A dark dreary morning lead to only two gobbles. The first one late at 6:22. Normally the gobbling start times vary, but I usually hear the first dawn-greeting “beller” between 5:30 and 5:45.
I watched a lone gobbler far off and across a large hollow. He was in a recently worked field, but did no strutting or gobbling. He, too, was in a lull!
I saw three deer and one became so accustomed to my presence that she cleaned herself completely unconcerned about that DEET smelling clump of brush. This event occurred while I was patiently waiting to hear a lusty tom begin his love music…gobbling!
I began a walk and call style of hunting in an attempt to locate a gobbler with some interest, but around 7:45
I met Bob, my step father. The light rains suddenly increased to a downpour and within minutes we were soaked. He asked me if I would want to go to Evans City to pick up chrome for his 1954 Chevy and I agreed. MISTAKE!! By 8:30 the weather drastically changed and blue skies appeared and in short order a picture perfect turkey hunting day emerged and I was to be going elsewhere. Mentally, I could imagine all of those gobblers changing in mood and echoing their thunderous gobbles across the hollows. OH WELL!
(The flower photo shows the Virginia Bluebells. This flower enjoys damp creek bottom areas.)
That sudden change in the day’s weather really was a surprise. The windy conditions at first light probably disrupted the gobbling I would guess. I always wonder if the birds aren’t calling or if I am not hearing as well as normal. It’s probably a combination of both. Tomorrow is another day! Shawn called today to say he missed a good bird in Virginia and that a friend killed one there with 2 inch spurs. I’ll send along the picture when I get it from Shawn. Great concert last night! I played a little guitar in high school and have a real appreciation of your skills. You’ve got talent! Dana
Dana,
Thank you for your kind words. Two inch spurs…must be an old-timer like we are!! LAS