MidTennFisher
Well-Known Member
I started before sunrise set up in the woods where I had scouted and seen sign of turkeys. Across the woods in a field I heard thundering of gobbles. I told myself I was going to be more patient this year but I can't ignore that many vocal birds so I headed that way. Along the way I bumped 2, one hen and one I think was a jake. I made a circle around to where I think they flew and set up. I had plenty of birds gobbling to my call but couldn't get one to come in.
After hearing 2 shots it got quiet and I thought someone shot the birds I was trying to work. Then I heard one gobbling every time a cow would "moo". It was funny. I eventually got him to gobble at me 3 or 4 times when I called and it got closer so I shut up and waited. Then about 15 feet to my right I saw, for the first time in real life, a full strutted gobbler. :shock: It was beautiful but he got close to my decoy and saw something he didnt like. He let out a few putts and quickly walked off. I couldn't believe it.
After lunch I decided to leave the decoy in my Jeep (there ya go, Setterman!) and sure enough, I killed one! It took lots of calling to get this guy to come in and I wasn't sure he was even headed my way. It may have not even been the bird I heard at called to but at about 1:45 he showed up and walked directly in front of me at 15 yds. He had a 9.5" beard and 0.75" spurs.
I plucked the entire bird and we're going to brine and slow roast it. That was a lot of work but well worth the effort I think. After striking out last season, it sure felt good to win this time around. I had no idea what I was doing. I put a lot of time into reading, watching videos, and talking with experienced turkey hunters on this forum. Also, scouting. I'm glad it all paid off.
On a side note, I think I'm about done with GoPro cameras. The thing stopped recording for an unknown reason minutes before this gobbler came in. The shot, the emotion, and my celebration fist pump all were not filmed like I thought :bash: It's ok though. The Good Lord sent one my way and I had the chance to sit in His creation watching it all come to life this morning. That's all I need!
After hearing 2 shots it got quiet and I thought someone shot the birds I was trying to work. Then I heard one gobbling every time a cow would "moo". It was funny. I eventually got him to gobble at me 3 or 4 times when I called and it got closer so I shut up and waited. Then about 15 feet to my right I saw, for the first time in real life, a full strutted gobbler. :shock: It was beautiful but he got close to my decoy and saw something he didnt like. He let out a few putts and quickly walked off. I couldn't believe it.
After lunch I decided to leave the decoy in my Jeep (there ya go, Setterman!) and sure enough, I killed one! It took lots of calling to get this guy to come in and I wasn't sure he was even headed my way. It may have not even been the bird I heard at called to but at about 1:45 he showed up and walked directly in front of me at 15 yds. He had a 9.5" beard and 0.75" spurs.
I plucked the entire bird and we're going to brine and slow roast it. That was a lot of work but well worth the effort I think. After striking out last season, it sure felt good to win this time around. I had no idea what I was doing. I put a lot of time into reading, watching videos, and talking with experienced turkey hunters on this forum. Also, scouting. I'm glad it all paid off.
On a side note, I think I'm about done with GoPro cameras. The thing stopped recording for an unknown reason minutes before this gobbler came in. The shot, the emotion, and my celebration fist pump all were not filmed like I thought :bash: It's ok though. The Good Lord sent one my way and I had the chance to sit in His creation watching it all come to life this morning. That's all I need!
