8 Gauge Success
 

Another memorable Arizona turkey hunt was successful thanks to the 130 year old Parker 8 gauge. The bird glided down hill over me sounding like a quiet jet plane. He landed 300 yards down the mountain from me. I wasn't sure if he was even a tom until I used my box call and immediately heard a gobble for an answer. After waiting a few minutes I called again, and again received a gobble from the same location.
This went on for several more times and finally his gobble's were getting closer. He moved up hill, crossed a small creek and finally appeared. Once he was 30 yards from me I took the shot and ended my 2024 turkey hunt. The loads i use are 3 1/4" RMC brass cartridges using 36 grains of Blue dot and a combination of number 4 and 7 1/2 lead shot weighing 1 5/8 ounces sitting in an Italian wad. These loads do not have a heavy recoil and have been successful in taking several birds.

Absolutely awesome! Great job man

Sounds like a fun time. Congrats

Great hunt Wayne! Congrats!

Congratulations, and thanks for the pictures. Did you have to make two trips out to carry each "trophy?":)

Garry, you are absolutely right about thinking on making two trips. I thought about it but decided to grunt it out and carry the 12 1/2 pound gun in one hand and the 17 pound bird in the other. Lucky the walk was only a quarter mile to the ATV.

I believe I’d have gone and gotten the ATV then ride it back to pickup the gun and bird . But I’m lazy like that LOL’s :whistle:

Well, you got your weight lifting and cardio workouts covered!:)

All jokes aside if I’m somewhere chasing brown cloven hooved rats I park the ATV within 100 yards and dread carrying my 8 a rifle and my pack .

Congratulations, it was worth the haul of success!