Ole John Pruitt got 'er done!

[dhaverstick]

My dear friend, John Pruitt, killed this fine gobbler on his place in east-central Tennessee last Saturday afternoon. If you've seen many of my posts, you probably know that John is a skilled gunsmith and bowyer and can crank either one out in short order. He's made me 7 or 8 flintlocks as well as the gun you see in the photo. John is 80 years old and still going strong so I just had to brag on him a little.

Darren

 

[zerosprk]

Nice, all the way around!

 

[thompson50]

Great photo! Thanks for the story as well.

 

[sb 54 cal.]

Can't wait for april 19

 

[Skychief]

Congratulations to Mr. Pruitt. Its about time we see some fallen turkeys in this section. Thanks for the post.

 

[hanshi]

Age is NOT not absolutely required for gaining knowledge, maybe, but usually is for experience. Congratulations, Mr. Pruitt.

 

[Whitworth]

Well done young man

 

[dhaverstick]

What's really amazing about this is John's unorthodox method of turkey hunting. He doesn't call at all and he mostly hunts from a tree stand. He sits at the edge of a field and waits for something to wander within range. Of course, his success rate is not the best but he gets more chances than you would think. Plus, the stories I get from his bungled hunts are always entertaining.

Darren

 

[deermanok]

Good deal, congrats to him.

 

[Old Timer 48]

Nice! Thank you for sharing!

 

[oldwood]

Mr. Pruitt is a gem. Wish I had the privilege to talk with him to understand his m/l building psychology.

 

[3Setters]

Good shooting. Looks like a nice mature bird

 

[appalichian hunter]

Nice bird, congrats Mr. Pruitt

 

[TGJaeger]

Well done, Mr. Pruitt!

 

[Britsmoothy]

Most excellent

I sure wish I had Mr Pruitts hair now, let alone if I get to 80!

 

[jcs266]

Congrats to him and also what a great pic!

 

[Nameless Hunter]

Iconic photo.
It could (should) be featured in a magazine article.

 

[Terry Lightle]

Proud to call John a friend,and proud of the guns he made for me

 

[dhaverstick]

Proud to call John a friend,and proud of the guns he made for me

You just got another one from him, didn't you, Terry? A 32 or 36 caliber? The 12 gauge and 32 John made me (Ole Betsy and Miss Daisy) are my go-to squirrel guns. I just finished polishing up Sweet Rachael, my 62 smoothbore turkey gun that John made me, for the upcoming season. It won't be long now!

Darren

PS. Tell Sheila I said "hey"!

 

[FiremanBrad]

Outstanding job, Mr. Pruitt!!!