May 4, 2024
Dogwood Blossom (The Dogwwod blossoms are early this year as is the leaf out of the trees.)
The season is upon me. I walked through the dim grays of the first morning in a state of wonderment. I wondered if I was going to become sick as last year’s season. I wondered if I would hear or see any gobbles this morning. I wondered what the poor people are doing today. ha-ha
I set up along a field’s edge to listen for roosting birds. I didn’t need long to wait. I heard gobblers at 5:45 to my left. Another across the field in the woods sounded off. This could be an interesting morning.
I made a move to close the distance on the birds on my left. I called and was immediately answered. I glanced at my watch and the time was 6:00. I looked up and two gobblers entered into the field at about forty yards, maybe less. I couldn’t see their beards for the field grasses were high. The two stopped in the field gobbling and strutting. I continued working with them and they approached a little. I mindfully said just ten more yards…
As what often happens with turkey hunting, the birds began t leave the area. they would still gobble. They were doing what they are programed to do…gobble and strut and have the hens come to them. I couldn’t move so they tired of the game.
Hepatica
Later I began a call and listen approach while searching for Morel mushrooms. I fortunately found a lunch for the next day.
Morel Mushroom
I later stimulated the gobbler across the road now, but unfortunately, I had to walk away for a commitment at the Armstrong County Historical Society Museum.
Interestingly, I saw a Bobwhite Quail this day. I suspect someone nearby maybe raises them.
May 5, 2024
I hoped to hear the gobblers this second morning with a little better strategy. I heard nothing as the rain began pre-dawn. I became wet but stayed out most of the morning by walking ad calling hoping to stir up an anxious gobbler. Nothing!
I found a baby porcupine and was lucky to obtain a few photos. Also, I saw a Barred Owl.
Baby Porcupine
May 7, 2024
I was disappointed to not hear any turkeys on the third day. I went to a secondary place at around 9:30 and could not get a reply to my calling. I did find a Box Turtle.
Squawroot
May 8, 2024
The gobbling began at 5:30 across the road and upslope. I moved fast and managed to get behind the birds at their level. The birds circled me on a flat. I couldn’t see them, but they were close. In time they seemed to be leaving until I changed calls. That brought them back towards me. I quickly realized two large trees between us might be a problem.
The lead gobbler stepped out followed by a strutter. The lead bird began putting and I messed up and missed. I am not sure what all may have happened. I did have bifocal glasses on, and it was still dark in the woods. Whatever, I missed. In all my years of hunting turkeys this would be only the second time I have missed a spring gobbler. I was disappointed!
I left to go farther south and as I called at the summit two gobblers answered me. Surprisingly, each time I called they replied and moved. The two gobblers were on the opposite hill. they angled downslope, crossed a gulley with a stream and came up the hill I was on. I was ready until a hen appeared and went to the birds. They answered my calls some but not as enthusiastically. Oh well!
I crossed down the hill and up the other side. I saw a gobbler way off walking along a fence line. I was almost to the top of this hill when I heard a distant gobbler twice. However, they saw my approach.
Later I went into the woods and received an answer across a hollow. I played with those two gobblers until 11:50. Quitting time is noon. the birds kept walking along the hill, and I followed. I believe they were with a hen, and she was leading them away. I got back to the jeep at 12:45, warm and tired.
Turkey Egg
May 9, 2024
I heard the first gobbles at 5:25 A.M. The bird talked with three or four gobbles. Unfortunately, he was deep in posted property. I crossed the road and went up the hill following the borders. I tried to get a reply, but he was, no doubt, on the next hill. I hoped he might hear and come. I left and went to a site south trying for a repeat of yesterday morning’s event. I heard a gobbler far off inside property I didn’t have access with. he gobbled maybe six times.
I crossed the deep hollow and up the next hill hoping here to have a repeat performance. I did have a reply around 10:15 and began moving in. It didn’t take long to realize hen(s) were involved again. She, apparently, kept walking away from her competitor. (Me). They eventually crossed a road, and the time was 11: 15. I began the mile long trek to the jeep.
Deer were everywhere this day. Most have their red summer hair, but not all of them do. I would see a raccoon and rabbit too.
I walked upon a moss-covered Box Turtle shell.
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