Well Chuck, I left the house at 4:15 this morning intending to give your advice a try.

That big old bird gobbled once on the roost, and true to form, he didn't make another sound once his feet hit the ground.

He did have a buddy with him today, and his buddy would gobble back at my calling once in a while.

I had them, and a hen, just over a rise in front of me for about three hours this morning.

I couldn't see them most of the time, and each time I'd kick back to take a snooze, the younger bird would gobble, and snap me back to reality. It must have happened five or six times.

I may shoot that younger bird out of spite some morning, if I get the chance. It's pretty inconsiderate to yell at a guy every time he starts to fall asleep.  :D  

Bob

Well, I spent opening week on my honeymoon...was able to get out this weekend.


About 18-19 lbs, 8 1/2" beard. 3/4" Spurs   Taken with my PSR V.

That's awesome Sean, Congrats on a beautiful bird. (and your recent nuptuals)

Thanks budy!!

He's a beauty sean, congrats! And on your wedding too!

How about a story to go with the picture.    

Bob

Nice going on your bird!

Welp, as I've said, This weekend was my opener, so I really didn't know what was going on in the woods. I went to one of my favorite spots, a farm field with an old orchard running next to it. I was able to get the Toms to shock gobble, but not answer my calls. That usually means they're henned up. I decided that I was going to try to run and gun this hunt. After 35 years of hunting turkeys, this is my favorite way.....with a gun. I've tried it a few times in the past with a bow, only to be picked off with the slightest movement.  I figured I'd give it another whirl.

I had three birds gobbling every now and then. I wanted to look around a bit so I figured I'd come back mid morning when they're finished up with their hens. I climbed up a hill and maybe get on a henless Tom.

I started back toward the gobbling birds about 9 ish. Sure enough, I had a Tom answer me. So I moved on him. I slipped back into the orchard. I called and he gobbled from the field. I couldn't quite tell exactly where in the field he was, so I slipped to about 20 yards to the edge of the field and orchard.

I could see him in the middle of the field. I was able to crouch down behind a bush and a knarly apple tree. I could kneel down sitting on my heels.

I purred and clucked with my mouth call as I scratch leaves behind me. He came in Over the stone wall. At 15 yards I had him broadside. I had my bow up before he jumped into the orchard. I drew back and released. IDon't think I even came to full draw. He took off running with my arrow sticking out of his side. I found him by the chartuse splices on my fetching.

CONGRATULATIONS, Brother!!!!!!!!!!      

Good story Sean, thank you! Congrats again on a beautiful bird.      

Bob

Sean, now if you could only do that in Florida      :rolleyes:    ?

Ha Charlie, I kinda did....but I MISSED!!!!    

Sean, I think I must have read your story ten times, so far.

I love how you nailed him as he came over the stone wall. I'm right there with ya every time I read it.    

I've killed turkeys in a lot of different situations over the years, but I've never killed one coming over a stone wall.

The "run & gun" method you describe, is my favorite way to hunt them. It's a lot more challenging with a bow, and I get busted by the birds at times, but It's about as exciting as it gets, IMO.

Run here, crawl there. He's coming, now where the heck am I gonna hide? It's an adrenalin rush for sure.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I really didn't think I'd get that shot off. I've been picked off in the past. I think being in the shadow helped me out. In 35 years of turkey hunting, it is right up there with my most memorable hunts. That was actually the first turkey that I killed with s bow where I wasn't in a blind.

Way to go Sean....hope you taught the new bride how to clean the bird....  

Ha!!  Thanks Joe!  Well.....I got her to eat it!!

QuoteOriginally posted by joe skipp:
Way to go Sean....hope you taught the new bride how to clean the bird....      

I told my girlfriend years ago, that if she was gonna hang out with me, she had to learn how to clean and process fish and game. I wont repeat her answer here, lol.

Bob

Today was probably my last day chasing the long beards. Working this coming weekend and the wife and I sneaking away for a 2 day vacation.

Got into the woods 7am and settled in the cover where I missed 2 weeks ago. 22 yd downhill shot, just a tad low. Anyway...morning slow until 9. A tom answered my calls and a short time later he shows up with 6 hens.

Too many eyes to make any moves so all I could do was watch them wander off into the orchard. Around 10:30 I hear another tom off in the distance. Maybe 30 minutes later his loud gobble was no more than 30 yds behind me, slightly up on the knoll.

I could hear him walking around and he let out 2 more loud gobbles. My soft talking wouldn't coax him in. He wandered off the way he came gobbling as he went. No amount of calling would bring him back.

I had some fun this spring, plenty of action and one clean miss. Now...cleaning off the bait casters, Bass is right around the corner.

Glad you enjoyed your season Joe, that's what It's all about.        

After seeing so few birds this spring, and then reading the DEC's recent report that the birds here in NY, and some of the other eastern states may be in trouble, I called it quits myself.

To be honest, I hate to do it. I'd rather hunt turkeys than eat, but it seems that the problem may be more far reaching than I'd thought, so it just seems like the right thing to do.          

looks like It's woodchuck time now, maybe I'll hear a few gobbles while I'm out chasing them.     :rolleyes:    

Bob