Larry A. Smail's Blog

Wild Geranium

   The gobble exploded only 80-120 yards below me. I had crept in quietly prior to 5:00A.M. to await this exact moment. My plan was right on thus far. I was close and above the gobbler, the forest was open and obstacle-free. The turkey was outside of the posted land.

As the minutes continued on towards daybreak I softly called and was answered! Soon a jake exploded  his presence. Fifteen minutes later a hen began to chirp too. My heart sank as I heard her calls. The woods became silent. The longbeard only gobbled 10-12 times all morning.

Buck

  Suddenly, I saw it.. a turkey tail only about 60 yards away. These birds were closer than I had believed. The foliage had slightly muffled the sounds. Two birds flew out and dropped down behind the posted line.  A third bird followed. I had the shotgun across my knee in anticipation. Two more birds departed the roost. A saw three of the five birds land.

The wait was long and none of the turkeys came up towards me. I expected the hen (s) lead the gobblers deeper into the posted land. They had all landed just behind a slight rise in the land so I couldn’t see them on the ground. This is something hens often do. They don’t want the competition of the heard but not seen hen…me!. I began to call excitedly in hopes of angering her for a return. The plan failed.

Whay's causing this on the mayapples?

   I later departed  to another hunting site. I had walked and called about one mile from my vehicle when it started…an allergy attack! What misery I felt. I had the itchy, burning, swollen eyes. I had sinus swelling with the need to blow my nose often. I was sneezing. I had red, itchy welts on my arms; neck, upper chest and forehead. What torment!

I started the long and miserable hike towards the car. Fortunately, the symptoms abated as the distance was closed. I was at te car at 10:00. As I type this, I am completely exhausted with swollen and watery eyes. The other symptoms are gone for the moment. I have slept for over two hours. Tomorrow, if I hunt turkeys I will be medicated as a precaution. How did people manage without pills 100 years ago?

I saw many squirrels and several deer including two different bucks. Of course, I saw three turkeys out of five. I, also, saw one adult and one red fox kit.

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One of the Orginal 200

    Another box call from my collection is “One of the Original 22” from Kicking Bird Game Calls. This is a gift for doing their art and logo some years ago. Tim Murphy is the owner and Howard Meyers is the founder. Their site is: http://kickingbirds.com

Wayne Williams call

  This aluminum call was a gift. The late Wayne Williams made and signed this call. Wayne passed away in 2008. great siounding call!

The box call shown here is one of many I have from the Dale and Jody “Putt”Rohm.  This call is personlized by Dale Rohm. A great looking and great sounding box call.   

Personalized Rohm Box call