I went out yesterday morning for my first morning hunt. I got set up and watched the woods come alive for the first time since December. Man I hate getting out of bed but that makes it all worth it. I sat and took it all in until about sun rise. Then I started with a few light clucks and purrs. Yesterday was pretty windy and I never once heard a bird gobble. I have one fly right over my blind and land about 75 yards out but the bird never came my way. Because of the wind and the lack of responses from birds I would call for 5-10 mins and then sit for 30 and repeat. About 7:30 I was looking across the creek that I was set up on and I glanced back to the west and had 3 jakes coming in about 40 yards away. One was strutting which I have never seen before. I called softly tring to keep them interested but they didn't seem interested at all after that. I watched them walk around to my south and vanish into some thick tangle behind my blind. I waited 5 minuets or so and started to call again. I was looking across the creek again hoping the jakes would circle around and come in from that direction. I happened to glance back to the west and there they were standing about 3 yards out the window of my blind and my bow sitting on my pack on the ground!! They walk slowly towards my decoy and out in front of my blind. I put the call down and pick up my bow. As I am picking up my bow the arrow falls off the string and hits the riser making a small noise but enough for the jakes to turn away from the decoy and start to walk strait away from me. I recompose and bring the bow up. One of them is walking right down my shooting lane. I decide to take the shot and bring the bow up. I pick the V on his back where his wings come together as my spot. I judge the yardage at this time at about 25 yards and next thing I know the arrow is on its way. The arrow looks perfect and I thought the bird was mine. Then at the last moment it falls short and skids right between his legs sending him off flying through the woods. My first shot at a turkey with a bow and I blew it!! But I will be out there again, a little more educated this time!!

Thanks for the story. Let us know when you do connect.  

At least you broke the Ice.

Nice story, better luck next time.

Todd

Great story, now your really hooked!!

I had a similar experience last season, I have been a member in good standing of the traditional archer's turkey conservation corps for five seasons I hope that changes this year!

Good luck!

At least you were out there and called 'em in.  It will all come together eventually.

Better luck next time Tim. I'm sure you'll have a hero pic before long to share.

Tim,

What I hear all the time at the shop, you had more fun, then a turkey strutting by, an arrow flying, a turkey dead, season over.

You will get another chance, and look at the fun, and the perseverance of drawing them in again like you did.  

You will get your chance again,

Good luck

Pastor Carl

now thats way funny tim.        better luck next time bro

Great hunt Tim, love the story!
My freind harvested his first traditional turkey after 3 years trying. He said it was worth the wait. I have never seen him happier, and we've hunted/fished together for 25 years.
The best of luck to you.  

More fun than I had Tim!

Keep at it, it'll happen.

Good job Tim, looks like you found the Turkeys

It sure is exciting to hunt them turkeys with a bow, I missed two last season myself. I'm hoping that this year will be the one.

getting a shot is have the battle. better luck next time

Tim,
At least you got a shot away.  I have Thursday and Friday of this week off to try and get my bird with a bow up Newaygo way.  I missed one about 5 years ago, and just have not had the time to try it again until this year.  Your experience gives me hope.

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys!!  I went out today and got skunked!!  I have 1 week left so hopefully I can put it together.  

Monty, Good luck up there.  Get a hold of Whitebuffalo on this site.  He lives in Stanton and he might be able to line you up on some birds next weekend.  I have hunted with his a lot and he is a good guy and knows his turkey hunting.

good work tim!!! it wont be long bud and youll connect!

Way to go Tim, Keep after 'em!

Eric

Gettin close Tim, keep after them!!

Great story Tim, man turkey hunting is exciting huh?

Tim
great story! those jakes sure can act funny! one minute no interest the next running you down-been there! had one, one time come up 10' behind me while i was focused on a big boy in the other direction. it was like the road runner. we looked at each other and then he split, exit stage left!
it all good when you in the woods with your bow in hand, you will keep that bow in hand next time right!good luck on the rest of the season!

charlie