This was the first day I could hunt after taking my first bird with a trad bow last week with a little 54in. Shrew.

I got in the blind early after setting out a hen decoy with a jake hovering over her. It was still fairly dark when they started sounding off on the roost. I just knew it was going to be a good day. When they hit the ground they really got wound up. I just gave them a few soft yelps to let them know where I was. It took about 30 minutes before they decided to check me out. When they saw the dekes, they went into strut and never came out until they reached the blind. The nearest gobbler got to the decoys and went into a slow circle with his fan raised high. When his head came out the other side of his fan, it was too late...I was at full draw and released. The old bear broadhead hit him broadside. He went airborne with my arrow sticking from his side. I noticed as he flew toward the timber, he didn't fly over the trees, but he flew INTO the trees.

I sat there in the silence now, playing every scenario over in my mind of what was happening to my bird . Was he dead, was he still traveling through the trees toward the neighbor's property, or was he laying dead among the leaves? I didn't know how long to wait, but when 3 coyotes trotted into the trees in the same direction as my turkey, I was on my way.

I walked a good 75 yards into the timber and my heart was getting heavier every step. Then I heard the trashing and saw the bird struggling to get away. He was easy to get close to but still alive so I finished him with another arrow.

The first year to hunt turkeys with a traditional bow and bird #2 was on the ground ready for pictures. What a blessed day!



Lyle

Congrats to you! Gotta love those older shrews. I've got one from '94 or'95. Rattlesnake backed,54" 63# @ 26".  Turkey season opens Wednesday here. I took a friend's son out for our 2 youth turkey days already this season. He got a nice tom each day with a shotgun. I've got a few other Toms scouted out,so I hope I can connect with the Shrew.

Whoa Save some for us who have to wait till May      :p    

Congrats on the second Turkey. its a nice one!

Congrats! I've yet to get her done with a trad bow but haven't quit trying. Good going on your #2!

A blessed day for sure sir!

Congrats

Well done    

Eric

Nice Bird  

Coincidentally, the title of your post is what I had on my wedding invitations, being my wife's second marriage and all    

Looks like you and "Buddy" are getting along great !!! Congrats    


Bill

Congrats on a fine bird!!!

Very Nice

I actually got the shot on video...I'll try and post it tomorrow.

Congrats on another fine gobbler.  

Congrats!

Sounds like the year of hunting is off to a great start!! Grats of a fine bird,and a great story.

Nice Missouri gobbler!

I enjoyed your adventure and I will be back to watch your video.

Congratulations!!

 

       

Nice going!

Congrats on a GREAT Spring season!

Pick of the litter Lyle! Well done!