Took our annual trip north of Topeka. We pulled 6 birds into bow range and each shot two arrows over the last couple days...one of Dad's connected in a mortal way.
Thursday evening we got out of the truck at camp and birds were thundering off the roost all around camp! One in particular was across the road and obviously a longbeard. We anticipated that he was without hens and decided to make him the object of our affection.
:thumbsup:
Friday morning we placed a strutter in view of his bedroom and our jealously setup with easy bow range. That's a jake in the background to the right of PeeWee.
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060151.jpg)
Here's the view of camp from our blind with a hen in the foreground:
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060150.jpg)
I gave one soft yelp followed by a flydown cackle and Dad simulated wingbeats with his hat (broke it in the process :biglaugh: ) The bird responded instantly.
I waited until he sounded like he was out of the tree and gave him some purrs and soft yelps. His responses let us know he was closing the gap slowly.
Oh yeah! :campfire:
I heard him drumming and could see his feet. "He's com'n Dad, get ready..."
His attention was locked on Sylvester (jake), mounted on Gertrude (my "easy" hen). He sauntered into Dad's window and I said, "Kill him Dad".
He placed the arrow perfectly! The big Rio jogged in a wide circle with his wings out stretched trying to keep his balance, and piled up within 50 yds.
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060145.jpg)
Although we have each taken deer consistenly for decades, we have been trying to put a turkey down with our recurves for years unsuccessfully. Needless to say, there was a lot of hugging, back slapping, and dancing in our blind!
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060149.jpg)
10.5" beard
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060147.jpg)
3/4" spurs
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060148.jpg)
1 pair of happy bowhunters!
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Tradgang%20posts/P4060146.jpg)
Sounds like a good one!!!
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Turkey%20Season%202012/th_P4060130.jpg) (http://s440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Turkey%20Season%202012/?action=view¤t=P4060130.mp4)
Doesn't get much better than that. Congrats!
AWESOME! I'm glad you got to share it with your Dad!
Not 30 min later, I called in another longbeard with 3 hens. Obviously, with Dad's tag filled, I was called from the bullpen.
I admit that the thought of doubling on the same morning was in the back of my head giving me some added pressure.
He too was locked in on my juvenille lovers, but caught me drawing and turned to leave quickly. I had to lean forward, aim, and release in one motion. The arrow went over his right shoulder.
Here's a video of him. I think his tongue is sticking out and if you listen close, you can hear him saying, "Nanny nanny na na..."
(http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Turkey%20Season%202012/th_P4060134.jpg) (http://s440.photobucket.com/albums/qq125/TEAM-TIMANO/Turkey%20Season%202012/?action=view¤t=P4060134.mp4)
Very nice bird! Congrats! :thumbsup:
Congratulations on a great hunt!
-Jay
Great memories right there! Congratulations and thanks for sharing! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Congrats on a great hunt!!!
Can't wait for NY's season. Nice birds
Congratulations to you and your father, never forget the first one with trad gear!
Absolutely fantastic hunt, congrats brother!
Congrats on a great hunt :thumbsup:
Still plenty of time to get you a bird, Good luck!
Tracy
Way to go :thumbsup:
My son and I are still trying!
Way to go, too much fun right there.
That's awesome ! Congratulations
Turks are my personal ultimate pursuit.
Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Congrats to you and your dad for scoring together! Keep at it for your bird.
Great hunt! Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Very Nice.
Still trying for my 1st bowkill. :clapper:
Great job. I'm right their with u on difficulty in shooting turkeys. Nice work
Congrats! Thanks for the story and pics. Nice Bird
Way to go and nice bird!
Way to go Guys!!
Good job ! Persistence pays off
How cool!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Wel done! Congrats. :clapper:
Congrats.
Nice job....tell your dad congrats for me. Hang in there and it will be your turn too....Lonnie
Thanks everyone!
Congrats!
That's great! Congrats! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
An excellent first Trad trophy! Well done!
Congrats!
Bronz congrats to your Dad. I am hoping to do the same with my Ol'man when our season opens at the end of this month. Nice bird,rat'
So cool......congrats! :clapper:
Congratulations! Great bird and story.
Congrats!
Awesome hunt, congrats! :thumbsup:
Great hunt. Congrats!
Wow, that's turkey hunting at it's finest! Congrats
I've taken squirrels, rabbits, varmits, deer and elk but have not been able to take a turkey yet. Hoping this will be my year. I've had a few shots but haven't closed the deal... the turkey has been the most elusive trophy for me with the bow.
Congrats!
Congrats to your dad. I'll be hoping to do the same in WI. next week.