Why I turkey hunt

Ray Masciarella · 03-04-2013, 08:40 AM

I've taken nearly 100 gobblers but the best hunts have always been those where I called one in for my boys, Ray and Anthony.

The first photo is Ray's first and the second photo is his latest taken on Sat. It was his 14th gobbler.

The third photos is Anthony's first and his latest taken on Sat. It was his
19th gobbler. One of the few things he beats his big brother at!!!

charlie cleveland · 03-04-2013, 08:05 PM

ray you have got a turkey hunting family for sure...really nice photo s...are you hunting in florida...hope you get to hang no 100 on the wall before long...charlie

Dean Romig · 03-04-2013, 09:15 PM

They're pretty lucky to have you Ray! What a legacy you've given them.

Dean

Ray Masciarella · 03-05-2013, 07:13 AM

Charlie

I always told the boys I want to get 100 before I go but I better stop at 99 so I don't send myself off too soon!

Best, Ray

charlie cleveland · 03-05-2013, 02:42 PM

ray do them boys of yours shoot thatgun of yours...im still trying to beat your score but aint got close yet.... charlie

Mills · 03-05-2013, 02:48 PM

100 turkeys is extremely impressive. My goal for this season is to get my son Harry to sit still and be quiet. I also want to go more than I did last season.

Ray Masciarella · 03-05-2013, 03:23 PM

Charlie, they have their own guns that are about just as good. In a 10" circle at 40 yards, my average pellet count is about 315. Raymond's is about 305. Right now I'm building a new gun for Anthony now that he can shoot a full size gun. The load has never been a problem for him but he is just getting to where he can handle a 14 1/4" LOP. Hope his gun doesn't turn out better than mine!!!

Mills, here is how you do it. Hunt 30 days a season for about 20 years and you'll get close like me!!!! Do the math-the failure rate is high!!!! But there is nothing better than hanging around with Harry, right?

Bill Murphy · 03-05-2013, 06:18 PM

Ray, are you hunting on public land? What kind of access do you have and what kind of interference do you experience on the land you hunt? Thanks.

Ray Masciarella · 03-05-2013, 07:52 PM

Bill, I'm fortunate enough to have access to private land most of the time. There is huge demand for the Osceola from all those fellas trying to get their grand slam. Public land hunting is actually very good but one must get back deep into the areas as the areas of easy access are very over crowded. Makes for poor hunting and is dangerous. These birds were taken on a lease I have had for several years and I have done my best to manage it. Try to only take gobblers 3 years and up. Last year we took three birds with spurs 1 1/2" to 1 3/4 tho Osceola tend to have longer spurs than easterns. Nevertheless, last years birds were exceptional.

Richard Flanders · 03-06-2013, 10:39 AM

100?? I'm still hoping for my first turkey...!