I waded the high grass of the reclaimed strip and right-of-way and was rather soaked before I had even set down in the woods. Some of the grasses on the right-of-way were actually as tall as I am! I eased into the woods where the gobbler sounded off yesterday. To my surprise at 4 minutes after five a gobbler erupted the pre-dawn woods in the wood lot where I was set up yesterday. Turkeys!! Never figure ’em out!
I was in a rather dangerous position. I elected to sneak around and re-cross the right-of-way in hopes of not being detected. I seriously doubted the birds would go through that tall grass. This maneuver worked! I crept in and set up with a huge oak to my back. I had a dream set up position. The turkey was ahead of me in an open wood lot. A high soaking grass area to my right and a low grass-covered farm lane to my left spoke of a great advantage. There was a slight saddle ridge in front of me and the morning sky illuminated the horizon line. This meant any movement would be magnified.
A second tom exploded. I was close. The time slowly edged along until one tom flew down over the bank. In short order I watched the second tom fly down and towards me. Things were looking good!
The close tom started gobbling and moving. I held the shotgun in a ready position when I noticed a gobbled to my right. The closer gobbler moved up towards him. The amazing thing of interest as to how the bigger bird actually stopped exactly in front of my sight. The shot was at 26 yards.
Spurs of 1 1/16 inches
The gobbler sported a ten 1/4 inch beard and 1 1/16 inch spurs. He weighed in at 22 pounds.
Other sightings of the day included one deer and two red fox puppies. The pups were near my old homestead.
That is a beautiful bird! I finally have met someone crazy enough… er… I mean, dedicated enough… to purchase the second gobbler tag. I had no idea that taking the second bird is so easy. Seems like it is only about 1/20th as difficult as taking the first bird! I may try it myself next year… only with the pledge to obstain from shooting jakes! Seriously, this is an incredible bird to be carrying 22 lbs. this late into the breeding season. He may have been a 25 lb bird at the start of the season. Isn’t it funny how one can work so hard to harvest a bird, then one day… they come running in without a hint of fear. Then again, who was it the said, ‘The harder I work… the luckier I get!” I think you are living proof of that! God is good… doubly good! Congratulations, Dana
Dana,
thank you, so you think I am crazy? .. I do enjoy the spring gobbler season. I love spring. This May has been rough on me, in regards, with allergies. the pills help, but they certainly don’t stop all the symptoms. The early leaf-out of the vegetation made the allergies worse for me.
As for the bird, he was indeed a nice bird. Laurie is going to roast him this week.
From famine to feast! Great job. Ain’t this last week grand!
Now you may rest. Lol
Persistance often pays large dividends.
You are a true woodsman and are among those few of us left who really live and love it.
Now you can start your spur collection again, and keep them away from Susie!!!
Thanks Kip. I thank you for your kind remarks!!!!