I was hoping to get my step-father, Bob in place for a fall turkey this day. One obstacle we encountered early was the left over snow from Saturday. The remaining snow patches were iced and very crunchy. We tried to stay in the areas melted off when possible. I stopped higher on the hill to listen because of the noise. Within a short time I heard something walking when a buck walked by at about 18 yards. I believe it was a 6-point. 
As dawn lightened the area we proceeded farther down. I heard a little bit of turkey talk and moved in for a break. Apparently I failed for Bob and I set and called for over an hour and did not hear any lost turkey calling. However, we saw two more small buck. I took over 30 photos of the one with most photos being acceptable.
Big problem was keeping glass fog-free
Small buck
Later we began searching for other turks when I saw one sneaking out ahead. I circled and saw more. I tried for a break and one bird broke away. Later I called this bird in but Bob’s movement while trying to manuever the shotgun spooked the turkey. We remained for a while when a buck was observed coming through the trees. This buck came within 10 yards of us. He was a legal eight point. I didn’t have my camera out of the case due to falling snow from the limbs. The buck when upon us yielded some sad information. He was blind in his left eye. I went for the camera and managed a few shots but the best opportunities had been lost! 
We quit hunting a little after 1:00. I came home and did some yard work. All in all, we saw about 12 turkeys; some squirrels; 4 buck and some doe. We are planning a Wednesday hunt. I removed over 40 ticks again this day. I placed them in a container with Chlorox. However, one was later found beginning to dig into my back after I was home. He, like the others didn’t survive.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
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