Thanksgiving is only a few days from now, and everyone is dying to taste the iconic, traditional dish – Wild Turkey. Everyone can agree that Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without turkey, and hunting for it is the best way to acquire one. So, if you and your family want to go on a Wild Turkey hunt and chase in Texas, you must first be aware of some things.
To give you an idea of turkey hunting in Texas, below is a quick overview to prepare yourself as you hunt for food on your table this Thanksgiving.
Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Texas The state offers abundant opportunities to hunt wild turkey across much of its diverse landscape While shotguns are the most commonly used firearms for turkey hunting, some hunters may wonder if small caliber rifles like .22s are legal and effective for turkey hunting in Texas.
Overview of Turkey Hunting Regulations in Texas
Wild turkeys are considered an upland game bird species in Texas. To hunt them legally, you must have a valid Texas hunting license with an Upland Game Bird Endorsement Turkey seasons and bag limits vary across the state, with spring being the most popular season in most areas
There are special regulations limiting weapons and hunting methods for the eastern turkey season in certain East Texas counties. Only shotguns, archery equipment, and crossbows can be used to hunt eastern turkeys in these counties. Baiting is also prohibited.
For Rio Grande turkeys in the rest of the state, small caliber rimfire rifles like .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR are legal during any open turkey hunting season. Centerfire rifles cannot be used. Handguns are also legal.
Using .22 Rifles Effectively for Turkey Hunting
While .22 rimfire rifles are legal for turkey hunting throughout most of Texas, they do have some limitations compared to shotguns. Their effective range is more limited. Shot pattern density is a key factor for cleanly harvesting turkeys with shotguns. The single projectile fired from a .22 rifle lacks that advantage.
However, .22s can be accurate in skilled hands. Choosing quality expanding bullets designed for hunting, and precise shot placement on a turkey’s head and neck, can allow a .22 rimfire rifle to be an effective turkey hunting tool.
Here are some tips for using a .22 for turkeys:
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Stick to head and neck shots. Body shots risk destroying breast meat.
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Get as close as possible, ideally within 50 yards.
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Use an expanding hollow point or soft point bullet. Solid bullets may deflect off the skull.
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Wait for a standing, broadside shot with the head clearly exposed.
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Accuracy is paramount. Practice regularly at various distances.
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Be wary of wind drift. Light .22 bullets are easily blown off target in gusty conditions.
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Follow up immediately if your shot doesn’t drop the bird.
With proper shot placement, .22 LR and .22 Magnum rifles can kill a turkey quickly and humanely. The .17 HMR offers flatter trajectory but is very susceptible to wind drift.
Pros and Cons of Using a .22 for Turkeys
Advantages of .22 rifles for turkeys:
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Accurate and deadly with good shot placement
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Lightweight and easy to carry
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Allows hunters with physical limitations to participate
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Extends effective range beyond typical shotgun distances
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Ammo is inexpensive and widely available
Disadvantages of using .22s:
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Limited effective range compared to centerfire rifles
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Light bullets prone to wind drift
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Lower margin for shot placement error
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Single projectile lacks dense shot pattern advantage
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Higher risk of wounding loss if shot is not immediately fatal
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Prohibited for eastern turkey hunting in some counties
Final Considerations
While some hunters rely exclusively on their trusty .22 rifle, most turkey hunters prefer the denser shot patterns and shorter range of quality turkey shotguns. A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun loaded with the right turkey loads makes bringing home a tasty bird much easier. But in the right hands, a .22 can be a lethal turkey hunting tool where they are legal.
Accuracy is paramount with a .22. A precision head or neck shot will cleanly harvest a Rio Grande turkey. FMJ or hollow point ammunition maximizes impact and penetration. Be aware of any local regulations limiting methods and ammunition types. And never take a shot beyond your tested effective range.
With smart use and a bit of luck, hunters can absolutely put wild turkeys on the table using a .22 rimfire rifle in most areas of Texas. While challenges exist, hunters should not hesitate to use this classic small game rifle if it is their best available option for the upcoming turkey season.
Hunting for turkeys in Texas
In the US, Texas is a state where wild turkeys thrive. As of 2022, an estimated 500,000-600,000 wild turkeys are flocking up the state. There’s enough for everyone who wants to hunt for these birds for Thanksgiving. But you should know that you should pay before you can hunt in Texas.
You need to acquire a resident or non-resident hunting license, which you can purchase online. The license is valid for one year, so it’s best to buy it beforehand. Aside from that, take note that there are also bag limits and season dates that you need to follow.
In Texas, the season dates for wild turkey hunting usually fall between early November to late February. The specific dates depend on the county where you’ll be hunting. As for the bag limit, a hunter is only allowed to kill two wild turkeys of either sex per year.
Preparing the primary hunting gears
Now that you know the basics of hunting wild turkeys in Texas, it’s time to prepare your gear and what you need for a successful hunt.
Wild turkeys have incredible eyesight, so it’s best to wear camouflage from head to toe. Seasoned turkey hunters will also say the same. It can help you blend in with your surroundings as you wait for the right moment to strike.
You’ll be walking through rough trails, so choosing a tall rubber boot might be your best bet. It must be comfortable enough to walk around on without blistering your feet.
Turkey hunt with .22 long rifle, San Saba Texas, 2018
FAQ
Is it legal to hunt deer with a 22 in Texas?
In Texas, white-tailed deer, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and pronghorn may NOT be hunted with rimfire ammunition of any caliber.
Can you shoot turkeys with a rifle in Texas?
It’s legal except in East Texas to hunt with a rifle, but you’ll just rob yourself of the fun and satisfaction of calling a gobbler into shotgun range.Feb 28, 2022
Where is the best place to shoot a turkey with a 22?
The most effective firearm shot for a turkey is to the head and neck. The preferred shot angle for bowhunters is broadside, aiming for the heart or lungs.
What caliber can you hunt turkey with?
Thanks to modern turkey loads and turkey chokes, both 12 and 20 gauge do a good job at taking down a turkey. With Federal Premium Ammunition’s TSS turkey loads, even . 410 shotguns are viable turkey guns. Many hunters choose to use a choke with their turkey guns to keep the pattern of the shot tight.