flintlock turkey hunting

[Spence]

Hello the board. I took my first fall turkey last week, a big gobbler with an 11 1/2" beard. I took him with a flintlock fowler, 20 gauge, as I have all my turkeys. I'm looking for kindred souls to talk primitive black powder turkey hunting with. Anyone on this board fit into that category of nut? <G>

Spence

[Ky Headhunter]

Well, I'm definitely a nut..

I've been kicking around the idea of blackpowder for turkey hunting for awhile. I'm sure the in-lines are nice, but that's not what I'm looking for. Nothing against them, just not my cup of tea.

Have not had much luck looking for a reasonably priced flintlock/percussion shotgun. Only ones I'm aware of are the double barrels sold by Cabelas. A little pricey (actually a lot) for me.

You sound like a fellow who would know where I should look. Any ideas?

BTW, welcome to the forum & nice going bagging that big tom!

[Spence]

I use a flintlock "smoothbore" which was a gift a few years ago, and it was custom made, I guess. Before that, though, I used another made by Jackie Brown, his Carolina Smoothbore in 20 gauge with a 46" barrel. It's similar to the Centermark Tulle. These are semi-production guns in the $700-$800 range. I use my Jackie Brown for all my other hunting, and it has been a very good one.

Spence

P.S. I'm unfamiliar with this web-based forum, so excuse me if I don't always get it right.

[joekat46]

Check out Dixie Gun Works in Union City, TN. They seem to have about anything you could want in the blackpowder line.

[turk2di]

A big congrats on the flintlock kill[;)] That had 2b cool as all get out[;)]I would love to pop the cap on one with a muzzeloader. The price of getting started plus not knowing anyone to help with patterning has held me back[:(] Throw on some Daniel Boone duds, pack a flintlock[:)] Now that's turkeyin[^]

what u get out, is what u put in

[Ky Headhunter]

Thanks joekat, I'll check it out.
Flintlocks, the wave of the future here in Kan-ta-ke
[:D]

[GSP]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Flintlocks, the wave of the future here in Kan-ta-ke
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I knew them catridge guns would never catch on![:D]

Congrats on the bird Spence. I too want a smooth-bore front stuffer.

[Spence]

Turk2di said: "Throw on some Daniel Boone duds, pack a flintlock Now that's turkeyin."

You got that right. Take a look at:

http://members.aye.net/~bspen/turkey03.html

[Ky Headhunter]

Great story, and pictures too! That is a sweet looking flintlock.

[Spence]

Thanks. The gun was a gift from the members of an on-line muzzleloading forum I started and ran for a couple of years. It has a 38-inch Colraine barrel specially choked for turkey, and has done a great job for me.

Spence

[turk2di]

Thanks for the link and resulting story[;)] Have u ever heard of Dwain Bland[?] He's a turkey chasin Okie that authored several books including ' Turkey Hunters Digest" " Some Turkey Scratchings"[8D] Anyway, he hunts these grand birds with nuttin but a smokepole, and the garb to go with it[;)] I hunted with him in 92, and he was 67 then and i'll bet he could still walk us all in the ground[:0] Maybe someday for me[^]

what u get out, is what u put in

[Spence]

Don't believe the name Dwaine Bland is one I'm familiar with, but he sounds like a turkey hunter I'd enjoy knowing.

Looks as though there aren't any primitive hunters on the board, no surprise, we're a dying breed. &lt;G&gt; So, a different question.

I have no trouble taking turkey with my old timey gun and dressed in old timey clothes, no camo clothes, no camo on my gun, etc. I find that turkeys can't see me if I hold still, just as deer can't. Do any modern hunters ever try hunting without all the expensive special gear? Seems turkey hunting has become the ultimate techno-sport for a lot of guys. What'cha think?

[Ky Headhunter]

I dunno Spence, those buckskins do a pretty good job helping the deer blend in[:p]

Sometimes I feel under-equipped around other turkey hunters, but I do carry some things that aren't exactly old-timey. Silva compass is always with me, and a gps when I'm hunting big, unfamiliar ground (which I frequently do). Have also been know to pack a Moonpie & Mountain Dew (modern version of hardtack & water?) as I want to be prepared to spend all day in the woods.

Haven't carried decoys for three years now, and don't plan on it anytime soon. I'll probably catch heck for saying this, but I find them counterproductive more often than not.

As for calls, a Lynch box & a couple mouth calls is usually it. Sometimes carry a longbox a friend made for me from native Kentucky wood. The mouth calls may be left behind next spring if I master one of the wingbones I made last week. One from a buddy's hen, one from the tom I took this fall.

There's a crow call somewhere in my stuff, but it hasn't been used much lately. Seems the real crows do it for me most of the time.

