What is a choke tube?  It is simply a device that restricts, or tightens, the pattern of the BB’s that come out of a shotgun.

• Full choke -Full chokes are most commonly used for turkey hunting. The reason for this is that a full choke holds a tight pattern with your shotgun.  A turkey’s head is small so a tight pattern means more hits.
• Modified choke- A modified choke is the most common of all choke tubes because it holds a medium pattern  and is used as an all purpose choke for many hunting situations.  I use this for almost all of my hunts, except turkey. Most guns come with this type of choke.
• Cylinder and Improved Cylinder- This choke restricts a pattern very little after it leaves the barrel. This choke is mainly used by beginners that aren’t a very good shot and by trap shooters who don’t want to spend a lot of money on trap chokes.

I found a good video that describes types of choke tubes and the reasons for choosing one over another.  I hope you find it as informational as I did.

Turkey hunting is right around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your gear!!

There are certain truths though that most hunters will agree upon.  Some of them are obvious enough, like, being in camouflage helps hunters stay hidden within gun range.  Or movement is the supreme enemy of the turkey hunters. Much more than this, practicing makes your skills as a turkey hunter better. And the excitement of the turkey hunt will focus the hunter’s awareness.

Like any sport, there are certain rules and regulations one must follow, here are some rules you need to remember:

• You will need a turkey hunting permit and a small game hunting license – it is required when hunting wild turkeys.
• You can only buy one turkey permit each year.
• If you have filled your limit, you may call for another turkey hunter but you can never bring any fire arm or even a bow.
• Using rifles and hand guns are not allowed. You can only hunt using your bow and arrow, shot guns with shot sizes no larger than number two or smaller than number eight. These are the only weapons for catching wild turkeys.
• You must fill out the tag which only comes with your permit and attach it to the turkey you shoot straight away
• Do not disturb hen turkeys or their nests.
• Searching with a dog during spring is not permitted. But you may hunt with it during the fall season.
• You must not use any intensifying device to locate or hunt turkeys during open seasons.

(Be sure to check with your state’s regulations to make sure the rules you are following are correct).

Here are also some tips for a successful and safe turkey hunting season.

• If you will leave your gear and your turkey with another person, make sure to leave the following information for emergency purposes. 1.    your name 2.    your phone number 3.    your address 4.    your license hunting number 5.    your turkey permit number  6.    the 3rd party’s name 7.    the 3rd party’s address 8.    if necessary, your veterinarian’s name too 9.    his or her contact number
• Look for signs of recent wild turkey activities. Locate appropriate calling locations. These signs includes tracks and droppings. Droppings offer positive data that wild turkeys are located in that area. It also indicates the bird’s sex. For gobblers, they have j-shaped, elongated droppings and hair-like feathers known as the beard extended from the breast. The beard is normally three to ten inches long. Most of them have spurs on the lower legs. Beard and spur length tend to increase with age. Some hens also have the beard but only 10 percent of their population contain it. Their head in general are dull gray-blue color, with pink and red coloration. Their breast feathers have a buff or white tip giving the hen it’s attractive and eye catching color.
• Turkeys possess a strong sense of hearing and sharp vision. You should remain unmoving while calling them. A camouflage outfit is also recommended in this kind of hunting hobby. Even hunters wrap their shotguns in camouflage to prevent gun barrel from being detected through their shiny metal.

Have questions about hunting? Just leave them in the comments section!!

School today has been canceled, in preparation of that winter storm heading our way.  I must say that I wish my mom had realized the closing BEFORE she woke me up and I was in the shower, but I’m still glad for an extra day at home.

I’m also excited that this is the last weekend for duck hunting and with the storm coming in, the ducks will be with them. I’ve always heard that foul weather bring in the fowl….and with this weather pattern, it looks like the fowl will be plentiful.

It’s important for water-fowlers to pay attention to the weather and understand how to use the elements in their favor.  If you simply go out hoping for a duck, chances are you won’t have much luck.  Duck season calls for preparation, or you are just sitting there in the cold.

To learn more about the weather and how it can affect your success, check out Ducks Unlimited.  There is a ton of good information there that will help you prepare for your hunt.

Wish me luck this weekend.  I hope to bag a few good ones for the dinner table.  My granny cooks a mean duck!