The FnF Spring 2010 Biggest Wild Turkey Contest

[linemansteve]

WOW, Jim thats mighty nice of you and chet Thats way more than I was hoping for. I was hoping maybe to win one of Coulters turkey calls but this is way over the top Thanks Steve

[HaMeR]

Nice bird Steve!! Congratulations!! I'll be back out this weekend. 

[Coulter]

Finally...A turkey. I thought you southern boys had earlier seasons than us Yanks

Anyway, way to go Steve! Nice bird too.

Steve

[weedwalker]

Way To Go Steve !!! Very nice bird. Congrats.

[Frogman]

WTG!!  Steve!

Jim

[KySongDog]

I had to miss the first three days of turkey season and things just seem to get worse.  I got to hunt three days last week with no results.   I heard nothing the first day; the second day I heard a couple of gobbles across the creek from my place ( I can’t hunt there) then nothing.  Last Friday I finally got one to answer but again he was on the other side of the creek and wasn’t coming my way.  I heard some hens and figured he wasn’t leaving them for little ‘ol me.  I managed to call up a couple of jakes to about 15 yards and almost took my frustration out on the lead jake.  But then I decided not to drop the hammer and let him walk.

This week I hunted Monday and heard nothing again.  Turkey season sort of sucks if you don’t hear turkeys.     This morning was a whole 'nother story.

I heard some gobbling across the creek early and figured this was going to be a repeat of last Friday.  Then, way off, I heard a faint gobble.  I headed in his direction to see if he was on my ground.  After hustling 500-600 yards, I finally figured out he was on MY side of the dayumed creek and still gobbling his head off!     That means NO hens! (at least I hoped that’s what it meant).   

The woods look like a jungle from the ice storm last year with low visibility so I was able to slip within about 70 yards of him.  I couldn’t see him but I knew where he was.  I got set up and started calling.  He gobbled back.  I hit him with a cackle and he tripled gobbled a thundering answer!  I got him now, I thought.  Then I remembered a basic turkey hunting rule. “You ain’t got the gobbler until your foot is on his neck.”   

I sat motionless, eyes searching for movement, and then I caught a glimpse of his fan.  He was strutting just over the rise from where I set up.  I could only see bits and pieces of him through the limbs, leaves and brush as he strutted to attract the sweet heart he thought was me.  He wasn’t coming!     He was hung up.  Now what I thought.  My heart was pounding and the adrenaline was racing.  Calm down I thought. This may be my only chance this season. Don’t blow it! 

I softly yelped and saw his fan drop.  Up popped his head and he slowly peaked around a tree to look for me.  It was now or never.  I could just barely see his head and neck.  I put the green dot of my scope on his neck and squeezed the trigger.  I only felt a gentle push as the 3 ½ inch Remington HD 4’s did their job.  He went down and I jumped up and raced to him to make sure he stayed down. It was a 45 yard shot.

This was one of the most exciting turkey hunts I’ve had in a long time.  Thanks for following along with me. 

Semp


Beard:  9 inch

Spur:  1 1/16

Spur:  1 1/8

Total:  11 3/16

Weight: 19 pounds

[alscalls]

 

WTG! Semp!

[weedwalker]

Way To Go Semp!!! Nice bird and great story.

[JohnP]

Good looking bird.  Glad that you finaly made it out.  Green dot - did you use the Vortex?

[pitw]

Way to go Semp.  I knew I would read the word thundering if you were to connect and no disappointment there .  Excellent write up and fab pics to boot .  Glad you put meat in the pot.

[HaMeR]

By golly you get er done Semp!! Conmgratulations my Friend!! 

[Frogman]

Great write up and photos.  Made me feel like I was right there with you!  WTG, Semp!  Good shooting!

Jim

[KySongDog]

Green dot - did you use the Vortex?

Yep, I mounted the Strike Fire on my Benelli.  I like the green dot instead of the red dot for the woods.  I had to put a cheek pad on the stock to due to the height of the mount.  I ought to find a gun smith and drill and tap the receiver. 

[Bills Custom Calls]

   

Good job semp

[linemansteve]

Way to go Semp !! nice looking bird. It's a real rush isn't it. Steve

[Coulter]

Now we're talking...great write up Semp and good lookin bird ya got there too. Congratulations!

Our season opens Saturday...but, but, but I will be heading back to Havre De Grace, MD for another decoy show. I haven't missed opening day in a long time, but we're talking ducks man...oh and crab omelettes

Okay, who's next?

Steve

[iahntr]

Congratulations Steve !
Congratulations Semp !
Super job men. Congrats ! 

[FinsnFur]

[markTNhunter]

nice long beard semp great hunt story

[jdbp]

Looks like im gonna have to buy a call, I sure cant win one!