The dead cam was obvious as I walked up the hill to a listening point. A few warblers were already beginning to sing prior to the 5:30 A.M. time.
An A.J. Cassette call.
As it usually happens the first gobble was across a hollow and towards the top of the opposite hill. I used diagonal maneuvering to approach. I set up farther than I would have preferred, but the open woodlands and the time of the morning forced me to a pause.
Garlic Mustard- a non-native and invasive flower.
The bird left the roost prior to six o’clock and went opposite of me. I reevaluated his move and did likewise. I moved into a triangular section of woodlands with mowed cuts on both sides. if this gobbler moved along either site I close shot would be the result. He wouldn’t budge from an opening where these two mowed cuts intersected. I moved as close as I dare.
Coltsfoot flowers having gone to seeds.
The gobbler after tiring moved back down into the woods and gobbled periodically as he moved farther away. I changed positions as well, but I heard it…hen talk.
Later, I began a circle and spotted a hunter setting against a tree. I eased away and he never knew I was around. I later saw hunter tracks along the bottom too.
I walked and called for a time until the heat, humidity and allergies began to get the best of me.
I saw some deer, squirrels and many warblers.
I arrived home after 10:00 sneezing; sniffling and itching. A pill needed to be taken.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 
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