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

Doe In The Snow Smaller File
Doe In The Snow Smaller File

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. We like this gun, not least because it shoots well. The fact is its lines, its ergonomics … everything about this rifle begs a hunter looking for something special to pick it up and carry it afield. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Member's Hunt: 54 Years and 52 Hours

Follow along with Richard Manly's Saskatchewan deer hunt, on this installment of our Member's Hunt series.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.