Some interesting reading from Lewis's American Sportsman
SHOOTING TURKEYS.
Various plans are resorted to by huntsmen to kill turkeys, dependent in a great measure upon the particular locality shot over.
If the country be new and wild, and the birds abundant, as well as seldom pursued, much less stratagem is necessary to approach them than if the region proportionately scarce and case it is thickly settled and the turkeys pro-wary from previous hunting much labor, skill, and cunning, to requires for in this; entice them within gun or rifle-shot.
A good turkey-dog is of great consequence, Audubon remarks, in the pursuit of these birds, as they not only scent the game from a great distance, but, when up with service in running into their midst it, perform the most essential and forcing them to take flight to the trees in the utmost confusion, thus procuring for the sportsman the most desirable shots.
If the turkeys were not thus scattered by the dog and made to take to the trees in disorder and terror, they would all make off in a body with such suddenness and precipitancy that would be it impossible for the sportsman to come up with them.
The wild turkey runs with amazing celerity, vigor, and bottom, insomuch that they soon outstrip both dog and rider; even when badly winged, it requires a swift dog to overtake them.
Turkeys are easily killed if shot in the head or neck; when hit only in the body they most frequently make off and are lost to the hunter.
It is a common practice in some localities to shoot these birds on their roost on moonlight nights, when they can be distinguished quite easily on the trees.
Dr. Sargent states " that wild turkeys commence gobbling a little before the break of day, and continue on their roosts until broad daylight during this interim, the hunter can cautiously glide within shooting distance of the tree upon which they are perched, and, silently and patiently awaiting until the dawn has broken, secure his game without further trouble. This march upon our victims must be accomplished in
the most stealthy manner; otherwise, the wary gobbler will be alarmed, and seek safety in the most inglorious flight."
I've always wanted to try shooting with RB on the roost.
