Larry A. Smail's Blog

This morning was the first morning for the 2017 Spring Gobbler Season in Pennsylvania. Of course I was to be in the  woods!

Immediately as I trekked diagonally along the hill’s side the aroma of honeysuckle permeated my nostrils. The sky was darkened due to the time (5:10 A.M.) and cloudy cover. Lightening was happening south of my position. I would hear a little thunder off and on during the day, as well.      

My plan for this first day was to station myself on the flat and listen and call sporadically. At 5:30, the crows began to caw immediately behind me. Their raucous grew in intensity over the next half hour. A little after 6:00 A.M. I did hear a gobble way across a hollow. He gobbled occasionally for a time. I had hoped the big bird might venture to my side of the hill. I elected to not go after him because it was the first morning and I realized others may hear him and move in first. I told myself to stay put and wait to see what may happen.

Prior to dawn several deer came to me close and snorted. I could barely see them in the morning  gloom.                                      

   Eventually, I heard two gobbles in the opposite direction. This bird was even farther. I would circle the area after ten, but I couldn’t stir up his lust. While waiting I spent some time sketching for some possible paintings.

Now, as I walked along I came across a Box Turtle. I always look forwards to see one and I seldom hunt a spring without finding a turtle. I moved on and discovered another Box turtle. This feller was very orange and very colorful indeed. A little farther along I found a third Box Turtle. I thought what are the odds for finding three Box Turtles in about an hour of time. If I would walked fifteen feet in any direction all three of these turtles could easily be missed. I felt blessed to find them.

I would eventually circle around, but I failed to hear anymore gobbling birds. I was at the jeep prior to noon and by the time I returned home the rains came.