Of course my 12 guage pump is modern. After reading your story, I'm almost ashamed to admit it is scoped[:I] In my defense, the gun did not shoot to point of aim with the beads already on it.

I would like to get more primitive, as long as I don't have to leave the toilet paper or butt cushion at home!

[Spence]

I hear you about the toilet paper and butt cushion. I haven't eleminated everything modern, by all means. I sometimes use a foam decoy, and sometimes I use a camo mesh face mask instead of my green neckerchief. And, I don't always hunt in colonial garb, sometimes I go in my 40 year-old camo and good warm insulated boots. What I was asking/pointing out is that I have seen no difference in the difficulty of getting a turkey whether I'm using the modern gear, or not. I suspect a lot of what modern turkey hunters have been taught to believe is necessary gear to fool turkeys is necessary only to the bottom line of the retailers touting it, and we turkey hunters are the ones being fooled.[:)]

Spence

[Ky Headhunter]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I suspect a lot of what modern turkey hunters have been taught to believe is necessary gear to fool turkeys is necessary only to the bottom line of the retailers touting it, and we turkey hunters are the ones being fooled.
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Agreed!

[Spence]

Ky Headhunter, you said, "The mouth calls may be left behind next spring if I master one of the wingbones I made last week."

That's one of my projects for the spring hunt, too. I've had a couple of wingbone calls for a few years, have used them a little, but I want to get good with them. They appeal to my primitive mind set. Do you have this site? You might find the sound files helpful.

http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/wingbone-call.html#play

Spence

[Ky Headhunter]

I've been to Jesse's main page before, but never noticed that. Thanks for the link!

[Larry Carter]

Spence nice info. We have a dedicated flintlock man on here,goes by Hog. Don't know if he does the turkeys or not. I have taken some small game with the old Nock double barrell percussion.

[Spence]

Sorry for the delay in responding, guys, I was out collecting another fat doe with my flintlock smoothbore. To keep such talk on topic, though, I did sweet talk her with my turkey call.[:)] Do any of you guys do that for deer hunting?

Headhunter, I'm glad I posted it, then. I thought the sound files might be good to have when we are practicing our wingbones.

Larry, small game with black powder is a blast, regardles of the ignition type, and a Nock is doubly nice. Maybe Hog will join in sometime.

Spence

[Larry Carter]

Hey Spence, you can use the PM feature at the top of the page to talk with Hog. He's a flint man --duds and all. Trapper---fancy dresser and LKS director.

[Spence]

Thanks, Larry. I didn't know about the PM feature, maybe still don't, but I found a guy named Hog and sent him a private message inviting him to join us. Maybe he will.

Spence

[yelper]

Flinklocks? Is there anything else that amplifies the outdoor experience like a flintlock? No way!!!

Glad I stumbled across this thread. I have read Spence's stuff for some time, I have always enjoyed reading/learning from your articles and the others out there - that know what the deal is (and don't mind sharing their knowledge).

Beautiful bird and congrats on the doe. I don't know of anything as satisfying as taking game with a flintlock, or even just carrying it afield. I left my 870 at home 3 years ago for turkey and will never go back. So what if I can't shoot past 20/25 yards, it is more fun to look em' in the eye anyway! I have only taken 3 turkeys with my flintlock (2 of them jakes,Owen county) but I enjoyed them more than my largest tom taken with the 870...

Long live the flintlock and those that love them so...
Wess

[Spence]

Well, howdy, Wess, glad to find you here. We agree totally on the pleasure of hunting with a flintlock. It adds more than I have the words to describe, and as you say, just being in the field with one is very satisfying.

What kind of gun did you take your turkeys with?

Spence

[yelper]

Spence,

I wanted to get a double flintlock 12 gauge, but I awoke after telling my wife the price (1500-3500) to find her with a very large meat-cleaver at my throat. I ended up getting the Pedersoli Mortimer 12 ga, for turkey. I have a couple of custom .50cal long rifles that I deer hunt with (father-in-laws childhood friend made them) and a .32 flinter for squirrels. There is no comparison between the custom and the Pedersoli. MADE IN AMERICA is the way to go, if you can afford it. Did I mention that I hate china too?

I found your articles on the Jackie Brown after I picked up the Pedersoli, just a little too late.... But, I do love hunting with it and have taken a little bit of everything with it (grouse, deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, dove, coyotes, etc)...

Wess

[Spence]

It sounds as though the Pedersoli is doing a good job for you, Wess. I have a Navy Arms double 12 gauge in percussion, and I've considered trying for turkey with it. Having an extra shot available would be reassuring, but I can't seem to let go of the flintlock, so far.

What kind of load do you use in your 12 ga.?

