Couple Questions From a Beginner

[MasonG]

I'm new to turkey hunting, went one time with my uncle over 10 years ago but don't remember much. I'm a very serious deer hunter, mostly bowhunting and I just want to get into the turkey since everyone talks so much about it. I'm in Maryland and have a few turkeys on my deer properties that I'm going to try for but most likely I'll be going to public. So my first question is what public land to look at for you MD guys? Next question is, I have a Benelli SBE2 that I plan to use at least the first couple times, if I enjoy it I'll buy a dedicated turkey gun. But for guys that use an SBE2, what chokes should I look at? I currently run Briley and Carlson extended chokes in it, do they offer good turkey options or should I try a different brand? I gotta start looking at calls too and learning to use a mouth call so any tips on what to look at for that would help as well

[Cut N Run]

First thing, Welcome.  I hope you get to enjoy some quality turkey hunts, wherever you try.

I have no idea where to point you to hunt in Maryland, but you have to expect that any public land mentioned here will likely get more traffic.  Most turkey hunters won't reveal their best spots either. It might be a good idea to tag along with a seasoned turkey hunter to help shorten your learning curve.

Depending on how big your deer lease is, you'll probably have less pressured birds there and might not have to worry as much about others of varying skill levels stirring them up, like sometimes happens on public land. 

I shoot a Benelli SBE II as a dedicated turkey gun and have found a number of chokes that do a fine job.  The choke you use will depend on what terrain you hunt and which ammo performs out of your choke.  Carlson and Briley both make good quality chokes that should do the job once you find the right ammo.  Hevi #6 & #7 shot has performed great for me.

Probably the easiest calls to get proper sounds out of are push button, box, and slate calls.  Get yourself a cd of live turkey talk and practice, practice, practice.  You don't need to be a competition caller to kill turkeys, but you need to learn the proper calls, cadence, and volume, or you'll put them on alert unnecessarily.  If you have a state park where you can go listen to real turkeys and practice calling, it will make your understanding of what's happening during the hunt better.

I hope this helps.  I'm sure you'll get plenty of good advice here.  Good luck & have fun!

Jim

[Happy]

Where are you located in Md?

[MasonG]

Thank you Cut N Run! Tons of helpful stuff right there!

Happy, I'm in central MD, I hunt in Carroll and Frederick counties right now. Willing to travel anywhere though.

[nyhunter]

 ,

    I have a SBE2 and I have had the best luck with Rob Roberts choke's. There was A RR.655 in the classified add's yesterday for $55.00, If I were you I'd grab it asap. SBE2's seem to like a little tighter choke than other guns something in the .650-.665 range. other good chokes are Jelly head .660, Indian Creek .660-.665, Kicks .655-.660 ,  I currently shoot H-13 3 1/2" #6or7's, If I was just starting out I would pick up a couple boxes of Win. Long Beard #5 and #6 . Please feel free to ask any questions you have about the SBE2 

[nyhunter]

sent you a pm

[Sir-diealot]