For the last 5 years I have found many reasons not to hunt Turkeys and didn’t really miss it much until I started reading the turkey forum. It was then that I realized what I was missing, After some coaxing from Joel I applied for a permit and was drawn for the 3rd season.
Opening morning Tom
The preceding 2 weeks had shown very little activity so my expectations were low to say the least! Opening morning found me set up in the same Bottleneck that Both TOP HEAVY and Myself had had shot turkeys in previous years. My 1st set of calls were answered by at least 6 toms! I worked those Toms for well over an hour but they locked up at about 60 yards and wouldn’t come any closer.
Close up of head and beard
By this time I had given up any hope of shooting any of these birds. I kept thinking that a good turkey hunter could bring those birds in close enough for a shot. Thats when I got the idea to text Joel N. and ask for his advice. He immediately responded with at least 6 different scenarios and what to do in each case.within 10 minutes The birds had closed the distance to about 35 yards, Close enough for a Shot with the Matthews and a 2 Blade Rage Broadhead. I put my 40 yard pin on him and released, I watched as the arrow hit its mark. The Tom went down but was not dead, the other 5 Toms were all over him, he ended up flying just out of my sight with the other Toms in pursuit. I could hear and see the Other Toms jumping on him so I knew he was hurt bad. I waited at least an hour for the toms to move off not wanting to spook them before I went looking for My bird. he was only about 60 yards away but still alive so One more shot was needed to finish him off.
” Happy Hunter”
Well I guess I’m Hooked again! Thanks Joel for the tips and for taking the pictures, without your suggestions I don’t think I could have brought him in close enough for a shot.
I also want to thank everyone on the site for the Great Turkey hunting info that everyone so freely shares.
The Tom Had A heavy 9 1/4″ beard and 1 1/8″ spurs. Joel Figured he was a 3 1/2 year old Bird