At least, for this spring. This morning was the last day of the season; I have been trying to get a spring bird without a blind, doing some calling but mainly spot and stalk. I know of no better way to not fill a tag than by chasing turkeys in this manner. But, I have had a ball, and got within shotgun range of some gobblers, however that isn't bow range, at least for me.
Got out at first light this morning; the spring flowers are really starting to pop...
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0356_zps488938c2.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0356_zps488938c2.jpg.html)
Trees are starting to bud out, and the land is waking from a long winter.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0357_zps1a473e80.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0357_zps1a473e80.jpg.html)
Still hunting, I saw lots of deer, antelope, and geese, but only one turkey, and he made an exit as I tried to put a stalk on him; one minute he was there, the next it was like the land swallowed him up. I never did figure out where he went, except out of my life.
I watched a few deer as they fed along in my direction, and had one get within easy bow range, still unknowing that the Boogie Man could have had her if it was in season. She fed to within about 15 yards, and when i told her "You're Dead!" she finally figured out that she was within range of a predator.
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0361_zpsa0274a45.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0361_zpsa0274a45.jpg.html)
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/IMG_0362-1_zps17f72d41.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/peastes/media/IMG_0362-1_zps17f72d41.jpg.html)
When she took off, she alerted a pair of sandhill cranes, which started their raucous calls. I had not noticed them until they sounded off, but they were only 50 yards from me. If you have not heard these noisy birds, here is your chance. Click on the picture...
(http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/th_MVI_0364_zps630b2c04.jpg) (http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac67/peastes/MVI_0364_zps630b2c04.mp4)
So, another spring turkey season has come and gone, and I didn't score, but I definitely had a good time, and no time spent in pursuing critters is time wasted.
Sounds like a good season. I saw and took pics of 2 sandhills here in my hometown this winter. No one that I know has ever seen them here and they even made the news paper. Cool birds. That 1st deer pic is special.
This year I too tried the no blind method to no avail. I still have all of my turkey tags, but I had a blast. Weekend before last I called in a lone tom and had him at full strut not 10' away. He turned his back to me and I readjusted my head only to be busted by a hen that had snuck in behind us. Perp, Perp, Perp and the show ended. Gave him a few clucks on his way out, he turns to come back in. Hen rallies again perp,perp,perp. Hunt ended without a bird but I got a dang good show and learned a few lesson. Better luck next year!
Some great experiences right there!
Nothing like hunting them off the ground on a stalk that is priceless.
LOL!!! that is way to funny i think she heard the string
Exciting stuff! Thanks for sharing that. :thumbsup:
Neat stuff. I used to think Sand hill cranes were neat but now, some days they are so lound you cant hear yourself think much less the deer I never hear come in.
Who am I kidding, thats still pretty cool.