By H. Lee Stribling , Extension Wildlife Scientist , Associate Professor, Zoology and Wildlife Science, Auburn University Pattern Your Shotgun For Wild Turkey Alabama has one of the greatest wild turkey populations in the United States, and the number of Alabama turkey hunters is increasing each year.
Turkey hunters spend a great deal of time preparing for the turkey season.
They spend hours practicing calling techniques, scouting, and purchasing all the clothing and equipment needed for successful turkey hunting. During these preseason preparations, the vast majority of turkey hunters omit one essential item. The typical turkey hunter has no idea whether his or her shotgun can place six pellets in a vital area on a turkey standing 40 yards away. If it can't, the turkey is likely to be wounded and may escape only to die later. You can minimize the chance of this happening to you by patterning your shotgun during your preseason preparations.