You can harvest a big turkey with a shotgun or a bow. What do you need to know to be successful with either. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative)
May 06, 2024
By Josh Honeycutt
Wild turkey hunting is a challenging task, no matter the weapon in hand. With bow or shotgun, there are advantages and disadvantages in the turkey woods. Without question, there is stark contrast between the two weapon types. Here are 10 differences between bowhunting and shotgunning turkeys.
1. Hunting Opportunities Hunting opportunities often vary based on circumstances. Everything from specific game animal, time of season, weapon types, and more can influence hunting access.
With a Bow : Some states have bow-only season dates. Theoretically, this can decrease the amount of pressure in such areas. Furthermore, some landowners are more willing to allow bowhunting than with a firearm.With a Shotgun : While most areas permit shotguns for turkey hunting, there are slightly fewer opportunities for those who carry the firepower. That said, what they sacrifice in hunting opportunities should be more than made up for in shot opportunities.A shotgun is the optimal weapon for hunting turkeys. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative) 2. Need for Scouting Every turkey hunter should scout. That said, bowhunters should be slightly more prepared than those who pack a shotgun.
With a Bow : Bowhunters usually aren’t as mobile, which requires more pre-hunt scouting and planning.With a Shotgun : Shotgun hunters can more easily deploy the “run-and-gun” turkey hunting method.Bowhunting turkeys can be more difficult, but very rewarding. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative) 3. Necessary Cover Adequate cover is important for all turkey hunters as well. But those packing weapon types that require more movement to operate should pay extra attention to their surrounding cover.
Advertisement
With a Bow: Bowhunters must move more than shotgun hunters. Their movement requires more surface area that’s far more visible in motion. The profile of the bow is larger, and the motion of drawing a bow is significant as well.With a Shotgun: Most turkey hunters shoulder their shotgun and get on target before it’s close. It requires little to no movement. But even the swing of a shotgun is minimal compared to drawing a bow.4. Lethal Shot Distance Taking lethal shots is important for every hunting situation. That’s true, regardless of the game animal, weapon type, or any other relevant variable. Even so, lethal-shot distances vary based on hunters’ skills and weapon types used.
With a Bow : The lethal-shot distance for bowhunters is the maximum yardage that a bowhunter can shoot accurately, consistently and reliably. That might be 10 or 100 yards, depending on the person. Still, it’s important to factor in the ability for turkeys to react to shots, which can impact any hunt.With a Shotgun : Most shotgun patterns tap out at 40 to 50 yards, or slightly beyond that. Each gun is different, but it’s usually unethical to shoot beyond that 50-yard marker. That said, some shotguns are lethal at even greater distances.Decoys are especially helpful when bowhunting turkeys. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative) 5. Ethical Shot Placement Similarly, ethical shot placement varies based on the hunting situation. That’s especially influenced and affected by weapons type.
With a Bow : On broadside turkeys, most bowhunters aim for the wing-butt. On full-strut gobblers, the same is true. However, if facing directly away, shooting for the base of the tail fan (where the primary tail feathers meet), is also ethical. Furthermore, some aim for the neck and/or head (especially with certain broadheads).With a Shotgun : Shotgun hunters should only aim for the head and neck region of a turkey. This is important, as lead, TSS and other ammo are not meant for body shots.6. Volume of Gear Those who use different methods of harvest during turkey season also require different gear.
Advertisement
Bows, crossbows and shotguns all require slightly different gear lists, and therefore, different volumes of gear.
With a Bow : A bowhunter must pack the bow, arrows, release aid, bow sling, rangefinder and more. There’s so much gear involved.With a Shotgun : Hunting with a shotgun requires less gear. The gun and ammo are all that’s really required.7. Degree of Mobility Weapon types can also influence how mobile a hunter is during the pursuit. This is true for the duration, as well as the moments leading up to a trigger pull.
Heavier and more cumbersome weapon types can decrease how far you travel. Certain weapons can limit how much and how quickly you can move with a turkey in sight, too.
With a Bow : When that turkey is in sight, and especially in range, moving a bow is quite difficult (especially without a ground blind). It means moving at specific times (such as when a turkey is in full strut and looking away). And you better hope that turkey is out front or on your strong side.With a Shotgun : A shotgun hunter can move more easily, and their overall degree of mobility is greater. Plus, if a turkey comes to the weak side, they can switch it up and shoot with their off-hand (if practiced).Wild turkeys are usually hunted by bow, crossbow, or shotgun. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative) 8. Overall Difficulty At risk of upsetting entire sectors of hunters, it’s still accurate to say that certain weapons are easier to hunt with than others. Getting into position to shoot, moving on a turkey that’s in sight and making an accurate shot, all vary in degree of difficulty based on the weapon in hand.
With a Bow : As someone who’s used both weapon types, I can say, it’s more difficult to bowhunt turkeys than to hunt them with shotguns.With a Shotgun : Hunting turkeys with a shotgun is easier than bowhunting them. Even so, it’s still very difficult, as turkeys are no pushovers.9. Level of Disturbance The level of disturbance also changes based on the weapon used. The very audible nature of some weapons is vastly louder and more impactful than others.
With a Bow: There is very little noise when bowhunting turkeys. The shot doesn’t disturb surrounding turkeys. Oftentimes, non-target birds that see the shot break come right back.With a Shotgun : Shotgun blasts are loud. Sometimes, non-target turkeys pay no mind to the blast, especially if they return to beat up on their fallen comrade. However, most of the time, surviving turkeys beat feet and head for cover.The author bagged this bird with a shotgun. (Photo courtesy of Honeycutt Creative) 10. Potential Meat Problems The risk of potential problems can slightly increase or decrease based on the method of harvest. There are few risks with any legal weapon, but some have higher odds of damaging the meat.
With a Bow : A broadhead does little damage to the meat, even if it does pass through the breast or thigh. Surgically sharp blades slice through these cuts without too much damage.With a Shotgun : Aim too low, and pellets end up in the turkey breast. That isn’t ideal and can ruin meat very quickly.Bonus: Some Similarities Without question, there are many differences between hunting turkeys with bows and shotguns. Both weapon types are ethical, legal, and celebrated. Either option is effective, relevant, and lethal. The biggest and most important similarity of all, is that both are very fun. Hunters should try each option and see what works best for them. No matter the choice, you’re a turkey hunter, and that’s something to be proud of.
