Author Topic: I busted my 2nd bird of the season!!! (Read 523 times)

Steelhead · « **on:** April 09, 2004, 11:25:31 AM »

Well the battle for this bird started on the 21st of March. I took time out to kill a bird on the 23rd, but this guy has been so henned up it isn't funny. I had him at 35 steps on the 28th of March, but there were 5 hens and a jake with him, and they were like Secret Service Agents on the President. I couldn't get a clear shot, and finally watched him march into the horizon. After many mornings ( I took almost 3 weeks of vacation for turkey season) I finally decided to give it a whirl this afternoon (April 5th)
I took my trusty sidekick along (my BEAUTIFUL FIANCE). We got setup at 4:50pm on a field edge. I told her not to expect much, and if anything did happen it would be QUIET, not like the mornings. Well hell, we weren't there 20minutes and I had cutt like hell with my mouth call, and gave it some more with a box. We were chit-chatting about getting a 22 rifle for her and I heard one cluck from the woods to my left (about 60 yards away). I told her to hang on, and I heard a few more clucks. I gave a few more calls, and then all was quiet for 10 minutes.

Now I am looking in the direction of the clucks, and suddenly over the ridge in the field, there he was. When they clear the ridge they are 50 yards out. He came in slowly, then starting to strut and drum. I didn't think I would ever get my gun in the right direction. Finally he turned his tail to me in full strut, up came the gun, then my ever observent fiance moved over towards me slightly so I could rest my shooting elbow on her shoulder (GOD I LOVE HER). After a minute or so he moved to within range, and down he went. After the shot a hen flew from the woods to were he was laying, clucked a few times and returned to the woods. I stepped it off at 39 paces.

Stats: 19 pounds, 10 inch beard and 1 1/2" spurs.

Power · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2004, 12:00:12 PM »

Dandy bird and great story. Isn't it great having your significant other also your hunting partner? My gorgeous wife is also my deer/elk hunter but I haven't been able to get her excited about Turkeys yet.

Some day.... :lol:

pa ridge-runner · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2004, 01:08:40 AM »

Nice bird! Super hunting experience too.I am guessing this was an Osceola longbeard??Here in Pa we dont get started til first week of May.We also can hunt only til noon,and must be out of the woods by 1pm.Are there alot of turkeys in N.W. Fla?I lived in Charlotte county for 1 year and saw many Osceola's there.I noted that they are a very tall slim bird.Good huntin!! Pa RR

Steelhead · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2004, 02:51:51 AM »

PA RR,

Nope, they classify them as Eastern's in this area. Though many look JUST like an Osceola. Small irregular white bands in the wing feathers. But who cares! They are pretty locallized in the county that I hunt, I got lucky and a rancher has allowed me to be the only hunter on his property, and it doesn't cost me a DIME!

I grew up in Charlotte county (Englewood). There are a BUNCH of birds in the Punta Gorda area.

Some day I will try those yankee birds! I use to have family in your area, in fact my father is buried in Narrowsburg, NY. Just across the Delware, probably not too far from you. Beautiful country.

pa ridge-runner · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2004, 12:01:26 PM »

Have been to Narrowsburg many times! I usually cross the Delaware River there when I hunt NY state in November.(deer).The shad migration goes as far as Narrowsburg in the spring,a popular area is Zane Grey pool in the Lackawaxon area of Pa.Also loved Punta Gorda and saw quite a few birds near the Arcadia area.That part of Fla is not very developed and there are also quite a few hogs.I didnt get a chance to hunt them but would have LOVED to.
Turkey hunting in Pa is fantastic!Only problem is too many hunters on the public land.A fella needs private land where the birds are not as educated.I think turkey hunting in America is alot different,depending on where you live.It's fun to hear of other hunters experiences with Turkeys, the one bird that is very hard to figure :? :?Good luck!!

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2004, 02:39:08 PM »

That little barbeque place on the corner in Arcadia near the railroad tracks still there?

MLRowland · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2004, 05:26:31 PM »

Great pic of that limbhanger.If my eyes are see well I think that is a Eastern wild turkey because it did not have the dark barr feathers on the wings.I'am I right?