Fall Turkey Hunt - When and what types of guns?

[PakAttack86]

I'm an avid fisherman, completely new to hunting. I've done some research and will continue to do more, but I'm finding myself a bit frustrated with how hard it is to find certain information in the cluster of regulations on the DNR HSOforum.

It states there's an archery and firearms fall season, but it doesn't state which dates specifically for archery and specifically for firearms? And if it does I may have overlooked it. Also it mentions the use of shotguns 20g or smaller, but it doesn't at all mention the restriction of other weapons. So could I use a deer rifle if I so chose? Nothing I've come across says it's illegal.

As far as what we can't do, what I am seeing is you can't bait with feed, you can't shoot with a shotgun higher than 20g, and you can't use a firearm during archery season. Simply put, what season can I use my shotgun? October 4th through the beginning of November (would have to find exact date) is what I'm reading. But my biggest question is, could my buddy who does not own a shotgun use his SKS? Thanks

[Billy G]

I've only ever heard of people using shotguns for turkey hunting, I don't think rifles would be legal.

[mwal]

20 ga or larger shotguns are only legal firearms. The seasons for archery and gun run concurrently but you must purchase the proper license depending on weapon and you cannot hunt both archery and gun. You must choose one or the other.

Mwal

[DonBo]

Archery and shotgun only. Don't believe there's a special archery season in the fall. (there is in the spring) Shotgun pellet size 4-5-6 only.

Shoot the tightest choke you have, most of us who are "into" it use a specialty super full turkey choke. Get turkey load shotgun shells as they are made to keep a super tight pattern that you need to kill a turkey cleanly. Head and neck shots only.

What specific load? Every gun shoots different. Pick a couple and shoot them. See which gives you the best pattern out to a certain distance and use that one at no farther than that. You should have at least 8-10 pellets inside a softball size circle.

[Hoyt4]

Don has said what you need to know to start. Rifles are not legal in MN to hunt turkeys.

You can buy a fall tag and use archery or shotgun to harvest your bird.