Finally got my turn .

[ilbucksndux]

The day finally arrived. I sent in for tags late and ended up with 5th season. I have never hunted this late so I was a little worried that it would take me a few days,but with a whole lot of luck I was back at the truck by 0630. Walking in a owl was hootng and had not one but 3 toms fired up. I knew right where they were and knew right where they were gonna pitch out so I slipped thru the bottom as quick and quiet as I could. I found a tree as close as I dared to get and sat down. As it got lighter the toms were firing off and I was as excited as I could be. Then from RIGHT behind me some hens started to cackle. I cant believe I walked right under them and they didnt bust me. The worst part about it I was still right under them and I knew I was gonna get busted. Then it happened. one of the toms flew down in front of me about 50 yards away and went into full strut. Another hit the ground not far from him The one that was strutting looked like he had a long thick beard,while the other one looked thinner. They both started to gobble their heads off,while the other tom was still in the tree gobbling every time they did. Then the hens hit the ground RIGHT behind me. I didnt move my head but I could hear them scratching around. One walked behind me and around to where the toms were. The toms had now moved closer to me the strutter was 40 yards away but no real shot and the other was inside 30 with his head up and I swear he was looking at me as he moved closer. I had decided that I instead of waiting out the strutter,I would shoot the first one that gave me a shot. I caught movement to my right and I turned my eyes to see a hen 10 feet and closing fast. if she stayed on course she was gonna be literally at the end of my gun barrel . It was now or never. The tom was at 25 yards and still walking so I made the softest yelp I could with the mouth call and he stopped and put his head up. He stopped and I shot. He started to flop and the other tom ran over and started to spur him. The other one flew down and ran over to watch the show. The hens on the other hand didnt like what was going on and they took off. The toms took the hint and ran off too so I went out and put my foot on his head. 22 pounds double beard one 10 1/2 the other 8 1/2 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 spurs .

[TauntoHawk]

thats a nice bird, good second bird on him too

[Greg Massey]

Nice job and a great story..nice bird

[tomstopper]

Congrats on a nice bird.

[Hookinembig]

Awesome bird and great job!!

[Dr Juice]

Awesome bird. Congrats.

[cramerhunts]

Congratulations on a great bird! Looks like it was a good thing this one gave you the shot and you took it versus waiting for the strutter!

[Gooserbat]

Looks great

[Farmboy27]

Dang nice bird. Congrats. Sounds like it was a short but exciting hunt.

[g8rvet]

Very nice.  Good story.

Double beard in the hand is worth 10 Toms in the bush! 

[WyoHunter]

Congrats! Beautiful bird!

[SteelerFan]

  Hunts like that make us feel silly with our special turkey guns, fancy calls, etc. - but, we'll take 'em!  Congrats!

[Happy]

Great bird! Congrats!

[renegade19]

 

[surehuntsalot]

congrats