Blake's first Turkey

[grizz1]

Blake hunted early from the house, 2 big Gobblers came out in the corn field early but wouldn't come into range.
We went to the East farm at 9:30 and hunted until afternoon, heard one, saw a big one but could't call him close enough.
Went back at 3PM , wind blowing hard, could get answers but birds just wouldn't come in. At 5PM we saw a group of 7 in a big pasture working there way toward the timber we were in so positioned ourselves in front of them 400 yards to their South. We moved several times to adjust for them going to the East of us and would call once in awhile. At 6:30 we had turkey answering in the distance but a long way off. Shooting time was 7:36 and at 7:30 the group came into the brush we were hiding in. The last one to cross the opening was the jake that Blake shot, about a 25 yard shot.
Not the most fun way to get a turkey but it was well earned as he was out trying for over 10 hours and several miles of walking, calling and listening to the 25 mph wind blow.

Walking up on the downed bird, running out of light, 1 mile from the truck  and stuck with the 150-500mm lens it wasn't a great photo taking opportunity.

It was very dark by the time we got back to the truck and old farm house.

Blake and I with his Turkey, a self portrait with wireless remote, I need a lot more practice doing this, the pitch black darkness made it even harder.

[LongSpur39]

I love it!! There is nothing easy about moving on birds to intercept them or get within range. I've had a few over the years and definitely not ashamed of it. They don't miss much. And calling in high wind can confuse birds at times . Their hearing is unreal. But at times they have trouble pinpointing where you are anyway. So for you two to stick with them. Persistence put that bird on the ground. Very happy to hear you had success on a not so perfect weather day. Big congrats!! Hope you pop some more.

[grizz1]

Thanks Scott, your words mean a lot, I can tell you've worn out some boot leather trying to fill a tag. Not only was the wind bad but we have no cover yet so you know how difficult that can be. We can see 300 yards, some places further in the timber, very hard to move and stay hidden. Had to use depressions,creeks or a lot of distance for every move on a bird. I think it makes calling less efficient too cause when the birds do hear your calling they expect to see the caller at a safe distance when it is so open. About like hunting open country birds all the time.

During this weekend youth season we could hunt all day so wanted to take advantage of it because today was going to be raining all day and when the regular season starts it puts a lot more pressure on the birds. Blake can hunt again starting the 2nd week of regular season and I'm sure he has learned a lot, getting that first one under your belt seems to always make it a little easier.

[Kt29]

That's a great story and a long but fun hunt Steve. Lots of memories made here for Blake and yourself. You both will be telling about this hunt for a long time to come. Some very nice photos also, especially with the lack of light. Well done on all accounts.

Hope to see more stories like this from you guys. Heck, you might even be in a pic with your own turkey.  Oh! Blakes hat, seems like I've seen one similar to that around.

[LongSpur39]

Using terrain with no foliage is definitely no easy task. Quite the adrenaline rush!! Move, hurry , hurry!!! Stop!! Move hurry,hurry!! Stop!!! Crouch, Bob ,and weave. Peak then move!! Lol! And you got it done. Its all good!!

[grizz1]

Scott, sounds like you were watching us, bet we looked like we had lost our mind.
Terry ,that low light shot with the 150-500 was taken on ISO 2000, f5.6, I'm surprised it turned out at all.
And as for the hat, I bet you have seen one like it before,LOL. They are wool, mine has ear flaps in it and if it's cold out I'm lost without it. I used to tell Blake mine was my lucky hat, he has taken 4 gun deer, 1 bow deer and now a turkey with his hat on, he won't be caught out here on the farm without it is my guess.

[4Pointer]

A Big Congrats Blake and You Steve .. Now thats working for that bird .. Trying to set up and makeing the move to get in position and hope your not spotted is doing something ..  Great story ,, Sounds like ya both going to need a new pair hunting boots with all that walking  ..

[''HILLBILLY'']

WOW. AWSOME STORY. THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN TAKIN A NICE BIRD IS A HARD EARNED BIRD. BIG CONGRATS

[grizz1]

Thanks guys for the nice comments. I think I have officially began the golden years, hurt all over and get more enjoyment out of taking the youngsters than I do shooting myself. Now looking back, I am thankful that I had a Father and many Uncles that did the same for me, they sacrificed a lot of patients and time for me.

[THE GOB-FATHER]

That's just awesome right there! Kudos my friend! I've been a stranger on here lately, but it's good to come back and see the action that's goin on out there! Great pics and story! woot woot! This thread is like the McDonald's commercial... "I'm lovin' it!"