How to Zero a Shotgun Scope for Turkeys

Turkey hunting challenges your skills as a hunter on many levels. Turkeys tend to be very alert birds with exceptional eyesight. A successful hunt requires stealth, patience and steady aim. You can increase the accuracy of your shotgun with a properly zeroed scope. When zeroing in your shotgun scope make sure that you use the same ammunition that you plan to take on your hunt, as a matter of consistency. When zeroing in your shotgun please exercise extreme caution and keep your weapon unloaded until you're ready to shoot.

• 1

  Prepare a target at approximately 50 yards. The maximum range you are likely to engage a Turkey.

• 2

  Load your shotgun, aim directly at the center of your target and fire. The pellets will create a circular blast pattern approximately 3 inches wide. Mark the center of the pattern with a small piece of masking tape.

• 3

  Determine what adjustments need to be made to your scope to "move" the center of your blast pattern (where the shell hit the target) to the center of your target (where you were aiming). For example, if the center of the blast is 2 inches below and 2 inches to the right of the center of the target, then you need to adjust your crosshairs 2 inches up and 2 inches up to the left.

• 4

  Make your adjustments to your scope using the crosshair adjustment dials on the top and right side of your scope (in the middle of the scope body).

• 5

  Fire another shotgun shell at the center of your target and mark the center of your blast pattern. Determine if any further adjustments are necessary. Continue this procedure until you are satisfied with the placement of your scopes crosshairs.