Went out early this morning to a 100 acre river bottom farm with lots of old standing hardwood. I sat down just before day light on a ridge above the river. Two birds began to gobble, one to my left and one to my right. I made a few clucks using a mouth call and the excitement began! The bird to my left almost ran to me but came in behind me. I tried to turn enough to get a shot but he saw me and was gone. The 2nd gobbler never came in. I moved on down toward the river about half a mile from my 1st spot and called briefly and another gobbler answered. He too came in quickly, gobbling often. I had my shot and missed! I couldn't believe it! He was well within range, I just flat out missed him. Two exciting encounters but nothing harvested. The last time I had this kind of start to a season I changed guns and got a gobbler on the next outing. I have been using a sweet old Damascus GHE 16. Maybe I need to take one of the long barrel 20s out next trip!
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"A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way."
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