The trusty 8 gauge P hammer came through again on opening morning! Using that gun makes turkey hunting extra special.

Way to go! Nice looking bird and Parker!

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!

The good thing about missing (ask me how I know), is that you get to keep hunting. The hunt is really the best part (but the eating ranks high, too).

Looking forward to more reports, Reggie!

I am just thankful there is still a 100 acre tract of undeveloped river property (or any type of land tract) in this part of the world. Developers have moved into this area in droves buying up tracts of land. Farms have sold that I would never have imagined selling in my lifetime. Progress they say.

Not sure why but missing a turkey seems to haunt me in my sleep more than any other missed opportunity. Re-live it and analyze it and ponder it and dream about it and re-pattern my gun and throw salt over my shoulder over and over. God they are a wonderful animal.

Chris, I hear you. Missed a WV turkey last week, cant figure out how.

I feel better to know that I am not alone Harold!

Chris I am looking for my salt shaker............

The only turkey I have ever missed was less than 35 yards and he was standing still. I put the bead high on his neck just below his head… 12 gauge, 1 1/8 oz #6 from a full choke barrel. He stood still for about 3 seconds then launched for the trees.
Judging by the way he crashed directly into three tree trunks and a few heavy limbs my guess is that a pellet entered one eye and directly out the other… he seemed to be totally blind. I searched deep into the woods and never found him…





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Missed my bird with a 12 ga hammer gun as it was walking away. Didn't make the same mistake today. I have taken birds with my SXSs, but much prefer using my old 870 that I bought with summer hay baling money when I was 18, probably taken close to 40 turkeys with it. Worked this bird for 3 hours this morning before it finally made its mistake.