Patterning Distance for Waterfowl and Turkeys.

When patterning a shotgun for waterfowl or turkeys, the typical range at which you pattern your shotgun can vary based on personal preference and specific hunting situations. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Waterfowl:

• Short-Range Patterning: Patterning your shotgun at 20-25 yards is commonly done to assess the density and evenness of the shot pattern within a typical effective shooting range for waterfowl hunting.
• Mid-Range Patterning: Some hunters also choose to pattern their shotguns at 30-35 yards to evaluate pattern performance at longer distances, especially when targeting larger waterfowl species or hunting in open areas.
• Long-Range Patterning: Patterning at 40-45 yards can provide insights into pattern spread and effectiveness for shots at extended ranges. However, it's important to note that long-range shots on waterfowl are generally discouraged due to ethical considerations and the potential for poor shot effectiveness.
• We prefer to do all three. That is why we include 3 shells of each brand so you can see what they do at 20, 30, and 40 yards.

1. Turkeys:

• Close-Range Patterning: Patterning your shotgun at 20-25 yards is often recommended for turkey hunting, as it represents the typical engagement distance when aiming for the vital areas of a turkey's head and neck. When you combine full or extra full chokes at this distance, your pattern will be extremely tight. Keep that in mind when getting them close because you could miss if your not fully on target.
• Extended-Range Patterning: Alot of hunters also pattern their shotguns at 40 yards to assess the effectiveness of their chosen ammunition and choke combination at slightly longer distances. This can be useful for situations where a turkey may hang up just outside of close range.

Remember, these ranges are general guidelines, and the ideal patterning distance can vary based on factors such as shotgun, choke, ammunition, and specific hunting conditions. Patterning your shotgun at different distances allows you to evaluate the performance of your setup and select the best combination of choke and ammunition to achieve the desired pattern density and effective range for your specific hunting needs.