Spence

[yelper]

I am not the most scientific guy in the woods. I am always short on time (testing), but am using the following:

I use an empty 12 ga shot cup and load with an equal amount of powder and #5 shot. As long as I get them within 20 yards...

I have worked the loads with my rifles, but never put a lot of time in on the shotgun.... I know, I should be smacked.

Wess

[Spence]

Don't argue with success. That might pattern as well as the best you could come up with, because it obviously works. I wound up loading a bit more shot than powder because both my guns seem to do better with that ratio, 80 grains of powder to 95 grains equivalent of shot.

I'm going to tackle ducks this season for the first time, just to add to the types of game I've taken with the flintlock. I went out and set up a couple of screen blinds of weeds at the ponds on my farm, yesterday. We don't see many ducks there, but I'm hoping to find a few. Ever try that? Except for the bismuth shot, I guess I'll try loading as for turkey, although ducks are a bigger target than a turkey head.



Spence

[HOG]

Spence, where bouts ye call home these days? Seen ye on the site above and have an Idea our paths have crossed. I talked a little with on the e-mail and never did get back to ye. As I told ye my first bird was with the tulle, however I priced it too low once and sold it to a boy near E-Town. I built me a english style single but put a Queen Ann lock on er and it don't fall as fast as I like.
I hunt bushy tails with a 40 cal. golden age type flint made by a boy in Paris, Wayne Estes. Of late tho I can't see as good as I have in the past, so I'm working on a 28ga with a Manton lock for them little critters. I'd like to try quackers with flint and may be the one I built. Dang thang won't fall fast enough to catch up with them I'm afraid, oh well just have to follow thru a little better I reckon. Gotta get back to work now keep ya nose to the wind and ye powder dry. See in the woods or on the water, take care

me and my dog has fleas

[Spence]

I live in Louisville, Hog, but I do most all my hunting and trekking on a farm near Bardstown. I bought my first flintlock smoothbore in 1997 and have used it or another very much like it for all my hunting since.



Spence

[yelper]

I have never tried duck hunting with the flintlock, that might be pretty cool. I am from Oldham County and do most of my hunting in that county, with guys I grew up with.

If you want to try for geese, a buddy of mine hunts with a guide out of Simpsonville (not too far from Louisville). He said the guy knows his stuff and is a lot of fun to hunt with...

QUESTION:
I did have some trouble getting the Pedersoli to spark good, I was guilty of not changing my flint often enough. Where do you guys get the good flint and how much do you usually pay for it?

Wess

Wess

[Spence]

I usually buy my flints at one of the meets at Friendship, IN, in June or September. There are 2-3 vendors who have the good black English flints I prefer. It has been 3-4 years since I bought any, but they were selling for $10 per dozen at that time for the 3/4" and 7/8" size.

Spence

[yelper]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Spence</i>
<br />I usually buy my flints at one of the meets at Friendship, IN, in June or September. There are 2-3 vendors who have the good black English flints I prefer. It has been 3-4 years since I bought any, but they were selling for $10 per dozen at that time for the 3/4" and 7/8" size.

Spence
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I'll tell you what, this thread has gotten me all worked-up to get out with my flintlock! Here is a pretty good turkey story:

GOBBBBBLE!!! I roosted the bird the eve before opening day, he thundered back every time a let an owl hoot fly with my voice (my wife loves that...NOT). This was my first year to hunt blackpowder turkey and as usual I was rushed and ran off without my shot wads. "What are you going to use" my buddy asked as he jacked a 3 1/2" load into his Mossberg 835. I smiled and said, "hand me that sock". Yes, I cut the toe off of the sock and stuffed her down, then finished loading and scrambed out the door, taking another piece in case a second shot was needed. We laughed as we walked through the darkness toward the far ridge and talked about past hunts and of just spending time outside.

I eased into the woods and slipped quietly to within about 75 yards of the fenceline I figured he was roosted in (MONSTER white oaks). As twinkle-light started to arrive he started turning it loose, often times double-gobbling. I gripped the flintlock tighter and tighter, a large smile (just like the grinch) under my headnet. I didn't call until he pitched out, and he was only about 60 yards away. I gave him a few soft yelps and he headed right toward me, the 10" beard swinging as you please. At 18 yards he started to cirle around me, but all of the trees were so small I couldn't move. As he passed a tree about 12" in diameter, I whipped the flintlock up. He jerked his head up and I took aim and fired in a single motion. At the shot I rushed forward (don't have to worry about it going off anymore) and watched as he flew up into a tree about 40 yards from me. I froze, the empty flintlock resting on my foot. Well, I'll be.... I stared at him, just knowing he would drop any second. About 5 minutes later a hen pitched out behind me, glided by about 20 feet away and landed about 15 yards in front. I smiled! A few seconds later another turkey pitched out and landed right next to her, a jake. And me, standing there with my empty flintlock resting on my foot. (I could hear my buddy razzing me now)...

