I set up very early , in hopes, the big gobbler would be roosted in the same trees as he did over the last several mornings. He was, as were two other gobblers. I was close. While setting there, I heard some close-by rustling and turned to my right to see an opossum at about six feet from me.
The gobbling continued on when I disppointedly heard a hen with them. The birds left their roost at 6:50.. rather late. I actually could see the one fly down. All of the birds clammed up.
I waited about 15 minutes and called again. Although I have been able to keep my allergies to a tolerable level, my right eye began to burn and water. I closed my eyes in an effort to decrease this discomfort. Upon opening them, I could see a gobbler at about 35 yards. I couldn’t see his beard due to the vegetation between us. If this gobbler would walk only about 6 steps he would be in the open area of the woods. (The Smail curse!)
Suddenly, his head raised up high as if looking at something. I was perfectly still. Immediately to my left, I could see a dark mass… could this be a strutting gobbler! Soon, I realized that two deer were browsing beside me. The gobbler began preening his feathers as the deer came about 8 feet from me. They were both bucks and I noticed just how quickly their summer (red) hair was in place. ( Missed out on some great photos.)
I was in a dilemna again. If the deer spook, the turkey could do so as well. If they stick around the gobbler could change his desire. Well with my luck, the deer spotted me, but couldn’t figure me out. They continued walking back and forth studying the camo-clad mass. The gobbler, eventually walked out of site and the excitement was gone.
I went to another area, and received an answer and worked towards the tom. I could see him in a reclaimed stripping operation. This tom lost interest, too when a golf cart began driving about the area.
Other sightings and things of interest: Saw 3 more deer and heard some coyotes. I saw a couple of squirrels and heard a drumming grouse too.
I dug out and replanted some ferns.
(Flower photos are a yellow flag, a native iris and a mayapple
.)
Sounds like another wonderful morning and another missed oportunity… no fault of your own. Turkey hunting is just like that… the unexpected just seems to happen atjust the wrong time! I watched four bucks parade by the other morning and got busted when the wind changed. The only gobbler of the morning had hens with him and wouldn’t give me the time of day. He had a most unusual fan that seemed to be missing every other feather. Either someone shot him in the fan.. or should I say ‘fanny’… or the morning rain had collapsed the feathers to create an illusion. I think you described in your story a beautiful painting… call it ‘Pinned Down by Deer’. Hang in their buddy… luck is soon to come your way! Dana