Introduction to Turkey Hunting - Auburn

Location: Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association

Address: 476 Perkins Ridge Road, Auburn, ME 04210

Date: 21 Apr

The Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion, ancestry or national origin.

Any person who needs accommodations to participate in a program should contact the office at 207-287-5220 or [email protected] to discuss their needs in advance.

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Wild turkey hunting is an excellent way to spend time outdoors, enjoy Maine’s spring and fall seasons and target Maine’s only big game bird. Wild turkey hunting is an interactive and engaging activity offering good opportunities for new hunters to quickly gain hunting experience, while also presenting ample challenge to keep experienced hunters on their toes.

In this workshop you will learn:

Before lunch:

• Maine turkey hunting laws and regulations: Equipment, permission, bag limits, tagging, etc.

• Turkey habits and habitats: Food sources and seasonal patterns

• Hunting equipment options: Shotgun, Bow, Crossbow

• Hunting methods: Calling, blind hunting and flush and call (Fall)

• Turkey hunting tactics: Camouflage, calling, decoys, roosting

• Scouting: Importance of knowing your area (woods, streams, thickets, etc.)

• Setting up on a bird: Assessing distance and location, picking your caller/shooter spots, etc.

• Taking the shot: Proper shot placement, preferred ranges for various pieces of equipment

• After the shot: Retrieving, processing and enjoying your bird

After Lunch:

• Safe handling of shotguns

• Shotgun action types and typical uses

• Shotshell construction, types of shotshells and uses

• How to determine the correct shotshell for your shotgun

• Selecting the correct shot size/projectile for turkey hunting

• Explanation of choke and how chokes function and selection of choke for turkey

• Patterning your shotgun/shotshell combination and the importance of patterning

• Judging/measuring distance and typical maximum shooting range for a given

• How to carry your firearm safely afield and around obstacles

• Proper stance and mounting of the shotgun while sitting

• Live fire at patterning paper

• Live fire at stationary targets at different distances simulating turkey hunting

• Basic requirements for cleaning and maintaining your firearm

• How to store and secure your firearms

This workshop will be a blend of hands-on demonstration and hands on practice, and led by professional staff, Registered Maine Guides and experienced hunters.