After The Shot Question?

[Ruger M77]

Hunt where I do you won't wait after you shoot. If you do, you'll be chasing a flopping bird bout a half a mile down the mountain!

X2!

[Scpossum]

Used to run out to them.  Then one day I ran out to one and left an 8yr old with a loaded gun behind me. That changed it for me!  I sit tight now and make sure the bird is not going anywhere before WE go and get him.

[Gobblers_nightmare]

At my age I don't run anywhere.  I do like to get a boot on his neck, to keep the flopping from messing up the tail and wings. Ideally, I get them within 20 yards where they just drop and flutter a bit.

[trkehunr93]

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I've hunted with a few people that were scared to put their foot on a gobblers neck for fear the turkey might hurt them...there is no way they can.

There's no "run or stomp" involved.....it's tradition and a wise move to get to your turkey quickly and get your foot on his neck.

Putting your foot on a gobblers neck and making him give up his last bit of life signifies the battle is over.

Once you've shot enough turkeys this won't need explaining.
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Agreed!  I look like Carl Lewis in the Olympics running to put my boot on his neck, it's what I was taught and old habits are hard to break.  One of these days I'm gonna beat the shot there 

[WyoHunter]

Running is for you young guys. I walk to the bird with my gun up ready to shoot again if need be but never have had to shoot again. I did the running routine when I was a lot younger but the older you get the "wiser" you get and slower you get! 

[ridgerunner]

I've shot a few gobblers I had to finish with a boot on his neck...if necessary I have no problem with it..but the past several years, using Heavy 13 #6's, the birds I've shot are DRT...most just quiver, no flopping..What I like to call SMACKDOWN!

[Illini Tom]

like gobble! said, i jump up and walk quickly to my bird cause i cant wait to get a look at his spurs
i rarely stomp 'em, but a couple times i've had motionless toms jump up and take off and require a second shot
another time, when one started flopping away down a hill, i stepped on his head and he proceeded to slice several big gashes in my brand new alpha burleys