Bucks & Beards
Well-Known Member
Hunted my favorite spot close to some roost trees juvy hunt and opening day. No gobbling. No sightings. Gave it one more chance this AM. Soft yelps at 6 AM - nothing. I couldn't believe it. Opening day and today perfect weatherwise. Soft yelps at 6:05 - bingo. Two answered ~ 200 yds away. A few more yelps just to make sure they knew my location. They answered so I shut up. 6:15 one of them is on my left on the ground ~100 yds out hammering away, so I get positioned for a shot to my left. 6:20 I heard wings flopping and sticks breaking behind me and to my RIGHT. I looked and one was in full strut to my right not 10 yards from my blind. He caught me totally out of position, but I got to watch him for the next 15 - 20 minutes strutting and drumming not 10 yards from me! He finally moved out 15-20 yds, his fan hid his head, I was able to take a knee and get my gun around - 20 lbs, 9 in. beard, 7/8 in. spurs. Not my best bird, but one I'll never forget.
