Most hunters assume their shotgun hits where they look. Many don’t. Shotguns can shoot a few inches high, low or to the side, and a pattern can have gaps a bird slips right through. Patterning takes an afternoon and a handful of shells, and it pays for itself the first time a bird folds cleanly.
What you need
- Large paper, at least 30 inches square (butcher paper or cardboard works)
- A clear aiming point in the center
- A solid rest
- The exact shells and choke you will hunt with
- A tape measure and a marker
- Eye and ear protection
Step 1: Check point of impact
At 20 yards, aim at the center and fire one shot from a steady rest. See where the densest part of the pattern lands compared with your aiming point. If it is off by several inches, that matters, especially with a tight turkey choke.
If your shotgun has adjustable sights or an optic, adjust them to center the pattern. If it only has a bead, try a different choke or consider adding sights.
Step 2: Shoot at hunting distance
Move to the distance you expect to shoot: often 30 to 40 yards for turkeys or ducks over decoys. Fire one shot per target, from a rest, at a fresh sheet each time.
Step 3: Read the pattern
Draw a 30-inch circle around the densest part of the pattern. Look for:
- Even coverage without large holes
- Where the core is compared with your aiming point
- For turkeys, count the pellets inside a 10-inch circle around the aiming point, or on a turkey-head target. More hits on the head and neck mean cleaner kills.
Step 4: Compare and choose
Try a few combinations of chokes and shells. With premium loads like the new TSS turkey loads Federal is releasing for 2026, it’s worth spending a few shells to find what works. Then stick with your best combination.
Step 5: Know your limits
Pattern at increasing distances to find where your pattern becomes too thin to reliably kill. That distance is your maximum. Pass on birds beyond it.
Safety
Patterning involves a lot of shooting from a fixed position. Use a safe backstop, make sure no one is downrange, and keep the action open while you change targets. Turkey and magnum waterfowl loads kick hard, so take breaks, and consider a padded shooting vest or bag to prevent a flinch.
