotee dogs!

[hirshey]

how many times have you seen those videos or seen it personally that a gun shot actually get's a shock gobble?

Forgive my ignorance.. what is a shock gobble?

I've never had the opportunity to turkey hunt. Know where a boatload of them are, though!

[wapiti hunter2]

Whose hunt is it anyway?  Sounds like the kids are just baggage for your yote hunt.  If the hunt is for the kids than make it memorable for THEM.  If a yote comes close enough for one of them to shoot it, then let one of them shoot it.  The only objective for the hunt should be smiling   kids at the end of the day.  I agree with the others here that say leave your guns at home.

[wastickslinger]

I am also interested with what you would cite me for?  Name the violation, thanks.

I'd say they could get you under 77.15.400
Could be the unlawful hunting of a wild bird if the official was having a bad day.. it states:

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person:

     (a) Hunts for, takes, or possesses a wild bird and the person does not have and possess all licenses, tags, stamps, and permits required under this title;

     (b) Maliciously destroys, takes, or harms the eggs or nests of a wild bird except when authorized by permit;

     (c) Violates any rule of the commission or director regarding seasons, bag or possession limits but less than two times the bag or possession limit, closed areas, closed times, or other rule addressing the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild birds; or

     (d) Possesses a wild bird taken during a closed season for that wild bird or taken from a closed area for that wild bird.

They could cite you for "hunting for" if you possesed a firearm they deemed suitable for a turkey.


Again, good luck! Looking forward to the photos! Get them 'yotee dogs!

So according to your theory I could get cited for packing my .357 mag while on a walk during deer season if I dont have a deer tag? A .357 is suitable for deer.

I still say pack the rifle or none at all but I dont think they could nail you if you had a shotgun with buckshot, since you cant use buck shot for turkey, that would not be suitable for turkey. 

[hirshey]

I am also interested with what you would cite me for?  Name the violation, thanks.

I'd say they could get you under 77.15.400
Could be the unlawful hunting of a wild bird if the official was having a bad day.. it states:

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person:

     (a) Hunts for, takes, or possesses a wild bird and the person does not have and possess all licenses, tags, stamps, and permits required under this title;

     (b) Maliciously destroys, takes, or harms the eggs or nests of a wild bird except when authorized by permit;

     (c) Violates any rule of the commission or director regarding seasons, bag or possession limits but less than two times the bag or possession limit, closed areas, closed times, or other rule addressing the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild birds; or

     (d) Possesses a wild bird taken during a closed season for that wild bird or taken from a closed area for that wild bird.

They could cite you for "hunting for" if you possesed a firearm they deemed suitable for a turkey.


Again, good luck! Looking forward to the photos! Get them 'yotee dogs!

So according to your theory I could get cited for packing my .357 mag while on a walk during deer season if I dont have a deer tag? A .357 is suitable for deer.

I still say pack the rifle or none at all but I dont think they could nail you if you had a shotgun with buckshot, since you cant use buck shot for turkey, that would not be suitable for turkey. 

If your walk included hanging out in camo and a blind, I'd say you'd have a good chance of getting cited.

[wastickslinger]

What if I am walking with my day and grandpa and i like to carry a pistol for protection. Do I have to carry a .22 now? I am not being an A** just trying to figure the logic.

If he has a weapon that is suitable for turkey but has loads for coyote(not leagal for turkey) how can they cite him. He can hunt coyotes all day long with a shotgun. I think its a stretch stating that they can cite him.

[hirshey]

What if I am walking with my day and grandpa and i like to carry a pistol for protection. Do I have to carry a .22 now? I am not being an A** just trying to figure the logic.

If he has a weapon that is suitable for turkey but has loads for coyote(not leagal for turkey) how can they cite him. He can hunt coyotes all day long with a shotgun. I think its a stretch stating that they can cite him.

I know its a stretch, I was just citing the potential. I'd rather not get bothered, personally. I don't like the "what if's" that could end in a court appearance.  . He asked under what regulation, I'm simply saying its possible.

