(DNR) – Turkey hunting season will soon be here! It’s time to think about the shotgun you plan to hunt with. Do you know how far your effective range is when you shoot with a full choke and three-inch steel turkey load? What about the same set up with a lighter load, or a tungsten load? How far can you shoot with an extra full choke over a full choke?
Patterning your shotgun is not only an important part of your annual turkey hunting preparation, it is also an opportunity to:
- Gain familiarity with how your gun interacts with different chokes and types of ammunition.
- Identify your range for effective shots.
- Make sure your gun and equipment are in good working order on a regular basis, particularly after periods of storage or heavy use in the field.
- Practice operating your gun safely in a controlled, low-pressure setting, so safe handling practices and good shooting techniques are second nature while hunting.
How To Pattern
To pattern your gun, pick a couple different types of ammunition that interest you and the choke or chokes that you typically use for hunting. Set out targets at 10-yard increments, as far out as you think you might be able to take a shot. Use a table or shooting sticks to help you stay stable and minimize your own movement as a variable. Then, shoot the targets at different distances with the same ammunition load and choke. Make sure you mark the targets with the distance and type of ammunition and choke it was shot with. Once you’ve shot your targets at different distances, place the targets side by side and compare the patterns.
Check the following:
- Location of the densest concentration of shot in relation to the bulls-eye. Does it start pulling in a certain direction more as your range increases?
- Number of pellets, both at the point of aim and at the area with the densest pattern. A general rule of thumb is to have 100 pellets in a 10-inch circle.
- Is the pattern evenly spaced, or are there holes that might cause a miss of the vitals?
Where To Pattern
The DNR manages 11 public shooting ranges around the state. These ranges provide a controlled, safe environment where you can practice, ask for advice and even get some helpful tips from other hunters. Taking the time to pattern your firearm before the season not only boosts your success in the field but also promotes ethical hunting by ensuring a clean and humane harvest. For more information about where to find your local DNR shooting range, check out the DNR Shooting Range Map.
Ammunition Choices
As more ammunition options become available, it’s fun to try out loads with new materials or higher performance capabilities. Be aware of what your ammunition is made out of. Popular choices include steel, tungsten, bismuth, and lead. Lead ammunition deposited in the environment can have unintended consequences for wild birds if they accidentally consume it through their normal feeding habits. Learn on the DNR’s Lead Toxicity in Wildlife webpage.
More Information
If hunting with family and friends, patterning is an extension of the hunt in that it is time spent together, going through the whole process from start to finish. It’s valuable for each person to pattern their own firearm to gain the benefits of patterning.
Find more information on patterning your shotgun and tips on how to achieve the best pattern and view a demonstrational video online.
