Talking Turkey

[Reggie B]

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!

[mobirdhunter]

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!

Originally Posted by Reggie Bishop

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!