As everybody knows, time has a way of getting away from you. It was May 12th as I looked at the calendar, wondering when the heck I would even be able to get out!
Joel and I had today 5/14, and tomorrow on the books to get out and get it done. Rewind to yesterday midday as we sat on the shores of Leech Lake fishless, needing to film the last show of the season for IDO.
With the wind bucking and the mercury plummeting, the fish weren’t cooperating by any means. It was either head up to Lake of the Woods and fish, and for go any chance at harvesting a turkey or grinding it out on local lakes.
We opted for the latter, and in true IDO fashion, forced the fish into submission. Now, 8pm in Walker with a 6 hour drive with a pit stop at home to get to Cannon Falls. I must have been determined because around 2am I snuck in Joel’s house to catch a few hours of shut eye before our 440 wake up call.
You couldn’t ask for a much more picture perfect morning as the first rays of light emerged from beyond the horizon. It was dead still, with frost coating the ground. We sat a top the hill waiting for the first signs of life from below. Needing to get the ball rolling, Joel let off a series of hoots and a drowsy gobbler let off a quiet report.
I motioned to Joel, as he didn’t hear it. Right away he knew it was the bird he had roosted the night previous. We snuck close, almost too close as the bird turned on the limb and let out a thunderous gobble. We immediately hunkered down and waited.
He kept our eyes glued on the woods as a constant parade of gobbles emerged. Slowly they became less and less frequent as he neared time to fly down.
A few light notes on Joel’s slate call and a mock fly down, was greeted with more excitement. Finally, he turned towards us on the limb and pitched down. 10 minutes later I saw a white head bobbing around as the spitting and drumming grew near. He hung up around 60 yards, pacing back and forth. Concerned he may leave the area, Joel worked a combo slate mouth call as the bird double tucked his wings and beelined to the edge of the trees.
As soon as he came into view, I let one rip! Connecting like a ton of bricks, the bird pilled up around the 40 yard mark!
Another great experience, short and sweet! Joel really has those birds in his back pocket as he knew the lay of the land like the back of hand, and could predict the movements with uncanny accuracy. A great way to end the 2014 Turkey season! 
