Turkey hunting stories

[hugh rather]

Anyone go this weekend? Not hearing many in North Ms.

[Garry L Gordon]

Hugh, we have another month to go before our season, and our birds are still in flocks...although I have seen some Toms wandering along with the family groups near our house.

Oh, for gobbling time! Good luck to you down South.

[charlie cleveland]

i went friday i had no luck...not a sound or a track or a dropping seen....i have heard of 2 gobblers killed in my area.....others say the same thing i did no luck yet.... i did get them long range 12 ga shells the new tss tungston federal load in no 9 shot with 2 1/4 ounce of shot.i did pattern it in a benelli automatic...it will take a turkey at 70 yards on paper.....with room to spare unbelievable pattern...also got a 20 ga load 3 inch that got 1 1/2 ounce of shot in it called 3 rd degree suppose to be good up close and mid range and out to 50 yards...aint tried the 20 yet ive never hunted with a 20 ga for turkeys...just the old 8 gas the 10 ga my favorite and the 12 ga used a 16 ga a coupla times but never got a shot with it....charlie

[charlie cleveland]

this new tss shot does say on the pacage it could be harmful to gun barrels so shoot it at your own risk it says on box...the shot is harder than steel.....charlie

[hugh rather]

The 20's are great with the tungsten shot ; very impressive on ducks. Patterns like nothing else in a 20 with great penetration.Cannot bring myself to use it in a Parker but good in the 1100 3".

[Dean Romig]

I would think plastic shot cups with #8 or 9 shot should be okay in Parker barrels.





.

[CraigThompson]

The 20's are great with the tungsten shot ; very impressive on ducks. Patterns like nothing else in a 20 with great penetration.Cannot bring myself to use it in a Parker but good in the 1100 3".

I was thinking the same thing if I was gonna shoot the new shot I’d use an 870 , 1100 or 11/87 . And if you scored the barrel no biggie just get a new barrel .

[Mills Morrison]

SC comes in Wednesday and Georgia comes in Saturday. Looking forward to it and hope other "stuff" does not get in the way of me going at least by Saturday

[Daniel G Rainey]

report from north Miss. Opening day Friday the 15. Winter trying to turn into spring. Overcast very little wind temps. in the high30's. heard a couple just across the railroad off of club property, but they will cross on to us they do it all the time. Set facing east 100 yards off the railroad 50 yards from a small field and here comes the train. Trains do seem to mess up turkeys. I think It is because they have seen and heard them since the day they were hatched. After train got out of the way the woods settled down I yelped a couple times and leaded back against my tree just enjoying being there. After 3 or 4 minutes A turkey gobbled then a gobbled again in a couple minutes. Then I realized the turkey was behind me. ( I am totally deaf in my right ear and have awful time with sound direction ) I slipped to another tree 4 feet away got set. About this time he was to close to move and I was in a open area too open. there he was dark as night with red head bobing as angled toward me. He got to about 75 yards and stopped fanned out gobbled and really put on the show. I yelped a time or two over the next 20 minutes and he walked back and forth looking for than hen. It was so damned open where I was and the gobbler knew if there hen there and she moved he would see her. He gobbled and gobbled and double gobbled on his own. Never in 48 years of turkey hunting have I seen a gobbler get this worked up this early in the season. It was like late April and all the hens are nesting and he had been cut off for week by all the girl turkeys. He was so loud I was thinking That he was going to call up every turkey in the bottom. All at once he starts acting uneasy looking back and walking back and forth and here comes 2 gobblers fanned out the running toward him. They face off gobble at each other and play whip ass for a short time while I setting there praying they run the SOB by me. ( had that to happen one time) All at once they stop and the 2 newcomers begin to walk off. Guess they made there minds there was no need to fight since was no hen. After a very short time the first gobbler just walked away and I just relaxed thinking only six more weeks of this and what a way to start the season. Know where I will Saturday.

[Garry L Gordon]

Daniel, It sounds like you were in the right spot and got to see a good show. A successful hunt in my book. Keep us posted.

