Thanks to my brother Mike, he was able to step me thru the process of getting set-up here so I can post a few pictures.
This is a picture of my daughter Danielle. She has been hunting with me for the past 5 years. First 3 were a bust, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. The good Lord has rewarded her the past 2 years with a couple of great birds.
This year we had high expectations as we were hunting new land with several birds. Long story short, miserable weather, high winds put a damper on the hunt and our spirits. We had the 2nd season, and finally at about 4:00 on Thursday afternoon, we heard our first gobble of the day. Luckily for me I had her with me because I was ready to start heading in the opposite direction of where the gobble came from. I made the decision that we would have to try and cut the distance once I heard him sound off again after a short series of calls. We made it about 50 yards when I told her we need to set up and call, I did not want to bump the bird. Made a few soft calls and waited. It didn’t take long, maybe 3 to 4 minutes and I could hear him drumming and spitting. Danielle was faced in the opposite direction, so I had her swing around for the shot. The tom came in without making a sound. He needed to come about another 10 yards before I was comfortable that she could make the shot. He was in full strut looking for the hen when I gave her the green light. Both our guns pointed at the tom, mine was only for back up if needed. She whispered to me…”do I shoot him in full strut?” I told her when she has a clear shot take him. Her breathing picked up as he closed within 40 yards. She let him have it, and there was no need for the follow up shot.
The bird weighed 22.5 pounds, 10 3/4 beard, and 1 3/16, 1 1/4 spurs.
My brother and I have hunted together for the past 30 plus years, we’ve had some awesome hunts. We are now at the point where we can share our passion with our kids.
What an awesome and well earned bird!! 
