Got in on a ridge where several have been good to me over the years and got one gobbling hard, but was long way off. He was the only one I heard all morning and about 9:30 he was getting little closer. Just over ridge at 10:00, and a little clucking and soft purrs and I spotted his white head for a second. Shift to my left ever so quietly, but no matter how hard you try to move there is always some sound that they can always hear, just the clothes rubbing is all it takes. Well he gobbled at that move and I felt that I was lined up with him..so let out soft cluck and up comes that white head/red waddles. Still had not seen beard or anything but did not think it was a jake, so let it fly. Could not see him go down but heard wings flapping and boy when I got to him I was not disappointed. Like walking up on a 12 pt. when you thought it was an 8...that kind of feeling. Had 11" beard, 19.4 lbs. and spurs 1 9/16 and 1 10/16. Hung him on my grapevine wire for the vines to run on, and he hung for picture taking. Haven't been able to do that in a long time. Hooks like that are few and far between around here. Will try to post some pictures when my son gets in to help me. Not much gobbling this year and that is little disappointing so you have to be a little more patience and play your hunches and hope for the best. Seen years like this before and feel like the last week of the season they will break loose. Good hunting to all on here.