[Jim Wescott]

Headed back to Savannah River end of the month for turkey and hog. Found lots of birds and quite a few hog. Killed this big sow with friends Weatherby 300 magnum after missing a couple “chip shots” with my Parker. I’ll run slugs in left barrel and turkey load in right barrel. Good luck to all and hunt safely.

[Mills Morrison]

I have hunted several places along the Savannah River. There are lots of good areas

[Phillip Carr]

Daniel what a great story of your hunting experience. It got me excited thinking about chasing these birds. Season for me is still another month away.
A couple of pictures from 2018 to jump start the Parker Turkey adrenaline.
Pictures of Hunt with Member Bob Hayes in Florida at his lodge with my 8 gauge and a Gobbler in New Mexico with my 32” 20.

[charlie cleveland]

nice 8 gauge and turkey...them barrels on that 20 ga look 4 foot long.....good luck on up coming hunt...charlie

[Mills Morrison]

SC opens tomorrow. I am thinking of taking one of the big bores this weekend. We'll see

[Shawn Wayment]

I'm really looking forward to this spring and chasing mounting Merriam's. Gotta wait til the snow melts and the green up starts before they'll be on their leks.

[Daniel G Rainey]

Report from north Miss. The war goes on but not many battles being fought. After an outstanding opening morning, the turkeys have all but gone in a hole. Sunday my son was in town and he wanted to try an afternoon hunt after the bird I was on opening morning. He just knew that decoys would do the turn the trick. We got on him and got him fired up. In about 15 minutes here he comes. Stops gobbles and looks at the fanned gobbler and hen walking round but not coming in. after a while he just eases off down the bottom. Have not heard him since. Most of friends are not hearing much. But it is just March 20 and I have had some outstanding years when I did not heard one unti April. But when the season is open it is HARD not to go.

[Gerald McPherson]

Season opens Saturday here. Can't sleep. Turkeys everywhere.

[Mark Ray]

Headed out Sunday hoping for a repeat of last year!

Early lifter short 10, $125 grade, first known exposed hinge pin Parker!

[Mills Morrison]

Planning to go tomorrow

[charlie cleveland]

i plan on going to mills...good hunting.....4.00 comes early mills.....charlie

[henderson Marriott]

Been out in W. Central Alabama. Cool mornings and tracks, but "All quiet on the Western Front".

Technical: What is the general opinion on using HEVI or Bismuth in vintage barrels?
I have a SuperFox, Long Range LC Smith, and a BE grade Fox. All are 1920s guns
with 30-32 in barrels and full chokes. The LC Smith got the last gobbler-lead Super X
# 5s. Really would like to know about non-toxic shot shells...........

The 1923 Parker AAHE is like a Boykin Spaniel that has to stay home on a duck hunt.
It guards the safe.

[Mark Ray]

Bismuth and Nice Shot are the go to non tox for vintage barrels in my opinion. I shoot Bismuth loaded by RST for my waterfowl hunting. Personally I don't worry too much about turkey loads, as I sort of use the same logic I use Bow hunting, and seldom take a shot over 30 yards, and never take a shot over 40 yards, and typically take a shot at 15-25 yards. At 20 yards, I don't know of a load over 3/4's of an ounce of lead 4's,5's or 6's that wont get the job done, regardless of gauge. Was hunting with David Boyles this week, and he was shooting a nifty DHE 20 using RST 3/4 oz 2 1/2" 4's, and his bird died where it was standing. I was shooting RST short 10, lite's 1 1/4 oz of fives, and my bird was dropped like a bad habit.

[Dean Romig]

Man, I'd hate to be a bearded turkey anywhere near where you two guys are hunting...:eek: Talk about getting snuffed out before your time....:cheers:





.

[Mark Ray]

Here is David Boyles grandson Cortland, myself and David doing the posing on this past Monday and tuesday. 16 parker, short 10 parker and 20 parker respectively!

[Dean Romig]

.Like I said before...:eek: and :cheers:





.

[Mills Morrison]

That is awesome!

