Florida Hunter Bags New State-Record Non-Typical Turkey

by
posted on May 17, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
world-recordnon-typicalturkey_lead.jpg
Courtesy Chris Echele

As an electric lineman, Chris Echele of Darlington, Fla., missed all of Florida’s 2017-18 deer season while working in Puerto Rico repairing damage done by Hurricane Maria. That meant Echele’s next hunting opportunity was the 2018 spring turkey season. It was well worth the wait as Echele’s March 23 hunt resulted in the new Florida state record for the No. 1 non-typical gobbler.

Echele used his Stoeger M2000 shotgun to take a 20-pound, six-bearded gobbler with inch-plus spurs. Overall, Echele’s record bird has a total NWTF score of 152.375. Not only did the turkey take the top spot in the state, but it’s scored as the No. 61 Overall Atypical Eastern Turkey nationwide.

“It’s been wild. I never would have thought that an old country boy could end up with a state-record turkey. I was just out turkey hunting, having a good time,” said Echele.

Latest

Pyrodex Turns 50
Pyrodex Turns 50

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

Early-Start Big-Game Hunts

With whitetail populations in some areas exceeding management goals, many states are offering special seasons, extra tags, and other incentives to entice hunters to get out there early and more often. States also offer early opportunities for many other big-game species; in fact, there are so many opportunities that it can be difficult to even keep up with your own state, whereas early seasons across state boundaries can easily be missed out on.

Shell Shock Technologies Announces .50 BMG NAS³ Case

Shell Shock Technologies has announced the completion of independent live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS3 case, with results confirming velocity and performance advantages over standard brass at standard operating pressures.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.