2019 Gobbler....

[Skychief]

I woke this morning to rain West of me, tracking East. Undaunted, I practically jumped from under the covers for our opener.

I tucked myself into my little hide of cover in the field I’ve hunted several times. As they say, if it ain’t broke......

The rain started falling as dawn tried to break. I imagine it had the same effect on the toms’ gusto as it did mine. Blah.

No gobbles were heard for a couple of hours. Then, at about 9:00, I heard one North of me back in the hardwoods. I answered and he honored the calling. I shut up as he sounded closer. Within a minute or two, I had two long beards practically on my lap!

They could have been twins. I had a jake set at 15 yards and two hens at 8 yards. Usually, I may count on any mature gobbler to head straight to my jake. Turkeys love to educate us and throw us curveballs on a frequent basis (another reason it never gets “old”).

These two sprinted in full strut (a comical look by the way), straight to one of the hen dummies 8 measly steps away. I didn’t complain. I wasn’t going to be too picky and watched for either to give me a sure shot. Turns out, it was the one to my right as he came to a standstill, broadside.

I took advantage,then,gave thanks for the health and means to be out with these beautiful creatures yet again. Being so close is icing on the cake!

Good luck to all of you this Spring and thanks for listening.

All the best, Skychief.

 

[jrmflintlock]

Tsaan Wookkuh Skychief!!!!

Glad you got out there and gotter’ done!! Very nice bird!!

Excellent photo!!

 

[Walkingeagle]

Good job sir! Congrats.
Walk

 

[Brokennock]

Excellent. Very happy for you.
Congratulations.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Man that is a bonny bird sir .
Glad for you friend, you done good despite the damp start.

B.

 

[THBailey]

Well Done! Thanks for sharing the story.

 

[azmntman]

Awesome! Looks like yer opener was within the "special 4 day" period. See? Turkey hunting is easy when it is! Nice looking fan, appears to be a somewhat mature bird, what he weight, length of beard/spurs??

 

[dhaverstick]

That look on your face says it all! So glad you were able to make it out and get see to a "show". Enjoy that bird!

Darren

 

[Skychief]

Thank you all.

AZ, he wore a thick 10" beard and 1 1/8" spurs. I didn't weigh him but he was a large-framed tank. I carried him and my paraphernalia a couple hundred yards toward my truck, then decided to make two lighter trips, instead of the one heavier one.

I think I could hunt these birds for 50 more years and still marvel at their size, coupled with the ability to fly, as heavy as they are. Very unique creatures.

Darren, planning on having turkey on the menu tonight!

Thanks all, Skychief.

 

[Patocazador]

Did you use the crossbow?
Either way, congrats on the nice-looking gobbler.

 

[Sparkitoff]

That sounds like a great close encounter!

 

[Skychief]

Thanks for the Tsaan Wookuh jrm.

Thanks Walk'.

Appreciate it Brokennock!

Thank you Nate!

THBailey, thank you.

Pato', PT sent...

It was exciting Sparkitoff!

Good luck to all, Skychief.

 

[jackley]

Good job on the bird. Hopefully Round Two will be as productive.

Jerry

 

[Skychief]

No round two here Jerry. Just one Spring gobbler is allowed.

Good luck to you, Skychief.

 

[hanshi]

Congratulations, Skychief. That is one big gobbler you got there.

 

[lwscrim]

Beautiful bird!
Congratulations Skychief!
Nothing like proving that some of the "old ways" of harvesting still work!
The best part is you got out and were blessed!

 

[Nessmuck56]

Yup...that’s a biggn ...congrats !

 

[FiremanBrad]

Nice work!!!

 

[Skychief]

Thank you hanshi....hope you're doing well.

lwscrim, thanks much.

Hey Nessmuck', yes Sir, thanks.

 

[Skychief]

Thanks Brad. You snuck in here while I was typing. Hope you're hunting a bunch!