[charlie cleveland]

i will be back in the woods saturday morning...first hunt i seen nothing not even a track last saturday seen no turkey but seen some tracks and had a hen come by out of sight but was clucking away....so this saturday hopefully is the day to see a big tom....them are some fine guns and turkeys you boys have there....good hunting to all....charlie

[Mills Morrison]

Mills and I are going back Saturday. I got him some new Turkey clothes. It will be fun even if all we get is breakfast at Altman's afterwards

[Dean Romig]

i will be back in the woods saturday morning...first hunt i seen nothing not even a track last saturday seen no turkey but seen some tracks and had a hen come by out of sight but was clucking away....so this saturday hopefully is the day to see a big tom....them are some fine guns and turkeys you boys have there....good hunting to all....charlie


Charlie, why limit yourself to Saturdays? You’re retired aren’t you?





.

[charlie cleveland]

dean i was retired but went back to work....i will take a week off in a coupla more weeks....the turkeys aint gobbling like they should so far but hopefully when the bugs begin to be in the fields times will change.....charlie

[charlie cleveland]

i have no turkey storey to tell this weekend...thursday morning going to work a rear tire blowed out on my pickup went about a quater mile before i could pull safely off the rode no damage other than tire...i jacked the truck up took the lug nuts off aluminum rim was stuck to the axle...called several people for help but no body answered ....call the wife it was now 6.15 am told her to bring me a sledge hammer she says what is that....after explaing what it looked like and where it was she brought it to me about 20 minutes later....knocked the rim off but took several blows....got the spare and it was about flat so a short ride to a truck shop they aired up my tire....went back to truck put on the spare let the jack down...bow was i pooped...my daughter came by and stopped she grabbed up the blowed out tire and throwed it in the bed....thank goodness for that.....they said for me to rest a while when i got to work this i did i had a easy day so saturday morning i was setting at the tire shop at 7.00am to get new tires on the truck...plus now a sledge hammer rides with me....i went home got the tractor out and my grandson came over a help service the tractor...then at 3 oclock my brother came by to visit and there went my evening turkey hunt...oh well next time....charlie

[Mills Morrison]

Mills and I had one really close on Saturday but wouldn't come in, as usual.

This morning Dad and I heard one way in the distance and he went the other way

[henderson Marriott]

Is there any research on wild turkeys coming close to examine engraving on
graded shotguns- to comment on the quality of Gough workmanship?

If not, maybe I'll just take a M-12 Heavy Duck gun and use the Fox or Parker AAHE
like a decoy hen. The hens are around but the heavier birds must be 4 yr olds
that have gotten smart - quiet, and sneaky................

[charlie cleveland]

the model 12 duck gun is one fine turkey gun....in fact i need to get me a heavy duck gun... charlie

[Mark Ray]

Went this evening to call for a friend, we were on a real small place, only 37 acres..but lots of sign etc. ... got all set up.....started calling, and immediatly got a pissed off Hen putting all arond us....kiss of death on a small place like this...thank god they make whiskey!!

[Randy G Roberts]

Yesterday evening late I had 23 in the back yard including 3 Toms and at least 3 Jakes I could see. Had to snap the pics through the back door glass. 21 days and counting before the opener.

[Garry L Gordon]

Yesterday evening late I had 23 in the back yard including 3 Toms and at least 3 Jakes I could see. Had to snap the pics through the back door glass. 21 days and counting before the opener.

That's a good sign to see those Jakes. We've had such bad hatches the past several years here that I don't see many Jakes and the gobbling birds are generally pretty old...and cagy.

[Mills Morrison]

The struggle continues this weekend. I might take the heavy duck

[Jim Wescott]

Incredible hunt in the Deep South for Savannah River swamp gobblers! I had birds all over me morning after morning before smoking this bottomland tom yesterday at 7:45AM. Heard six different toms and this twenty pound 2 year old snuck in without a peep to check the decoys. First spotted just his head periscoping over road bank at ten yards (couldn’t see his beard) then he angled out toward jake decoy revealing his 10” beard. He passed behind large oak giving me the chance to lift the Space Age Parker and draw a bead. Dear friend, hunting buddy, call maker and PGCA member Niles Oesterle provided the longbox which was magical talking softly to these Dixie devils. Truly a turkey hunt of a lifetime for this damn Yankee, southern birds are tough customers! Sorry these photos load sideways.

