Well most of you have read my story from yesterday. I was going to rest up and hit it hard but with the amount of green up happening right now I figured I might as well go out. One of the twins was extra fussy so I let momma sleep and took care of her. I put her down and grabbed my gear out the door at 5.
I decided on going in deep again. I have not scouted this area but knew a gobbler was over there because of when the deer jumped out on me on opening day and he sounded off.
I walked down the valley, up the other side, up the ridge and set up on a hump. I started with a few light tree yelps and had a hen get fired up about 40 yards away. I could not see on top, but because it was so light I had to stay back to prevent my outline from being seen.
I messed with her, and about 10 minutes later heard the first gobble about 80 yards out.
YES!! I knew this was going to be a tough one as I was down on the other side of the hump a bit. I called the gobbler and hen for about 20 minutes and the hen came right up on me. SHe started at me for about 5 minutes lightly putting and purring. I thought she had busted me but fed off to my left a little bit. THe gobbler was following her at a distance.
It was 6:23 and I knew I had to act fast. The back side of that hump was super thick so I ran down the trail to the bottom where it opened up a bit. I found a good tree and sat down. I was high pitch front end yelping to try and make the hen mad. SHe came in again off to my left. The gobbler was in tow but hung up before commiting to crest the hill.
I figured it is do or die so I decided I would gobble. I couldn't use the tube so on my way home from work I have been playing with gobbling with a mouth call. I do a long really loud yelp and shake my hand in front of my mouth. I figured if he thought another bird was getting in on his girls he would get fired up and come check me out. IT was a huge risk but one I had to take given my time frame.
"YOBBLE OBLLELL OBBLLLEE" I let one fly. He instantly double gobbles. HE is coming in hotter now. I can hear him spitting and drumming. I can see a full fan and bright white crown.
I give him a few yelps but throw it the other way a bit so it is not too loud. He is coming off of the bench in full strut spitting and drumming. HE would break strut and look for the "other gobbler"
He was at 50 but I did not want to take that shot. I could see him coming down the hill. I did not want to let him get side tracked on the live hen and decided when he comes into the opening at 35-40 I would take the shot. He is spitting and drumming and stops just short of the opening. I have my gun on him and double check he is a long beard. "thanks to borden" He takes to steps.
:"BOOOOMMM!"
I let him have the 2 0z f #6 hevi shot and he flops straight down, no wing flapping of any sort. I take off and grab him.
I fill out my tag and check my phone. 6:47. Only a minute off from the jake kill yesterday. I fill out my tag and grab him and take off running for my truck so I am not late for work again. I snag a few in the woods pics and am off to the races.
I trip over a log and the gobbler gos flopping. I check and make sure my tag and twist tie (made sure to grab on last night) are still good and barrel to my escape.
I am huffing and puffing and pouring sweat by the time I get to the car but made it by 6:58. WHAT A HAUL THAT WAS WITH A 20# gobbler on my back.
I call my wife and see if she can get Corbin up. I get the biggest butt chewing about how we need this job, and I cant be late, and she is tired, you name it. Needless to say Corbin did not get to see this bird.
I snagged some quick pics of the bird.
NOt too bad of spurs, rounded and somewhere around and inch.
I buthchered him , and ran for the shower. I cant wait to get the text about the blood dropplets on the shower wall. LOL
I made it to work about 9 minutes late. Not to shabby.
THis was my best bird to date with 9 1/4" beard, 20.6#, and 3/4" spurs.
This will go down as my all time favorite hunt ever of any animal. I used my head, and every thing I decided to do worked exactly how I had planned. I will be doing up his tail fan and such and may get another vandykes turkey breast display for him. Might choose a different one.
THis season started BAD really BAD! I kept my head up. I was going to take a break today and sleep in but just had to get out there again.
I am done. My body is tired, legs are soar, and arms are weak. I put in a lot of miles in order to be successful. Back to back public land birds is something I can hang my hat on. Thanks again for all of the advice. I will only be going out now to help call for my buddies, or to take my nephew out. I love this sport, and it is by far my favorite. It has now passed grouse hunting and archery.
I learned a lot this season, and feel I more than doubled my skill set. It is rough getting up everymorning, and putting miles, and miles, in the PA hill country, but I feel I can say I joined the diehard club this season. I am still learning and have a lot more to learn, but have to say I improved my set up ability and calling. MY woodsmanship skills went up, and I am now able to hunt confidently and trust my gut.
Good luck to everyone still trying to fill you tags. Keep your head up, stick to it, and dont' ever give up.
There is no rest for the Wicked, and us how are proud members of Gobblers Anonymous.
Thanks for the read, but not too many Bowmike stories for the rest of the season.
