Larry A. Smail's Blog

I had a rough early morning. Asthmatic conditions were bothersome and reached a crescendo while driving for the hunt. The coughing became severe enough to cause me to allow some interesting ingredients to flow forth from my lungs. However, the suddenness of this event did not allow me to lower the window completely. Do I need to spell this out?       

Native Columbine

The results of these experiences cause much fatigue for me. However, I was still along the hill’s ridge hoping for the gobbler to sound off! The full moon was shining brightly as I exited the car, but within about 15 minutes the clouds had engulfed the entire sky. I heard three very distant gobbles only. At 6:30, I was gambling in the possible direction.

I was surprised to get a response from my calling. The bird became hot and would gobble up to four times in rapid response. He was very far away. I estimated, at least 400 yards by the volume.  I closed in a little, but decided to not go further since I wasn’t sure of the property lines here. I would try to lure him the distance. This didn’t work and he soon lost his “mo-jo”.

I toured the area across the road and failed to get any responses.  I decided to go elsewhere. A change might do me good.

Star of Bethlehem

I drove about a mile south and began the walk up steep hills in muggy weather.  Then I heard it… a gobble! I circled around and called . Soon I could see a gobbler walking a gas line right-of-way. I called and he came to about 45 yards and I could not see any beard! I walked over a crest and thunder caused him to yelp and gobble. I set there getting very soaked as I watched this bird again. Funny, no beard grew in those few minutes.  I exited to try to locate another.

During this travel, I found two more box turtles. That would make three for this year! The Baltimore Orioles are back and I saw my first hummingbird of the season too.  One reason, why I enjoy the spring gobbler season are the wild flowers!  Hope you enjoy the occasional photos I include within my blog/ kournal site.

I circled back to where I had seen the beardless bird. I walked slowly to the site where I had been earlier and I watched him walk away again. This time he had seen me!

Dandelion Seed Pod

I headed for the car soaked and very hot! I had seen a lot of squirrels today and a number of deer too.  The morning hours, also reminded me of my allergies too. Muffled sneezes occurred throughout the  day .