[Mills Morrison]

Very nice Jim! I went fly fishing over Christmas on the upper reaches of the Savannah river and saw several turkeys. Lots of them all up and down that river

[Dean Romig]

What a great bird Jim!

What’s all that green stuff all over the place?





.

[Jim DiSpagno]

Way to go Jim. Eventually you’ll have hunted and harvested every sub species of turkey on the continent. Congratulations.

[Shawn Wayment]

Awesome Jim!!

[charlie cleveland]

got up late saturday morning but went on hunting anyway....it was chilly but i had on a big coat and gloves then as the sun rose it got real nice maybe in the mid 70 s.....i carried a single barrel h r 3 1/2 inch gun useing the tss federal tungston shell no 9 shot....was hoping to get totry these new shells out but no turkey showed themselves...loaded up my gear at 9.00 and came home and cooked myself 2 big bisquits 2 sausage and chocalate gravy....this turkey hunting makes a guys apitite really go big.....was gona go back in the evening hunting but i got to working around the house called my son inlaw told him to bring his 3 boys over needed them to do some chores for me....these boys have never run a weed eater or operated a lawn mower so todaythey learned how...put the youngest bob 11 years old to washing 2 of my cars 1 of them my 57 chevy the other my wifes ford focus....done a good job too they did....a fellow came by saw the 57 all shining and clean ask would i sell it so away he drove it....now i can finish my 38 chevy coupe and 36 ford coupe.....so the evening went by fast and no evening hunting was done.....charlie

[Mills Morrison]

Overslept Saturday and rained this morning. Still went and wound up looking around for new places. Temperature is up and flies are out

[Garry L Gordon]

got up late saturday morning but went on hunting anyway....it was chilly but i had on a big coat and gloves then as the sun rose it got real nice maybe in the mid 70 s.....i carried a single barrel h r 3 1/2 inch gun useing the tss federal tungston shell no 9 shot....was hoping to get totry these new shells out but no turkey showed themselves...loaded up my gear at 9.00 and came home and cooked myself 2 big bisquits 2 sausage and chocalate gravy....this turkey hunting makes a guys apitite really go big.....was gona go back in the evening hunting but i got to working around the house called my son inlaw told him to bring his 3 boys over needed them to do some chores for me....these boys have never run a weed eater or operated a lawn mower so todaythey learned how...put the youngest bob 11 years old to washing 2 of my cars 1 of them my 57 chevy the other my wifes ford focus....done a good job too they did....a fellow came by saw the 57 all shining and clean ask would i sell it so away he drove it....now i can finish my 38 chevy coupe and 36 ford coupe.....so the evening went by fast and no evening hunting was done.....charlie

Charlie,

That sure sounds like a full day! It always amazes me how much there is to do now that I’m retired. By the way, what is “chocalate gravy?”

[charlie cleveland]

it a mixture of say 2 cups of sugur i big tea spoon of flour one big spoon of chocalate coco add water tillit is almost thin stir really good...then put it on stove eye at high temperature make sure to keep stirred well till it boils then its ready....take bisquits tear them into small pieces then pour the chocalete gravy over them....you got yourself some fine eating you can also have bacon sausage or eggs with it....best breakfast in the south......charlie

[Garry L Gordon]

it a mixture of say 2 cups of sugur i big tea spoon of flour one big spoon of chocalate coco add water tillit is almost thin stir really good...then put it on stove eye at high temperature make sure to keep stirred well till it boils then its ready....take bisquits tear them into small pieces then pour the chocalete gravy over them....you got yourself some fine eating you can also have bacon sausage or eggs with it....best breakfast in the south......charlie

Hey, Thanks!! I'm going to try that recipe...and then go on a diet.

[hugh rather]

What a good thread.Thanks to all who replied.

