Help Needed

[Dustyvance]

I am kinda ashamed to admit this at 24 but I have just recently got into the whole Turkey hunting thing. My question id: What kinda sandpaper do ya'll use on your slate calls? Also, what load would u recomend for a 20Ga. that only shoots 2 3/4 ammo? ANY help will be very helpful.

[dukkillr]

The slate I use came with a brillow-pad type thing attached to it by a string.  I'm not sure you'd want to use actual sand paper at all.

Use whatever the hottest 5s or 6s you can find for 20ga in 2 3/4".  I would think you would have very few choices.  Actually if you're new to turkey hunting and you want to have fun, I'd go buy a new gun.  You'd be fine with a cheap single shot 12.  I'm afraid a new hunter might be frustrated by the significant limitations of a short 20 when you're just starting out. 

[Dustyvance]

On disability and a new gun is out of the question as I cant afford one but I do appreciate the input

[quickdtoo]

Don't be ashamed, I have claim to that if anyone does, turkeys have been available in huntable numbers here since the late 60s, early 70s, but I didn't start hunting them until '95 when I was almost 50!! Once I did, I just kick myself for missing out on all those years of good hunting opportunities missed!! You're doing great!!

As dukkillr said, I too use a 3M scotchbrite pad to condition my slate calls.

I would recommend you try several different loads until you find one that patterns best at the range you want to kill at, you may find that the best load will be standard load and you will most likely need to limit your shooting to a much closer range than you'd like.

I hunted a few years with a 20ga smoothbore flintlock, because of it's cyl bore, I had to limit my shots to 15yds to be sure of having sufficient pattern density.

Tim

[justannie2]

Use the dark green Scotchbrite scrubber to condition slate calls. If you don't have any on hand, you can buy it in the kitchen cleaning section of any store. Sand paper wears the slate out to fast.

Sorry no suggestion for a load. Quickdtoo's suggestion is right on the mark. Try out as many loads as you can and pick the best pattern. Good luck! 

[buck460XVR]

I would recommend you try several different loads until you find one that patterns best at the range you want to kill at, you may find that the best load will be standard load and you will most likely need to limit your shooting to a much closer range than you'd like.

quickdtoo gave some sound advice......know your limits and your range and you should be fine. It only takes one pellet to the brain or spine to put a turkey down and unfortunately,  a lot of time the advertised 3 1/2" one shot wonder loads only give a false sense of confidence to take long range low percentage shots.

Just make sure when he goes down you're ready with a follow up shot(if needed) and then run like 'ell to get to him before he can get up and run. Last year my Tom went down like he was hit by a ton of bricks. The tom with him stood there next to him and actually spurred him as he did his death flop. Meanwhile I tried to call him back a few yards so my partner(hunting with a bow) could maybe get a shot(he refused to borrow my gun and take him the easy way) after about 4 or 5 minutes to our total surprise, my Tom got up and started running. Needless to say it was azzes and elbows going over the hill till we caught up with him.

The sad part was........we knew better.