Well I finally got out for my first turkey hunt. Started off the morning at 5am, had what we thought were a couple Birds, sounding off to the calls but it was so windy it was tough to pinpoint exactly where they were coming from. The two birds then seemed to dissappear.
Not long after we had a hen walk within 15 yards of us and continue on by. That alone would have been made the day, to see the bird so close and not even realize we were sitting there.
After that we changed spots and scouted a few fields on the way in. Didn't look like any birds were around until we noticed through a small clearing, 3 birds in a far field. The birds were not only out of range but not on huntable property. We watched them for a bit anyway and tried to call them over, but no luck. It was a big Tom and what we thought were two hens. There was no way we were going to pull him away from his "ladies". We watched the birds leave the field and thought maybe they were headed for the place we just left.
So up we headed right back to where we started. Sure enough we saw what we thought were the same birds down in a lower part of the field. the birds had already past our spot and were playing around in a low land area. We watched a BIG Tom strut his stuff for quite a while. The calls didn't seem to be attracting any of them. We could see now that it was a Big Tommy, a jake and a lil Hen.
Then out of what seemed like nowhere to me, another Tom popped up about 60 yards from us on the same tree line. He poked around a bit and dissappeared. For the next half hour we werent sure where the second Tom had gone. The other three were still playing about. We noticed the Big Tom was becoming more aware of the calls. Then just like before the second Tom appeared.
After a few skillful calls from Waterfowler, the Tom started to move toward us. I was surprised at how quickly he came in to range. I had my bead on his gobbler as he moved in. (after being told "get your gun up") The shot wasn't there though, too much brush and a log in the way. I waited a bit until he was about 40 yards out. It looked as though he had spotted us. After a few tense seconds he moved slightly to the right. I had my shot.
I let my partner know i had a clear shot and He let out a sharp noise. The Tom lifted his head straight up. Bam! He folded up like a cheap lawnchair. It was a great feeling. walked over to find a very Nice Tom....
Wieght- 20lbs
Beard- 9.5 inches
Spurs- 3/4 inch
Heres a pic, because I know how much we all love them.
Compliments to Waterfowlers calling and advice throughout the entire hunt!
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/consammy/DSC01457.jpg
Not long after we had a hen walk within 15 yards of us and continue on by. That alone would have been made the day, to see the bird so close and not even realize we were sitting there.
After that we changed spots and scouted a few fields on the way in. Didn't look like any birds were around until we noticed through a small clearing, 3 birds in a far field. The birds were not only out of range but not on huntable property. We watched them for a bit anyway and tried to call them over, but no luck. It was a big Tom and what we thought were two hens. There was no way we were going to pull him away from his "ladies". We watched the birds leave the field and thought maybe they were headed for the place we just left.
So up we headed right back to where we started. Sure enough we saw what we thought were the same birds down in a lower part of the field. the birds had already past our spot and were playing around in a low land area. We watched a BIG Tom strut his stuff for quite a while. The calls didn't seem to be attracting any of them. We could see now that it was a Big Tommy, a jake and a lil Hen.
Then out of what seemed like nowhere to me, another Tom popped up about 60 yards from us on the same tree line. He poked around a bit and dissappeared. For the next half hour we werent sure where the second Tom had gone. The other three were still playing about. We noticed the Big Tom was becoming more aware of the calls. Then just like before the second Tom appeared.
After a few skillful calls from Waterfowler, the Tom started to move toward us. I was surprised at how quickly he came in to range. I had my bead on his gobbler as he moved in. (after being told "get your gun up") The shot wasn't there though, too much brush and a log in the way. I waited a bit until he was about 40 yards out. It looked as though he had spotted us. After a few tense seconds he moved slightly to the right. I had my shot.
I let my partner know i had a clear shot and He let out a sharp noise. The Tom lifted his head straight up. Bam! He folded up like a cheap lawnchair. It was a great feeling. walked over to find a very Nice Tom....
Wieght- 20lbs
Beard- 9.5 inches
Spurs- 3/4 inch
Heres a pic, because I know how much we all love them.
Compliments to Waterfowlers calling and advice throughout the entire hunt!
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/consammy/DSC01457.jpg
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