[Garry L Gordon]

My wife and I have a long standing tradition of celebrating Easter Sunday by being in the woods scouting for turkeys. It's been a tradition of ours since before we were married, and we have never missed being out in all the years since that first time way back when (1978 to be precise). This morning's "sunrise service" was number 41, and the first time that Easter Sunday coincided with turkey season. No turkeys on the property we were hunting, but it was a great morning to be afield, especially with Elaine along with me. A successful hunt is not always measured by the game that's taken.

I hope your Easter Sunday was as good as ours.

[Dean Romig]

That’s a wonderful tradition Garry!





.

[Shawn Wayment]

My wife and I have a long standing tradition of celebrating Easter Sunday by being in the woods scouting for turkeys. It's been a tradition of ours since before we were married, and we have never missed being out in all the years since that first time way back when (1978 to be precise). This morning's "sunrise service" was number 41, and the first time that Easter Sunday coincided with turkey season. No turkeys on the property we were hunting, but it was a great morning to be afield, especially with Elaine along with me. A successful hunt is not always measured by the game that's taken.

I hope your Easter Sunday was as good as ours.

Great tradition Garry and I couldn't agree more...don't need a dead bird to have a wonderful time in the outdoors!

[Mark Ray]

Guided a friend on Saturday. Using my trusty box call I inherited from my great uncle, called up this gobbler for Tim. I was carrying my 3 frame GH 12, but I couldn't talk Tim into using it....He shot it with a (shame) Benelli, camo nonetheless!!

Oh Well...

[Dean Romig]

Wow - I wish I had a Parker the same camo pattern as my shirt.....:biglaugh:


Nice bird though.




.

[Mark Ray]

It is funny, almost all of my friends think it is “cool” that I hunt with these classic guns, but when I try to get them to partake, they go back to their beloved technology. I have to judiciously remind many of them that technology seldom compensates for aim.......

[Seth Irvin]

I am tagged out with 2 birds down in KY. Heading to NC to chase em through the mountains, where they mostly win, but always worth it.

[Dean Romig]

Monday the 29th is the Mass. opener. I’ll be in the woods in a blind I made when the eastern horizon begins to brighten.





.

[Shawn Wayment]

I was in the Sangre de Cristos on Thursday last week...the toms are up there but the hens haven't arrived yet. I'm hoping it's on this week. I heard one gobble and saw one nice tom. There's still loads of snow in the mountains.

[Jim Wescott]

PGCA member Niles Oesterle with a Midwest smasher! Killed at 10 yards with 1881 lifter. Three year old tipped the scales at 23 pounds

[Phillip Carr]

I hunted with my brother George for 4 days without able to talk the birds in close enough for a shot with my Parker 20 gauge.
Lots of calling and had 8 gobbling the first morning. They just would not come in. They were pretty henned up.

George took this Merriam's the last morning. Had him at 100 yards for close to an hour before finally getting him come in to 35 yards.
Headed back up Monday evening to see if the hens are leaving the Gobblers mid morning to lay an egg. Leaving those love sick Gobblers to go in search of hens.

[Dean Romig]

That's a beautiful bird Phil!

Monday’s strategy sounds like a good one.





.

[charlie cleveland]

very beautiful bird...sounds like ya ll worked for this one....i hate those long waits but it is nice for a good ending....i aint done any good yet myself....charlie

[Rick Roemer]

Dad and I went to our usual spot. Sunrise at 6:30, walking out at 7:20 carrying this 22 pound monster! Dad got the shot, 30 yards clean kill. Doesn’t get any better! I can’t remember a time turkey hunting when it worked out the way I always read about. Pictured with Mr. Tom is my Model 21 Heavy Duck gun. Seems to work on turkeys too...ha.

[Shawn Wayment]

Dad and I went to our usual spot. Sunrise at 6:30, walking out at 7:20 carrying this 22 pound monster! Dad got the shot, 30 yards clean kill. Doesn’t get any better! I can’t remember a time turkey hunting when it worked out the way I always read about. Pictured with Mr. Tom is my Model 21 Heavy Duck gun. Seems to work on turkeys too...ha.

Nice!

