Finally got a bird last Saturday!
The last three years I have killed one within an hour on the first day. I was starting to think I was good at it. This year threw me a curve. We had 5 days of 90+ degree weather at the start of season. I think thats what threw me but I'm not sure. I hunted the 27th, 28th, 2nd, and the 4th. In those four days I probably only heard 5 gobbles. All off of our property. I know there are birds around there. I see flocks of 50+ turkey all the time in the winter. The first day I found two jakes out in the middle of a field by themselves. Figured it'd be easy. They didn't care a bit when I started calling. Just worked their way out of the field. I was really starting to get frustrated.
Last friday I did a lil better. I was on a flock but it didn't work out. They weren't gobbling so I tryed to use the fall "scatter tactic." Almost worked - hens went one way and the gobblers went the other (how often does that happen!?) But unfortunately when the gobblers came back it was about 100 yards up the hill from me.
I got in the woods Saturday with my brother. It was almost depressing. Not a single gobble or yelp anywhere. We walked around checking fields before heading back at 8. Earliest I've ever came in. We ate breakfast and went back out. While walking down the road talking, I walked over to the other side of the path so that I could see into the field sooner. When I did I broke the ridge so I could just barely see down the hill. I caught movement. About 60 yards down the hill was a gobbler. Just looking at me through the HEAVY brush. By the time I raised the gun he was starting to leave, but it was too late for him. 9.5 inch beard and 1.5in spurs. I was relieved. Just shows that you should never give up!
Note - NEVER PICK UP A FLOPPING TURKEY BY THE LEGS!!! I've been doing it for years without a problem. Keeps them from tearing up their fan. But when I grabbed this guy he spun, digging his spur into my trigger finger. I have a 1.5inch gash. It's not very deep but it still hurt. I'm just now starting to be able to move it again (I couldn't have typed this with it sunday!) I think I may try grabbing them by the neck. I've seen others do this. Maybe it'll work out better.