The logic is there is a big difference between walking in the woods and sitting in a blind with decoys and camo. I didn't say he WOULD get cited.. but there may be an officer that could interpret the regulation not in favor of a hunter.

[wastickslinger]

What if I am walking with my day and grandpa and i like to carry a pistol for protection. Do I have to carry a .22 now? I am not being an A** just trying to figure the logic.

If he has a weapon that is suitable for turkey but has loads for coyote(not leagal for turkey) how can they cite him. He can hunt coyotes all day long with a shotgun. I think its a stretch stating that they can cite him.

I know its a stretch, I was just citing the potential. I'd rather not get bothered, personally. I don't like the "what if's" that could end in a court appearance.  . He asked under what regulation, I'm simply saying its possible.

The logic is there is a big difference between walking in the woods and sitting in a blind with decoys and camo. I didn't say he WOULD get cited.. but there may be an officer that could interpret the regulation not in favor of a hunter.

Agreed. There is plenty of room for interpretation.

[hirshey]

Agreed. There is plenty of room for interpretation.

.

[Tom Tamer]

how many times have you seen those videos or seen it personally that a gun shot actually get's a shock gobble?

Forgive my ignorance.. what is a shock gobble?

I've never had the opportunity to turkey hunt. Know where a boatload of them are, though!

A shock gobble is an unexplained reactions from a tom, loud noises of many sorts can" Shock" or scare a Tom into gobbling. It's a reflex action. that's why you'll hear people talk about using crow calls or other looud calls to get a tom to gobble, giving away his location with out a hunter having to use a turkey call, which could get a turkey moving in your direction before you're ready.

[hirshey]

how many times have you seen those videos or seen it personally that a gun shot actually get's a shock gobble?

Forgive my ignorance.. what is a shock gobble?

I've never had the opportunity to turkey hunt. Know where a boatload of them are, though!

A shock gobble is an unexplained reactions from a tom, loud noises of many sorts can" Shock" or scare a Tom into gobbling. It's a reflex action. that's why you'll hear people talk about using crow calls or other looud calls to get a tom to gobble, giving away his location with out a hunter having to use a turkey call, which could get a turkey moving in your direction before you're ready.

I see! You learn something every day. Thank you!

[Wanttohuntmore]

Pack the 243 and don't worry about the game warden.  No sense in living in fear of a ticket when you know you're not violating any laws.  Heck, there are plenty of @holes that grab the shotgun from their kids and shoot the turkey as it is, so you packing a rifle isn't going to make you look like you're trying to hunt the turkeys.

20 yrs ago I bought a 22-250 so I could go out hunting yotes during deer season, and not be ticketed.  The way the law was written then, if you were out with a 243 or larger cal, you had to have un-notched tags in possession to be in the woods with a firearm.  They changed this about 7 yrs ago, so now it doesn't matter, but I still pack the 22-250 when yote hunting during modern season.  The point is, getting a ticket can really depend on the mood of the game warden, and fighting it depends on the judge and the wording of the law, and the ability of you or your attorney to communicate why you were not in violation of that law.

Have fun on the hunt, bring a camera and let us see some success "shots"!

[ICEMAN]

Thanks guys. If we get a bird (or dawg), we will post up some pics...

[Machias]

Thanks guys. If we get a bird (or dawg), we will post up some pics...

Good luck, to both of you!!!

[turkeydancer]

Yea Iceman ... have a great time with the kids ...

I only mentioned getting in touch with the game department to ensure you wouldn't be cited, because that can really ruin the trip. Game wardens have been know for citing people over the dumbest stuff -

Example: Some buddies spent hours packing their elk out, and were really sweaty and tired ... before getting in their truck to drive back to camp they took off their coats ... game warden was watching, pulled up and cited them for not wearing their hunter orange ... definitely ruined their trip, had to hire an attorney, and take vacation time from work to go fight it.

Before you head out, it's always best to send an e-mail to the department and get their reply in "writing, print it out, and have it with you.  Just might save you from a very unfortunate situation ... 

Again ... have a great time with the kids and best wishes for success ....