I had one last Saturday 10 feet behind my tree spitting down my neck but wouldn't commit. Went back out on Wed and Thursday and no activity probably because it was snowing :banghead: both days like crazy!

Maybe tomorrow...

[Bill Murphy]

A few weeks ago, granddaughter snapped a shot (video) of a 35 bird flock about three hundred yards below the house. In 1 1/2 years here, I had never seen a turkey near here. This week, a big hen ran past my living room window at about 25
feet. My emergency gun was on the other side of the room, not that I would have used it on her. In researching the MD game laws, I find that I could have taken, not her, but a bearded turkey, in the proper season because the shotgun distance for legal shooting in the area where I live is 100 yards from a dwelling, and no license required if hunting on your own property. I happen to live in the agricultural reserve of the liberal empire of Montgomery County, Maryland, where shotgun use is legal.

[Garry L Gordon]

Nice gobbler(!)...nice gun!! When things work out like you describe, you remember it forever...especially when you are with your father. Glad you got to experience such a fine hunt.

[Jim Wescott]

Parker Brothers Damascus Hammergun Maine Turkey Hunt 2019–hosted by Tenth Legion Guides. We all had hammers back multiple times and no shots fired! Truly a target rich environment with so many close calls. Four great weeks left to our Grand Spring Hunt!

[Dean Romig]

Where in Maine are you all hunting?





.

[Jim Wescott]

Western Maine foothills, perfect mix of field and forest, agriculture and working woodlands. Grouse drumming and woodcock singing mixed in amongst the gobblin. Whitetails making strong showing in greening fields, some moose sign spotted, no bear sign yet I’m sure they’re up and about. Still snow in the woods in places, ice out was recent event. Good luck on your spring adventures, Dean.

[Dean Romig]

I know the area well Jim - beautiful country abounding with everything a hunting or fishing man could want. Or for the man who just wants to lead a quiet life. It's a lot like Vermont's Northeast Kingdom where I hunt.






.

[scott kittredge]

Ok , 1 st i know its not a Parker but it shoots like one. I shot a 22 lb bird this am at 39 yds with my nid super 10 with 1 1/2 oz of 6 s. Oh it had 9 1/2 in. Beard with 1 in. Spurs. 1 down 1 to go.
Scott

[charlie cleveland]

nice bird you got there them old 10 gas are the best....charlie

[Dean Romig]

Way to go Scott!!

I know you'll get your second one with no problem.





.

[Jim Wescott]

Son Tim smoked this fine Maine gobbler this morning with his 1878 underlifter using 5.5 shot, 3 1/4 dram FF in a roll crimped, once fired paper shell handload. Old tom covered hundred yards quickly crossing stonewall at thirty yards and walked up to 17 yards. We are just starting to find some lone longbeards so the best is yet to come!

[Jim DiSpagno]

Nice bird Jim. Congrats to your boy.

[Dean Romig]

Lenny drove down from Denmark, Maine on Sunday evening so he and I could hunt together this morning in an area we have been exploring for a couple of years.

This morning we set up on a stone wall bordering a big field where we had spotted turkeys before, We thought we knew where to set up but it turns out the turkeys proved us wrong. Four or five toms began gobbling on roost from the ridge above the field. So Lenny and I grabbed our stuff and took a circuitous route to the top of the ridge... puff... puff...

We were amazed by the amount of turkey scratchings, buck rubs, beds, mast trees of all kinds.... it was a hunter's paradise.
We decided to spread out about 60-70 yards apart and sit. We put out our decoys and began calling seductively.............. crickets...

We texted that we would sit until 9 and after another 40 minutes of sitting, I stood up at 8:58......... And a Tom gobbled about 100 yards away. I put my seat pad back down, put my gillie head mask back on and sat back down. We were talking to at least three toms and a half-dozen hens and they were staying back in the low blueberry bushes just out of sight for at least a half-hour. They wouldn't come any closer than about 60-70 yards. Lenny was staring at two of the toms for more than ten minutes while I kept talking to them. I never saw any of them... But we learned a great new spot and we'll definitely be back next year.





.