After a few minutes, the jake and hen started moving off and the big gobbler pitched out and joined them. I watched them feed on over the hill out of sight. I then loaded the flintlock like somebody being charged by 10 shawnee braves (FAST) and eased up to the hill. They were gone. I figured I moved too fast and they bolted.

I met my buddy back at the house and we had a good laugh. I felt good about the shot, but the turkey had thown his head up so fast, and was masked by the tree, I concluded that I just got "Gobbler fever"?

That afternoon I headed back out, another "sock load" ready for action. I entered the backside of the same thicket and gave a few yelps on a mussel-shell call that my buddies dad made for me. It sounded SO sweet, and was immediately answered. I made haste and worked my way toward the bird, up a small draw. I sat down, and gave 3 more soft yelps. GOBBBLEEEEE!!!! he was so close I decided to cock er' back. About a minute later I see a white head looking over the briars at me from 30 yards.... He moves closer, to 25 yards. He stops and lifts his head, turning it sideways staring a hole through me. I thought I was going to pass straight away!!! He continued to 20 yards, 15 yards, 10 yards, BOOOOM!!!! At about 7 yards I pulled the trigger and the smoke filled the air. I laid the gun down and jumped to my feet rushing through the smoke. To my surprise the turkey was hauling up through the cedars. I was crashing over saplings right after him and I noticed he was starting to slow.... As we ran along I began to gain on him and all at once he keeled over and was dead. I stopped right there and thanked the GOOD LORD for this bird and for such an exciting hunt.

The 870 3" mag never gave me this kind of rush!!!!!

I have since forgone the "sock load" but what a memory it made.

Come on guys, give it up! It is a long time to April and we need some stories!!!!

Wess

[Spence]

Great story, Wess, and you have given me a case of turkey fever, for sure. Thanks, I needed that. Oh, April is a long way off!

Spence

[HOG]

Last time I bought flints was from a Kentucky Corps of Longrifle member from down around Sanora, called hiself Strange if I remember right. Had some pretty good black flints I believe they was from that part of the country. Price of them babies has gone up a bit lately. I don't shoot as much as I used to so don't go through them much. I used to shoot 3 to 4 times a month now only hunt. Fall hunt is still to come, I've not had much luck then but still have to go!!! Little cold for these bones but I still try. Keep your nose to the wind and your flint sharp. See in the woods or on the water.

me and my dog has fleas

[Spence]

I hear you about old cold bones, Hog. I'm sort of dreading the duck hunts, because I remember some very cold days in the blind back when I was shooting smokeles 30+ years ago. And I was a young man, then. Well, younger.

I'm the same as you, my shooting is mostly limited to hunting, these days.

Good luck with your fall hunt.

Spence

[yelper]

A few questions:

Ok, what is the number one thing that you have learned about hunting turkey with a flintlock, besides getting close and it is a BLAST!???

Give us a few tips on prepairing the flintlock to fire in rainy weather.... I always like to learn how others do stuff.

[Spence]

The #1 thing? When I started hunting them I was told that you had to use good camouflage which totally covered yourself and your gun and equipment. That's not true, it turns out. I've hunted them in colonial garb with nothing on my gun, which is pretty red, and as long as you hold very still, they will come in. They are very much like deer, just more nervous.

Hunting with a flintlock in wet weather is also not as much of a problem as most guys will tell you, even flintlock hunters. If you keep the pan dry with a greased cow's knee, keep the muzzle down so water doesn't channel into the pan, your gun will fire very reliably. I never change my prime without reason, because I've found that it doesn't draw moisture as some think, and it will fire on the most humid of days, so long as you keep liquid water out of it. I've had my gun fire instantly after carrying it in a steady rain for 8 hours on a deer hunt, and I had never changed the prime. I took at least one of my turkeys in a steady rain, and I didn't do anything more than what I've described. People will tell you that powder in the pan will turn to soup on a humid day. It will, but only if you fail to clean it completely after firing. The salts left in the pan after firing are very strong attractors of water vapor and will go to mush in a few minutes, but if you carefully wipe the pan with a dry cloth after firing so that not a trace of fouling is left, it will not happen. For some more thoughts on flintlocks in the wet, look at:

http://members.aye.net/~bspen/wetflints.html
http://members.aye.net/~bspen/RainyDayTom.html

I love hunting with a flintlock in the rain, just to prove to myself that I've mastered at least that one skill which our forefathers had, so you'll frequently find me in the squirrel woods if it's raining..

Spence