Steel Hayes
Collector of cheap antiquities
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2021
- Messages
- 246
- Reaction score
- 560
Here in Michigan, the opening day for fall Turkey was Friday the 15th.
Having had to work the entire day, I was to beat to head into the woods to even enjoy sitting for the evening.
Saturday morning rolls around, I gather all my essentials, up and at ‘‘em with a cup of coffee at 5:00am(well before sunrise) and load everything up.
Arriving at our state game area, I put on the gear, double check that I have my powder horn, shot bag etc.
Head off down a deer path back to parts where I know that no one hunts, settle into the crook of a big oak tree facing an open area with lots of leaves that had been scratched through.
A half hour later and light creeps in, illuminating total darkness enough that I can finally make out shapes.
Out of nowhere(a full 180* around me) , I hear the sounds of leaves and branches breaking and snapping with heavy thuds.
I thought that someone was launching bowling balls where I was and to my surprise, I sat down in the middle of a roosting spot.
Those turkeys were, and I use this kindly, falling with wings spread like it was going to slow their decent, most were up 15-20’. Literally scared the p**s out of me.
I’m now surrounded by 12-15 hens, I have a single shot .58 smoothbore with me, lowered the barrel at the biggest one and I see at least 6 poults right behind her.
Somewhere my conscience took over and let them enjoy the morning as much as I am.
There are more weekends ahead and a Tom waiting for me.
All in all, a great learning experience to watch for falling turkeys at first light.
Having had to work the entire day, I was to beat to head into the woods to even enjoy sitting for the evening.
Saturday morning rolls around, I gather all my essentials, up and at ‘‘em with a cup of coffee at 5:00am(well before sunrise) and load everything up.
Arriving at our state game area, I put on the gear, double check that I have my powder horn, shot bag etc.
Head off down a deer path back to parts where I know that no one hunts, settle into the crook of a big oak tree facing an open area with lots of leaves that had been scratched through.
A half hour later and light creeps in, illuminating total darkness enough that I can finally make out shapes.
Out of nowhere(a full 180* around me) , I hear the sounds of leaves and branches breaking and snapping with heavy thuds.
I thought that someone was launching bowling balls where I was and to my surprise, I sat down in the middle of a roosting spot.
Those turkeys were, and I use this kindly, falling with wings spread like it was going to slow their decent, most were up 15-20’. Literally scared the p**s out of me.
I’m now surrounded by 12-15 hens, I have a single shot .58 smoothbore with me, lowered the barrel at the biggest one and I see at least 6 poults right behind her.
Somewhere my conscience took over and let them enjoy the morning as much as I am.
There are more weekends ahead and a Tom waiting for me.
All in all, a great learning experience to watch for falling turkeys at first light.
