DannyD

In many states, probably most, it is illegal. Here in WV a rifle is legal. I would use the shotgun if I had one since that seems to be a more traditional and sporting way to do it. I just don't have a shotgun. 22lr, 22mag, 30-30 and 270 is all I have to choose from.

quiksilver

Are you sure it's legal to hunt w/rifle in spring in WV?? I know it's legal in fall.

I hunt in WV and I've never seen anyone with a rifle in spring, only shotguns.

I don't really care if you do, but I just don't want to see ya get in trouble.

I've got a couple birds with the .22 mag, but only itty bitty hens in the fall, and the farthest was probably 80 yards.

DannyD

Since I'm new and am not certain about a lot of things about hunting I gave WV DNR Law Enforcement a call just now. They said it was oK to use any kind of rifle. I asked specifically about the 22Mag and she said "yes anything". That may be the case but I still want to make sure I'm being humane to the animal. That's why I asked the question here to get feedback from the experienced hunters in this forum.
Now another question. A friend has offerd up his 17HMR for my daughter to use. I'm not at all familiar with this cartridge. Would it be better than the 22Mag?

quiksilver

I'd take the .22 mag over the .17 - either way, if you don't hit him in the vitals or the spine, he's gonna flop around and maybe make an escape attempt. Make sure you daughter gets ready quickly for a follow-up shot.

I shoot them in the fall with a .22-250 and I remember having to shoot a big gobbler (24 pounder) two times because I kept missing the vitals, even though I was hitting him with solid body shots.

HighKnob

Take the 22 mag over the 17 IMO. It's legal in Va. and Fl. on private land. My dad while he was alive used nothing but a 22 mag. Like everyone has said, shoot for the vitals. He lost a bird shooting it straight on coming in. A lot of meat and feathers if you shoot low. I'd try the solid instead of the hollow point, but that's just IMO. Good luck.

Mr. Longbeard

I personally don't think a 22 mag is a good choice for turkeys[] I thought every body in WV had a shot gun

Moose75

I live in Fl and we take a shotgun and a rifle to the woods. I use a 22 hornet but I did take a good bird with a 22 long rifle one time. He was 84 steps I hit him in the base of the neck.

DannyD

Most hunters here in WV do have shotguns. I'm not only new to hunting, i'm new to the state. I'll be getting one someday but all the guns ive bought so far were so both me and my daughter can use them. She even shoots the 270 but with the Remmington managed recoil rounds. She's 12 and very petite (81lbs) I've shot a 20 gauge with turkey loads and i know that she wont be able to handle that yet. The 30-30 is her recoil limit.