[Harold Pickens]

After 5 days of birds within range, but no shot I finally connected today. I was trying to save the birds at my farm for my son, and was hunting the sportsman's club adjacent to my farm this morning, but the only birds I heard were across the next ridge over on my farm. So I made the 1/2 hr hike over to my place, and just as I topped out of my logging rd. into my top field a bird gobbled hard off my left, and certainly in range. Couldnt see him thru the multiflora, but he was already within gun range. Could hear him spit and drum and gobble for forty minutes, but could only see a blur thru the brush. I finally moved about 2 feet and could just make him out. I was carrying my 870 Wingmaster from the late 1950's--bought it with grass cutting, hay baling money my jr year in 1971. It now sports a 21" barrel and turkey x-tra full choke tube, and a Weaver K2.5 scope. Finally found his head in a gap thru the brush and shot. I was using old Active 2 3/4" shells with 1 5/8 oz nickel 4's--love those shells. Old gobbler with 11" beard and 1 1/4" spurs, put me in 1st place in our clubs big turkey contest. Had him for dinner tonight, and the rest will go in the smoker tomorrow. I have carried my GH12 hammer, and 16 grade 0 hammer, but today opted for the 870 because it has a sling, and was walking long distance..Pictures to follow