Redemption..........Rookie Mistake

[KySongDog]

After my last adventure in the turkey woods, I decided to set the alarm an hour earlier.( http://www.finsandfur.net/forums/index.php?topic=7343.0  )    I might not see anything but at least I wouldn't be late getting in to the woods again. 

I made my way to the area I wanted to hunt and sat down beside a big tree and waited for daylight.  The wind was out of the north about 10 mph and I was on the north side of a ridge.  I thought the birds (if they were there) would be on the south side out of the wind.  I didn't want to risk accidentally getting too close to them. 

Daylight came and sure enough they sounded off about 200 yards away directly across from me on the south side of the ridge.  I tried a couple of calls but no takers.  I heard a couple of fly downs and then they sounded like they were on the ground and moving away from me to the west. 

So I slipped about 25 yards down the ridge toward the creek and then headed west keeping the ridge line between me and the birds.  After about 300 yards or so I turned south went over the crest of the ridge and got on the same side the turkeys were on.  I dropped into a small swale and listened.  I could hear them now about 200 yards to the east.  I picked out a good size tree and got set up. 

After waiting awhile I called and got an answer.  When they barely came in to view I could see a BUNCH of fans!  Man, my heart started racing.  They kept milling around about a 100 yards or so away and not coming any closer.  They weren't interested in hens right now and I didn't think a kee kee run call would work.  What to do?   I'm sitting dead still and I know if I can see a turkey, the turkey can see me.  I wanted to try some fighting purrs but its too much hand movement when the birds are this close.  So I thought what the hell I'll try an excited hen cut.  Maybe the birds don't know its December and not April.  So I called and then WOW!  Every one of those gobblers GOBBLED back at the exact same time!  The sound exploded through the woods.  It was LOUD! They only gobbled once but it sure got my blood boiling! 

That did it.  They had to see where that hot December babe was.  So here they came.  When they got 40 yards out I dropped the hammer on the lead bird.  I couldn't wait any longer.  I was afraid if they got any closer they'd hear my heart pounding.     The 3 1/2 in #5 Hevi Shot dropped him in his tracks.

Just goes to show ya, ya never know what will work until ya try it.   

Here's the result:  19 ¼ lbs, 8 ¾ in beard, and ¾ in spurs.  I figure it was about a two year old bird.   I saw a really big boy in that group but he'll just have to wait till spring.   

Gawd, I luvs turkey hunting!   

[pitw]

That is truly awesome and I'm glad it worked out well for you .  That's a pretty bird and some day I hope to see one in the wild.

[iahntr]

Nice one Semp ! 

[Frogman]

WTG Semp,
     Great story and description of your hunt.  Almost had my heart pumping too!!

Jim

[coyote101]

Way to go Semp!  Congratulations on a great hunt.

Pat

[FinsnFur]

That's the Johnny we've all grown to know and love

I knew ya could do it. Actually I knew you'd do it, but I didnt want to pump ya up too bad and have ya blow it.

[alscalls]

Now that Is An Adventure!!!!! GREAT Story! Congrats for sure you earned that bird And I could not wait to see what happened next. Turkey hunting is one of my very favorites...top two for sure.
Proud of ya buddy...I Love it

[Silencer]

WTG Semp !!!   

[misfire]

Way to go!!!!! Duck season isnt half over and I still find myself looking to turkey season

[vvarmitr]

Semp that is spectacular! 

Thanks for sharing your hunt w/ us.