No Birds

[catman529]

This morning I stopped by a new spot on the WMA I wanted to check out. Got there before sunrise, hiked about a mile in, turned around and went back out, realizing I had no idea where the birds would be if there were any. Mosquitoes were destroying me, swarming, and I was getting real irritated. I did flush one hen out of the thick weeds... maybe a nest.

Went to my usual spot around 7 something in the morning and carefully checked the field....some deer, that's all. checked other fields, woods, went back to the field and set up for awhile. No birds... After a while I got sore from sitting and went down by the river and about ready to put in the field loads for squirrel hunting. Checked the river and saw a hen fly across.

After I started looking for squirrels, I came across 2 greys and 2 fox, only was able to pull off a shot on one of the fox and I missed (long distance). I would have probably seen more but then it got windy and I could not hear or see any in the trees.

Ended up going back to the other unfamiliar spot and went down to the river and fished with cicadas, caught nothing.

Interesting morning. I'm done turkey hunting for the spring, no birds anywhere anymore (must be usual for public land) and I'm ready to shoot some squirrels and go fishing more.

But there is always fall season to look forward to. Then I don't have to worry about beards... I'll just ambush and get meat. Should be a lot of fun.

 

[VolDoug]

Congrats on putting your rookie season behind you. Your frustrations define turkey hunting in a nutshell and what makes it so special to me.

One word of advice, if you located some other possible locations, but never got to check them out, it wouldn't hurt to do a little prospecting for next year, especially if the weather cools off next week. There are still plenty of gobbling turkeys doing there thing.

BTW, I enjoyed following your progress this spring!

 

[catman529]

Thank you, it's been a good season for a first I think, considering how many birds I saw, called in, and even shot one. I would have also had a longbeard but I took a poor shot while he was walking. Learned a lot this spring (especially about getting busted and when to take a shot) and will use the knowledge next spring.

As for scouting the new locations, I'll probably save that for next spring pre-season because by that point the turkeys won't be so scattered from the hunting pressure.

Now bring on the fall season, I'm ready to bust some hens for thanksgiving.

 

[kdxdude]

Like VolDoug said, I too enjoyed keeping track of your rookie season. I have learned far more from birds I didn't kill or never quite made it into range than any of em I ever killed. The mistakes & learning how to adapt to different scenarios will make you a better turkey hunter. I may try to make it over there to Yanahli to do a little Fall huntin, if i do, maybe we can hook up & hunt a little. Congrats on your first bird & I hope you really enjoyed bein in the turkey woods this Spring. 2 books I would recommend are "The Old Pro Turkey Hunter" & The Tenth Legion". Excellent turkey hunting books. Good Luck & God Bless.

 

[catman529]

Thanks man, I appreciate it. I didn't get to meet up and hunt with anyone this season although I wanted to with a few people. Maybe I can make it work in the fall.. with only two weeks though, I'll have to play it by ear. I like to hunt alone a lot but will try and hunt with at least a couple buddies during the fall.