Georgia Turkey Hunting Shotgun Guide: Best 12 and 20 Gauge Setups

Georgia Spring Turkey Season

Georgia’s spring turkey season opens third Saturday in March and runs through mid-May. Bag limit is 2 turkeys per season (one per day). Only bearded or gobbler turkeys may be taken.

Best 12-Gauge Turkey Shotguns

  • Mossberg 500 / 835 Ulti-Mag — the workhorse; 3.5″ chamber, full choke, pistol grip stock
  • Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 — premium inertia-driven, handles any load
  • Beretta A400 Xtreme — gas-operated, low recoil, reliable
  • Winchester SXP Turkey — affordable pump
  • Remington 870 Super Mag — classic, field-proven

20 Gauge Rising Popularity

20 gauge turkey shotguns have become popular thanks to TSS (tungsten super shot) loads that extend effective range comparable to lead-based 12 gauges. Popular options: Mossberg 500 Super Bantam 20, Benelli M2 20, Stoeger P3000 20.

Chokes for Turkey

A turkey choke is essential — it constricts pellet spread to hold tight patterns at 40+ yards. Aftermarket options from Carlson’s, Indian Creek, Trulock, and Patternmaster all outperform factory chokes. Pattern your shotgun on paper before the season.