[mobirdhunter]

After the Southern Elaine and I hit the road wandering back in time to give our "hometown" turkeys a try. Over the course of several hunts I was able to use two guns I'd planned for some hunts at our farm. The birds were cooperative.

The first bird -- a bearded hen (yes, legal in the Show-me State) -- I called in hoping that it was part of a flock with a gobbler. She was alone and took exception to my expensive decoy and so, became my first ever bearded hen...and with the first shot from my John Dickson and Sons back action hammer gun. This 10 bore was produced in 1888 according to Dicksons, and it was made for the very eccentric Charles Gordon (a relative??). So, Elaine says we know at least two crazy guys owned this gun.

The second bird was part of this morning's ridge top drama that unfolded with me throwing everything I had at two Toms that started gobbling well before first light after getting revved up by a coyote serenade. I threw everything I had at them -- four different calls -- trying to make them think there was a party in my opening. After an hour of challenge calling between them, they wandered the woods road on cue, and when they saw the Jake and hen decoys, the deal was sealed. I used my Ithaca 3 1/2 inch magnum. At well over 11 pounds this 1937 monster used to be my go-to turkey gun (I can't believe now that I toted that gun all over creation "back in the day").

The way both these birds were enticed to their end by my decoys reminded me of one of my favorite Gordon MacQuarrie passages, "They learned a lesson that was of no further use to them."

The decoys did the trick, finished up with two grands guns

Guys, thanks for sharing your turkey hunts and keep the photos and stories coming. They are appreciated.

I am blessed and grateful.