A Guide to Turkey Hunting with a Red Dot

Turkey hunting is a thrilling outdoor pursuit that demands precision, stealth, and adaptability. Among the many tools in a hunter's arsenal, the red dot optic has gained popularity for its advantages in quick target acquisition and improved accuracy. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss the benefits of turkey hunting with a red dot optic, what to consider when purchasing one, how to mount a red dot on your turkey shotgun, how to zero a red dot, and contingency plans in case of optic failure.

Understanding Red Dot Optics

Before we dive into turkey hunting with a red dot, let’s talk about what red dots are. 

Red dot optics are popular among shooters and hunters for their simplicity, accuracy, and versatility. These optical devices project an illuminated dot onto a lens, providing a clear aiming point without the need for magnification. 

A red dot optic typically consists of several key components, including the housing, lens, LED emitter, and reticle. The housing encases the internal components, providing protection and stability. The lens is where the illuminated red dot is projected, offering a clear view of the target. The LED emitter generates the dot, which is then reflected onto the lens for the shooter to see. 

Advantages of Turkey Hunting with a Red Dot 

Turkey hunting with a red dot offers many advantages, including quicker target acquisition, improved accuracy in low-light conditions, and a wider field of view.

• Quick Target Acquisition: One of the primary advantages of using a red dot optic is the speed at which you can acquire your target. In the world of turkey hunting, where a split-second can be the difference between success and failure, the ability to swiftly aim and shoot is invaluable.
• Improved Accuracy: Red dot optics provide a clear aiming point, enhancing your accuracy. This is crucial when targeting the relatively small vital areas of a turkey.
• Versatility in Various Lighting Conditions:  Red dot optics are designed to offer a consistent aiming point in various lighting conditions. Whether you're hunting in the early morning light or during the golden hour in the evening, a red dot optic ensures visibility and accuracy, eliminating the challenges posed by traditional bead sights.
• Increased Field of View:  Unlike traditional scopes, turkey hunting with a red dot optic allows for a wider field of view, providing hunters with better situational awareness. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with the unpredictable movements of turkeys in the wild.

Choosing the Right Red Dot Sight for Turkey Hunting

When you choose to go turkey hunting with a red dot, it’s crucial to do your research and find an optic that is up to the task. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for your turkey-hunting red dot.

• Durability and Weather Resistance:  Turkey hunting often involves exposure to the elements, including rain and mud. Ensure that the red dot optic you choose is durable and weather-resistant to withstand harsh conditions without compromising performance.
• Battery Life:  Opt for a red dot optic with a reliable and long-lasting battery life. The last thing you want is for your sight to fail when you're in a prime hunting position. Some optics also come with automatic shut-off features to conserve battery when not in use.
• Adjustable Brightness Settings:  Optics with adjustable brightness settings are essential for adapting to changing lighting conditions. This feature allows you to maintain a clear and visible reticle in bright sunlight or low-light situations.
• Parallax-Free Design:  Look for red dot optics with a parallax-free design, as it ensures the reticle remains on target regardless of head movement. This feature is crucial for maintaining accuracy and target focus during the heat of a turkey hunt.  
• Reticle Size: For turkey hunting, an ideal red dot reticle size typically ranges between 2 to 4 MOA (Minutes of Angle). A smaller reticle size, such as 2 MOA, offers more precision for aiming at the smaller vital areas of a turkey, especially at longer distances. However, a slightly larger reticle size, such as 4 MOA, can provide faster target acquisition, be easier to find in the lens and may be more forgiving for quick shots at close range. Ultimately, the choice between reticle sizes depends on individual preferences, shooting style, and hunting conditions.

How to Mount and Zero a Red Dot 

Before you go turkey hunting with a red dot, you must mount and zero it correctly. 

Savage Renegauge shotgun receivers are now drilled and tapped allowing hunters to install their choice of Picatinny or Weaver mounts. Savage 220 Turkey (and 212 Turkey) comes with a Picatinny rail installed, and the 301 Turkey models also come with a one-piece removable rail installed.

Tip: 301 Turkey XP models come with a 1x30 red dot included!

How to Mount a Red Dot on a Turkey Shotgun

1. Choose the Right Mounting System: Ensure you have the appropriate mounting system for your shotgun and red dot sight. Most red dot sights come with mounting options compatible with Picatinny or Weaver rails.
2. Clear the Shotgun: Before mounting the red dot sight, ensure your shotgun is unloaded and clear of any ammunition. Safety should always be the top priority.
3. Prepare the Red Dot Sight: If your red dot sight requires any assembly or adjustment, follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare it for mounting. This will vary depending on the sight style and manufacturer. In some cases, the mount will be integral to the sight. In many cases, particularly with micro red dots, you will need to mount an optics plate that will allow you to attach a picatinny rail. Check the owner's manual of your sight for model-specific instructions.
4. Select Mounting Location: Decide where on the shotgun's receiver you want to mount the red dot sight. Consider factors such as comfort, balance, and ease of aiming.
5. Attach the Mounting Base: If your shotgun has a Picatinny or Weaver rail, simply attach the mounting base of the red dot sight to the rail using the provided screws with your base. Be sure to torque to the base manufacturer's specifications to avoid the mount coming loose or damaging the mount.
6. Adjust Position and Alignment: Once the mounting base is attached, position the red dot sight on the mounting base in the desired location. Ensure the sight is aligned properly with the shotgun's bore axis for optimal accuracy.
7. Secure the Red Dot Sight: Using the appropriate screws provided with the red dot sight, securely attach it to the mounting base. Tighten the screws evenly to prevent any movement or wobbling.
8. Check for Clearance: Ensure there is sufficient clearance between the red dot sight and any moving parts of the shotgun, such as the action or barrel. Make any necessary adjustments to avoid interference.

