Turkey and Penetration

[Greg Krause]

So as anywhere, on this site we have talked about turkey set-ups. I have held firmly with my belief that turks are tough critters. I don't believe that your bows should be turned down in weight. A set up for deer is perfect for birds. The only thing I may change is going to a mech head. After seeing what a spitfire does on deer and turks, they seem like a great choice.
Here are some pics from a good Tom I shot last fall with my bow. The shot was 20yds and he was on a stone wall, level in height with me. I was on the ground. He was facing straight away, getting ready to jump off the wall and down a steep slope. I was shooting my deer set-up. Hoyt Ultra- tech, 70#'s, Axis 340 and a 100grain Wasp Hammer SST. I was getting KE in the high 60's. The shot hit the turkey center as he was facing away. He jumped off the hill and glided on open wings for 200yds. I thought I may have made a bad hit, but upon finding him and cleaning him, this is what I found.










I had centered his heart and lungs. I entered the back of the ribcage and just barely pushed the tip through the front. This is the same set-up that blew through a good bucks ribs at 47yds and still had enough energy to explode the very durable axis arrow on a rock on the other side.

Food for thought.

[shaman]

How well I know.

[BT]

Thanks for getting that up here Skipmaster!

This is something that a novice to turkey hunting (such as myself) should be aware of.

I also believe that what you said to me regarding best shot placement on a bird is absolutely well thought out and indisputable considering your contention at the time.

[Greg Krause]

I believe what BT is refering to, is what shot I like the best. I believe that the best shot on a turkey is when it is standing with it's back to you, looking straight away.
Why?
well, it's gonna help you draw with less chance of detection.
Turkeys have a kill zone about the size of an adults fist. A broadside bird gives you a big "target" but still a small kill zone. A bird facing away presents a smaller "target" but the same size kill zone. as well as offering you a good chance at taking out the spine. If you hit low, the spine is still there. If you hit high or the turkey leans forward to run, you may hit the spine again or the neck. With a good mech head, a little off center should still catch the vitals or the spine. Thats why I like that shot.

[shaman]

I shot a hen directly in the back with a Gobbler Getter and she flew away with my arrow.
Even good advice does not ensure 100% success.
So far:
Frontal = Live turkey
Back = Turkey fly-away status unknown
Neck shot = Dead.

[Greg Krause]

Yeah after seeing how tough a turkey is, I wouldn't use a broadhead that I wouldn't use on a deer......other than a Gobbler Guillotine. Those things are crazy. I may have to try one this year.

[BT]

Far be it for me to suggest anything since it is not my bag but....

If I knew nothing and had to choose from the heads I do understand I would have to go with a large cutting dia. that was fixed.

Flight wouldn't have to be great at long range....only 20 - 25yrds.

Therefore I might try the 2blade Snypers.

What say you experienced bird hunters?

[ny911bowhunter]

For pure turkey killing.........

Rocket Sledgehammer; 150 grains and 3.5 inched expandable tom killer.


The Rocket Buckblaster as well - 125 grained expandable over fixed blade. EVIL........

[BT]

The buckblaster blew apart in tests
I'll pass

But....

The Rocket Sledgehammer



Those rocket blades look like all the other rocket expandable heads which look like shamans (see above) which look better than the ones I tested this summer.
(at least after I finished testing )

[Greg Krause]

I haven't done any tests on the Vortex heads and BT hasn't either but I have a few and they look pretty good. That may be the ticket. 2 3/4" isn't too shaby. as of right now though....spitfires will be topping off my set-up this spring.