Turkey hunting with a .22 rifle is a controversial topic among hunters. While some argue it can be effective in the right hands, others question its legality and ethics. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine if you can legally turkey hunt with a .22, the potential pros and cons, and how to hunt ethically if you choose to use this small-caliber rifle.
Is It Legal To Turkey Hunt With a .22?
The legality of using a .22 rifle for turkey hunting varies widely by state. According to my research, there are 10 states where it is legal to turkey hunt with a .22:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
However regulations can vary by county or other jurisdictions within those states. It’s critical to thoroughly check your local laws before heading afield with a .22.
States where it is prohibited will typically have minimum caliber restrictions such as 20 or 12 gauge only for turkeys. Even if legal some states may regulate the specific types of .22 ammunition that can be used. When in doubt, consult your state wildlife agency.
Pros Of Using a .22 for Turkeys
While unconventional, there are some potential advantages to using a .22 for turkey hunting:
Lightweight and maneuverable: A .22 rifle weighs much less than a shotgun. This can benefit hunters who have to cover a lot of ground and want to move quickly through the woods.
Inexpensive ammunition: .22 LR ammo is very cheap compared to most centerfire rifle and shotgun ammunition. This makes it an economical choice.
Accuracy: Within its effective range, a .22 can provide excellent accuracy in the right hands. A perfectly placed head or neck shot can humanely take a turkey.
Cons of Using a .22 For Turkeys
However, there are also some distinct disadvantages to the .22 for turkey hunting:
Limited power: The .22 LR does not have much knockout power on large game like turkeys. Poor shot placement could lead to wounded birds.
Short range: The maximum effective range of the .22 LR is generally less than 100 yards – often much less. This requires getting very close to your bird.
Unethical: Many view the .22 as too underpowered for cleanly harvesting turkeys. There are ethical concerns over wounding rates.
Illegal: It’s prohibited in many states, so make sure to check regulations. You may face penalties for using it where it’s not allowed.
Choosing the Right .22 Caliber
If you want to hunt turkeys with a .22, you have two main ammo choices:
.22 LR: The very common and widely available .22 Long Rifle round. It has limited power but is accurate. Range is less than 100 yards for turkeys.
.22 Magnum: Slightly more powerful than the .22 LR. It can extend your max range slightly. Still, most experts do not recommend this round for turkeys.
Either one should be used only by experienced shooters who can make clean head and neck shots.
Shotgun vs. .22 for Turkeys
The standard recommendation for turkey hunting is a shotgun in 12 or 20 gauge. With most turkey loads, shotguns have superior power and wider shot spread to effectively kill a turkey out to 40+ yards. They’re easier for the average hunter to use effectively on turkeys.
However, the .22 does have benefits in situations where you need a lightweight rifle for hiking into remote areas or want a budget hunting option. As long as you hunt ethically and obey regulations, it can be a valid choice – albeit one that’s controversial among many hunters.
Hunting Ethically With a .22
If you choose to hunt turkeys with a .22 rifle, make sure to do so ethically:
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Only take shots within your effective range – ideally head and neck shots for the best chance of a clean, quick kill.
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Use quality expanding ammunition designed for hunting. This creates more trauma than target rounds.
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Learn your rifle’s ballistics and practice until you’re confident in shot placement.
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Check local laws and make sure it’s legal in your area.
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Only attempt it if you have extensive experience with both turkeys and your .22 rifle.
While it’s legal in some states, most experts consider the .22 LR a questionable choice for turkeys. But with proper shot placement and ethical hunting practices, it can be done successfully. Think carefully about your skills and motivations before using this small bore rifle to hunt spring gobblers.
Spring Wild Turkey Hunting
The spring wild turkey hunting season is open statewide.
- Shotgun: A person can use shotgun gauges 10 through 20, using shot sizes 4 through 6 or mixed loads that include shot sizes 4 through 7. In addition, shotgun gauges 10 through 28, including .410, may be used with shot sizes 7 through 9 in Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). A person must possess a valid big or small game hunting license and a turkey permit.
- Archery Equipment: A person must possess a valid archery license, and a turkey permit.
- Dogs: It is unlawful to hunt with dogs during the spring wild turkey season.
- Electronic Calling Devices: The use of electronic calling devices is legal.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TURKEYS HARVESTED IN THE SPRING AND FALL SEASONS
Wild Turkeys can either be registered in-person at a registration station or self-registered online.
The following laws and regulations are specific to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons. Hunters must also comply with all other applicable fish and wildlife laws. Any private landowner is eligible to hunt wild turkeys on their own land without a turkey hunting permit if:
1. That person owns a particular piece of land that is 25 or more contiguous acres in size and is located within the turkey hunting zone designated for the season that they wish to hunt;
2. That person is permanently domiciled on that land;
3. The land is managed for the raising and selling of dairy cattle, dairy products, or beef cattle; and
4. The land is open to hunting including hunting by permission only.
Any family member permanently domiciled on that land is also eligible to hunt wild turkeys on that land without a permit. (Family member means any family member, including spouse, grandchildren, etc. who resides on the property). A landowner must provide proof of eligibility if requested by an agent of the commissioner.
All other standard reporting and tagging procedures are required. Turkey may be taken during any open week of the season. Landowners are allowed a bag limit of up to 2 bearded wild turkeys in the spring season and up to 5 wild turkeys of either sex in the fall season. Please check the WMD in which you are hunting as some are closed, and others have bag limits varying anywhere from 1, up to 5 turkeys.
Turkey hunt with .22 long rifle, San Saba Texas, 2018
FAQ
Can you turkey hunt with 22LR?
A: Yes. California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 311(a)(opens in new tab) authorizes use of a shotgun, 10-gauge or smaller, using shot shells only and incapable of holding more than three shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
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 can you legally hunt with a 22LR?
22 can be used for many small-game hunts, such as squirrels, rabbits, foxes, woodchucks prairie dogs and more. The . 22 Long Rifle is an excellent tool for target shooting, hunting small game and training new shooters.
What animals can you hunt with 22LR?
Squirrels, rabbits, opossums, raccoons, mink muskrat, beaver, fox, coyotes, gophers, ground hogs, ground squirrels…. As a trapper, I have killed hundreds, if not thousands, of furbearing animals with the simple . 22 rifle.