Minnesota Turkey opener – Alex’s 1st Hunt

Well turkey season started for my son Alex, my brother and me this morning at 4:30am with a couple bowls of cereal and some cartoons. Then it was time to throw on the camo, pack up some snacks and head to the woods. We left home at about 5:40am with no rain in sight and high expectations. After a short 10 minute drive we arrived at the farm and we began to unload everything and I couldn’t help but laugh as I observed Alex talking to and feeding some calves. He could’ve stayed there longer but it was time to head to the blind as daylight was approaching fast.

Alex getting ready to do some calling!

Once we got to the blind and got settled in we unpacked some calls and waited for that first gobble of the day. The morning started out quiet with some birds chirping and the sounds of the farmer starting his morning chores. It wasn’t long after that we heard our first gobble followed by at least five more. My sole mission on this hunt was for Alex to have fun and when he asked if he could try some calling I was all for it. I handed him a slate call and told him to call them in! The toms kept on gobbling their heads off and I’m not sure if it was his calling that was making them do it or not but he sure thought so. He let me know though numerous times that he was calling them in for us.

Turkey jerky while turkey hunting!!

After a while the birds stopped gobbling and Alex thought it was time for a snack. As he pulled out the turkey jerky I decided to try some “turkey talk” of my own. Within minutes of calling we could hear a hen behind the blind putting and clucking but we never did see her. I kept going with some soft yelps and purrs in the hope that a tom was nearby and would show himself. It couldn’t have been five minutes when my soft yelping was cut off by two toms and they were closer than I expected. I started to get Alex ready when they let loose again and they sounded even closer yet. My brother cracked the zipper to take a peak in their direction and he whispered something like, “They are coming… and FAST!!!” I told Alex get ready and called again. The boys answered and they were DEFINITELY coming. I reached down to grab the camera and by the time I looked up, they were right in front of the blind. I asked Alex if he was ready and he answered with an “uh huh”. I barely had time to remind him to aim at the head and shoot when he dumped him right in his tracks. I can honestly say that this was my favorite hunt to date and I couldn’t be happier or more proud.

18lbs with a 10 inch beard, and 1 inch spurrs.