Optimizing Red Dot Position on the Rail for Maximum Field of View

Selecting the ideal position for your red dot optic on your shotgun's rail is crucial for optimizing your hunting experience. Placing the optic forward on the receiver enhances balance and allows for natural, rapid target acquisition, reducing the need for excessive head movement. This position also increases peripheral awareness, aiding in detecting subtle movements in the surroundings, crucial for successful turkey hunting with a red dot. Balancing speed and precision is key, as a forward-mounted red dot enables quicker target acquisition without obstructing your view or impeding shotgun operation. Experimentation with mounting positions during practice sessions helps determine personal preferences and ensures a comfortable and effective setup. Consider eye relief to ensure a natural sight picture while maintaining responsiveness. Ultimately, careful placement of your red dot optic enhances your field of view, responsiveness, and overall hunting success.

How to Zero a Red Dot for Turkey Hunting

Zeroing a red dot sight for turkey hunting ensures accurate aiming and precise shot placement. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to zero your red dot sight:

1. Prepare Your Equipment: Ensure your shotgun is unloaded and clear of any ammunition. Gather your red dot sight, a stable shooting platform (such as a shooting bench or sandbags), and appropriate targets for zeroing.
2. Choose the Distance: Determine the distance at which you want to zero your red dot sight. For turkey hunting, a common zero distance is around 25-30 yards, as this distance provides a good balance between close-range and mid-range shots.
3. Set Up the Target: Place your target at the chosen distance (e.g., 25 yards) downrange. Use a target with a clear aiming point, such as a bullseye or a turkey silhouette.
4. Align the Red Dot Sight: Mount your shotgun securely on the shooting platform and aim at the center of the target. Look through the red dot sight and adjust the brightness settings to ensure the red dot is clearly visible against the target background.
5. Initial Shot Grouping: Take a shot at the target while aiming at the center. Pay attention to where your shots land in relation to the aiming point. This will establish your initial shot grouping.
   
6. Make Windage and Elevation Adjustments: Using the adjustment dials or screws on your red dot sight, make windage (left-right) and elevation (up-down) adjustments based on where your shots landed compared to the aiming point. Each click of adjustment typically corresponds to a specific distance (e.g., 1 MOA per click).
   
7. Fine-Tune Your Zero: Continue making small adjustments to the windage and elevation settings until your shot grouping aligns closely with the desired point of aim (e.g., the center of the target or the vital area of a turkey silhouette).
8. Confirm Zero: Take additional shots at clean targets to confirm that your red dot sight is accurately zeroed. Make any final adjustments as needed to ensure consistent shot placement.
9. Record Your Zero Settings: Once you've achieved a satisfactory zero, record the windage and elevation settings for future reference. This will allow you to quickly re-zero your red dot sight if necessary.
10. Test at Different Distances: For thorough testing, consider shooting at various distances beyond your zero distance to ensure your red dot sight maintains accuracy across different ranges.

By following these steps, you can effectively zero your red dot sight for turkey hunting, increasing your chances of making precise and ethical shots in the field. Remember to practice proper firearm safety at all times and regularly check the zero of your red dot sight to maintain peak performance.

How to Deal with Red Dot Failure in the Field

While red dot sights are reliable tools for turkey hunting, they can encounter issues in the field. Here are some common issues you might encounter while turkey hunting with a red dot and how to deal with them:

• Battery Failure: Red dot sights rely on batteries to power the illuminated reticle. A common issue is the battery running out unexpectedly. To prevent this, always carry spare batteries in your hunting pack. If your red dot sight's battery dies in the field, you can replace it with a fresh battery from your spares.
• Lens Fogging: In humid or rainy conditions, the lens of your red dot sight may fog up, obscuring your view and making it difficult to aim accurately. To deal with lens fogging, carry lens cleaning wipes or anti-fog solutions in your hunting pack. Regularly clean the lens to remove moisture and prevent fogging.
• Sight Alignment Shift: Intense recoil from firing your shotgun can sometimes cause the red dot sight to shift its alignment, resulting in inaccurate shots. To minimize the risk of sight alignment shift, ensure that your red dot sight is securely mounted to your shotgun. Periodically check the mounting screws for tightness and make adjustments if necessary.
• Reticle Washout: In extremely bright sunlight, the red dot reticle may appear washed out or difficult to see, making it challenging to aim accurately. To combat reticle washout, adjust the brightness settings on your red dot sight to a higher intensity. Additionally, seek out shaded areas or adjust your shooting position to minimize glare.
• Physical Damage: Accidental impacts or rough handling in the field can cause physical damage to your red dot sight, such as cracks in the lens or housing. To prevent damage, handle your red dot sight with care and avoid exposing it to rough treatment. If your red dot sight sustains damage in the field, assess the extent of the damage and determine if it affects its functionality. In some cases, you may need to rely on iron sights or backup optics if your red dot sight becomes unusable.

By being prepared for these common issues and knowing how to address them in the field, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience turkey hunting with a red dot sight. Regular maintenance, proper handling, and carrying essential backup supplies will help mitigate potential problems and keep your equipment functioning optimally.

Turkey hunting with a red dot sight offers hunters a thrilling and rewarding experience. By understanding the fundamentals of red dot sights, preparing diligently, and employing effective techniques in the field, you can enhance your hunting success and enjoyment. Embrace the challenge, respect the hunt, and savor every moment spent in pursuit of these majestic birds.