Safety question

[Purebred Redneck]

I found a good field two people could turkey hunt

What I'm thinking about doing is setting up on the entrance to the field which will cut off anyone else. And I'd sit tight all day from sunup to 1:00. The other person would set up in the same field 250 yards away and sit tight till 1:00. There's so many birds using that field that I think we can both kill a bird.

However, because the field is so narrow, there is a good chance that we'd have to shoot at a bird that is directly inbetween us and on a slight angle up in the sky.

Would you feel comfortable shooting at that distance??? You would think trajectory would prevent the shot from traveling past 100 yards. But on an extreme 45 degree (the angle that would shoot the farthest), what might happen as worst case?

[bounce]

at least is if the shooters are safe shooters? you may want to use nothing biger than 5's, Shots should be low and I don't think shot will cary 300 yds if shot high?

[deputydon]

I guess I can't say when is far enough away, far enough away.... Having been "shot" (rained on) by other bird hunters I know it's no fun!!!!

[Jack]

I wouldn't be confortable with that set up.
Where a pellet hit on your leg at 250 might be minor, one in the eye wouldn't be.... it's just not worth the risk, IMO.
I'd find another way to set up, or hunt the field solo.

[jimh]

Red, i think the biggest concern would be eye protection.

[jimiowa]

Nope! Not A Chance! I'm never comfortable in a situation where I might be shooting at someone or them shooting at me!
And I have been peppered with shot from 70 yds, it does not make me comfortable(in fact it pisses me off) even if it does not break skin(it's irresponsible).

[Purebred Redneck]

I agree the only concern is eye protection. I'm the kind of person who thinks - if both parties know the danger ahead of time and they agree to shoot only once...well then we've got nothing to be mad about if something happens I do stupid consentual things all the time - just ussually doesn't involve lead
I'll talk to dad and see what he thinks.

I was hoping to find a stat that said if you shoot at the optimal angle, all the shot from a turkey load would be on the ground at say 150 yards - 100 yards short of the setup. It appears we're right on the fringe of the range.

Without a definate answer, I'm thinking we're going to have to pass at this setup.

[deputydon]

Wise choice weedhopper...............

[klsm54]

Two hunters, that will both stay put, should be able to set up in a field this size....safely. A little forethought, and common sense, should enable both of you a wide enough shooting angle without shooting at each other.

[Purebred Redneck]

Apr 21, 2008 14:40:29 GMT -5 klsm54 said:

A little forethought, and common sense, should enable both of you a wide enough shooting angle without shooting at each other.

We know eachother's habits enough to know that if we agree to sit in one spot all day, we will do so. He's kind of a walkietalkie nut too. He'll pester you death to the point that you turn the stupid thing off ;D So if someone moves, we know.

I agree, we are talking about turkeys though. You can manipulate the decoys towards the corners of the field more but they are known to come in from the opposite anticipated direction 99% of the time

[klsm54]

You just pick a direction where you won't fire, no matter what. After all, it's just a freakin' turkey, Butterball grows 'em everyday.

Now, if you fear that either of you has no self discipline, then I would not set up where you could put each others eyes out.

[bounce]

Well I would think one of you would have to be plain stupid to shoot the other, But then that is what we are made of any more it seams.

[jimiowa]

Bounce it's called a Hunting Accident, it happens when normally intelligent people do something"Just Plain Stupid" ;D

[twomoons]

A load of shot will drop at the same faster than a slug due to wind resistance when the pattern opens. If you get rained by another hunters shot it is because he is shooting up in the air. Unless you are shooting flying turkeys you are erfetly safe as the shot will drop to the ground in about 100 yards or so assuming the muzzle of the gun is level or nearly so when you fire. In adition at 250 yards the shot should be spread so that each shot will be about 2 feet from its neighbor. Say you put all your shot in a 30" circle at 40 yards at 250 yards you will need 12 foot circle or so to surround the shot. #4 shot at 250 yards with a starting velocity of1300 fps should be traveling about 400 fps or slightly slower than a bb from a Daisy air rifle.

[twomoons]

Sorry, got interrupted...

Now is it safe, figure the angle of fire and if it is parallel to the ground yes, if it is anywhere above say 15 degrees of elevation NO. From level to 15 degree's it would most probably be safe but I wouldn't chance it.