Between the weather, work and some other things I had going on, I was only able to hunt 3 half days during my season. I had managed to call in a large group of hens and jakes the first time out, but no toms. The second day, the birds were not vocal and I got soaked to the bone. My last chance was this evening. I set up on a spot where the birds usually go from a field into the woods to roost. After about an hour, and some light calling every fifteen minutes or so, I hear footsteps behind me. They get close – really close. I catch a glimpse of a tom as it passes about five feet to my right and it is the biggest tom I have ever had a shot at. So, my heart is pounding, but he is acting very cautious and has his eye on me. I’m afraid to blink at this point. When he got about fifteen yards out in the field, he apparently decided he did not like something about my setup and he started to run slowly away. He was only about ten yards from cresting a little rise and being out of my sight, so I took a shot at him on the run, and missed! Very frustrating to be that close to a big bird and not be able to close the deal. But it was awesome to be that close to a big tom. I was really surprised he got that close in the first place.
I hope the rest of you have better luck – and better weather for your seasons.
However, give yourself some credit. You were in the right spot and to be that close to a mature tom is an accomplishment in itself.