Today was the opener of the third turkey season in MN. Due to work schedule, I could only hunt this weekend and with more thunderstorms forecast to move in Sunday afternoon, I figured I'd really only have 1 1/2 days.
Unlike the first two seasons which were plagued with freezing rain, rain, and snow, it dawned clear and mid 40's...perfect. I had set a couple of blinds a week ago and set out for one where I saw three Jakes move toward yesterday evening. Those three had actually paraded around 20 yards in front of the house on our lease for several minutes as I watched from the enclosed porch!
It was a perfect sunrise except for one thing...no turkey's gobbling! I think the hard winter here took it's toll. This time of year I would normally see large flocks in open fields with several toms courting the ladies, but this year that is not the case.
After a couple hours I saw the three Jakes (I assume they were the same ones from yesterday evening) working their way down a field road about 400 yards away. I gave a few loud, excited yelps but they just continued on down the road and out of sight. Then about 5 minutes later they came at a run across the huge field and disappeared behind a large berm about 40 yards away. I gave a few soft calls and I could see a head pop up every now and then. Finally, they headed toward the two decoys I had out about 20 yards in front of me. I pulled the cock back to the "ready" position and put the sight on the lead bird.
At 18 yards the Virginia Smoothrifle sent the load of #6's on it's way. The bird dropped right there....as did one of my decoys! I was able to resuscitate my decoy with the only ill effects being a slight "rattle" in it's head when I shake it! :grin: Perfect end to a beautiful spring morning.
Unlike the first two seasons which were plagued with freezing rain, rain, and snow, it dawned clear and mid 40's...perfect. I had set a couple of blinds a week ago and set out for one where I saw three Jakes move toward yesterday evening. Those three had actually paraded around 20 yards in front of the house on our lease for several minutes as I watched from the enclosed porch!
It was a perfect sunrise except for one thing...no turkey's gobbling! I think the hard winter here took it's toll. This time of year I would normally see large flocks in open fields with several toms courting the ladies, but this year that is not the case.
After a couple hours I saw the three Jakes (I assume they were the same ones from yesterday evening) working their way down a field road about 400 yards away. I gave a few loud, excited yelps but they just continued on down the road and out of sight. Then about 5 minutes later they came at a run across the huge field and disappeared behind a large berm about 40 yards away. I gave a few soft calls and I could see a head pop up every now and then. Finally, they headed toward the two decoys I had out about 20 yards in front of me. I pulled the cock back to the "ready" position and put the sight on the lead bird.
At 18 yards the Virginia Smoothrifle sent the load of #6's on it's way. The bird dropped right there....as did one of my decoys! I was able to resuscitate my decoy with the only ill effects being a slight "rattle" in it's head when I shake it! :grin: Perfect end to a beautiful spring morning.
