Larry A. Smail's Blog

I exited the car very early. As I walked along a rural road I couldn’t help noticing the stars shining brightly. I listened to the peacefulness all around. I could hear the bubbling stream along with a few spring peepers. At 4:45 A.M. I heard a couple of warblers already chirping. All is well with the world at such times.

   I reached the high point and settled in to await any gobbling activity. the noise from the distant highway was now beginning to become noticeable. I tried to take a few photos os the early morning sky without the aid of a tripod. they failed. I am including one photo just for the colors.

I could hear something coming across the forest floor. I imagined a deer but I shortly saw a ‘coon within about ten feet of me. The little guy turned and was almost at my feet when I abruptly jumped.  The ‘coon appeared to be like those Warner brothers cartoon characters trying to get its feet to move. The ‘coon jumped on a tree and climbed to the top…only about 15 feet!  here it stayed.

Gil-obble! to my left and around the round top. I set up and we talked a bit. The gobbler left the roost never to be heard from again. I retreated and began a circle around the round top when I called and was answered down over the back side of this land feature. I closed in and realized where the bird was. I set again and listened to this tom turkey gobble like mad! he was still in the tree when I heard a few hen clucks before silence. he gobbled twice after he left the roost. he two was never to be heard from again.

   I continued on across a hollow when I heard 4 gobbles way across this wood lot in posted property. I closed in towards the property line and called loudly. He never responded. maybe I am using a chicken call instead of a turkey call! I spent two hours in this area.. napping and walking about gathering more morels for a future meal.

As the ten o’clock hour approached I needed I decided to begin a tour backwards to see if any of the other turkeys were ready to gobble on their own and respond to my calling. No luck!

Mr. Toad

I saw  some deer and squirrels, a water snake and a mockingbird too.  My step father, Bob who was on a nearby hill heard one gobbler. My friend Kip Feroce called in and scored this day. You can visit his web site on the right column of my home page. Kip makes some great turkey calls.

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Yesterday evening I had some allergy issues after mowing. Unfortunately, they began reappearing at mid-morning. Today, I finished my mowing, but I took some meds. However, the allergies and meds caused my needs for a nap this afternoon. Maybe age has something to do with napping too.

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This evening I attended The Kittanning Free Methodist Church where I have a small group studying the book of Acts and Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles. I am working at leaving my comfort zone! The church’s web site can be found on the right side of my web and blog too.