Time to get serious and start getting everything together for the season. Hope to break down and clean my 500 this evening. Going to scrub my 11-87 barrel as well. Hope to check POA on my 500 and see what the 11-87 will do on paper. Going to the farm Saturday to do some listening, put out a camera on a pitch point, and shoot the guns. Need to spray down my clothes for ticks. Already got the vest together so should be good there. Going to reload a box of shells here real soon as well. Hopefully all this makes the wait a little better. We are having some abnormally warm weather, supposed to be 80 this afternoon, and yesterday and this morning felt like turkey killing mornings. It will be here soon!
26 days to go!
Mid 80's here. Going to try and load a few this weekend as well. Everything else is good order, just waiting on March.
Wow that's warm. Good luck, I haven't done anything except run calls. Looking for birds and they've yet to appear. This weekend small game shuts down and the birds get the woods to themselves. They'll show up.
Gonna check some new spots this year. It'll all happen soon
It was in the 70's here in NY 2 days ago and now we are under a winter weather advisory and the snow is coming down a a pretty fair clip.
Bought my 1st license of the year, this my least favorite part of turkey hunting. Out of State licenses and biting bugs. My MS license is good thru youth season, but expires before the opening. Will buy as late as possible. SC is the only one I need early because of the tags not being available online. Last year they didn't send them to me and a couple days before I was to leave I called and was informed they were never mailed for one reason or another. We then had to mail them to Donald's in-laws house (in SC) and luckily they arrived the same day I did.
I hate to say this but, I just haven't got too inspired for turkey hunting this year. Don't worry, I'll do my part and line up some birds. I'm just stuck on my elk hunt in September. It will take me until then to be in good enough shape to hike those mountains and possibly pack out a bull. I haven't even went through my turkey hunting gear but season isn't until April so I've got some time. I did put this together today, my bino harness and rangefinder pouch for this fall. I'm kind of excited about it, never had a good set of binos when I have been out there. This year I'll have some Vortex Diamondback 10x42. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180222/c2243ef24b760fcb38682b1052361755.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Have you elk hunted before?
I wanted to apologize as I was very politely informed I am not supposed to be posting in the team areas, I did not realize I was doing anything wrong, still new here and was just replying to new posts since my last visit that came up. I will try not to do it again. Best of luck to everyone this season.
I've been a few times. Never killed one but my buddy killed a good bull in CO. It took us 13 hours to pack him out, that's why I need to be in good shape.
I only bowhunt them, I want to call one in close and hear him scream. I had one very close in ID a few years ago and it was too thick. I'm not putting turkey huntind down at all, I love it but a bull screaming up close is a rush.
I had a visit with Will Primos back in the early 90s and he told me once I experienced it I would be hooked. He was right, just wished I would have started when I was younger. I can walk our hills all day but those mountains are tough!
I bet it is a rush! It's good to have a goal in mind for fitness. A few years ago I decided to get into shape. It's turned in to a lifestyle for me now. The only problem is something is always hurt, but overall I feel a lot better. Things that use to be a challenge are now easy and energy levels are much improved.
Steven, what county you from? I know a few guys from Shannon County.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on February 22, 2018, 07:27:38 PM
I wanted to apologize as I was very politely informed I am not supposed to be posting in the team areas, I did not realize I was doing anything wrong, still new here and was just replying to new posts since my last visit that came up. I will try not to do it again. Best of luck to everyone this season.
Good luck to you sir, nothing to apologize for. I did the same thing a few times as well. It's all for fun.
Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 22, 2018, 04:50:50 PM
Bought my 1st license of the year, this my least favorite part of turkey hunting. Out of State licenses and biting bugs. My MS license is good thru youth season, but expires before the opening. Will buy as late as possible. SC is the only one I need early because of the tags not being available online. Last year they didn't send them to me and a couple days before I was to leave I called and was informed they were never mailed for one reason or another. We then had to mail them to Donald's in-laws house (in SC) and luckily they arrived the same day I did.
I think you will get your money's worth on the license. We shall see.
500 broke down and cleaned out. Had lots of dirt in it. 11-87 barrel cleaned as well. Hope to shoot in the morning.
Hate to say it. Being sick last year screwed me up some. I can get around but I've gotta overcome and I will. My sickness made my right side face not work. My locators often need back pressure to work properly. It's hard when the right side won't seal. I've taken my hootin stick and pushed it to to side like some cigar. I normally use a tongue flutter like a duck call but can't do it. I've learned the gargle method and it sounds real good. I'm actually happy w it. My crow I actually pinch off my loose lip, that's working.
Next prob is my eye. It was sewed shut. It's still not right. Very cloudy. I've been mounting a gun each day w my left eye as it has become dominant. I'm sure it'll work. Also put a red dot on my turkey slayer as an option. I like this one. I hated the Burris.
Pretty soon gotta sight that in. My dog club has a hunt tomo and I gotta be there after that it's finding turkey that's the priority.
Bowguy, hope you recover quick, that's has got to take a tremendous amount of strength, will power and faith to overcome and keep the attitude you've got.
Quote from: davisd9 on February 23, 2018, 07:09:46 AM
Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 22, 2018, 04:50:50 PM
Bought my 1st license of the year, this my least favorite part of turkey hunting. Out of State licenses and biting bugs. My MS license is good thru youth season, but expires before the opening. Will buy as late as possible. SC is the only one I need early because of the tags not being available online. Last year they didn't send them to me and a couple days before I was to leave I called and was informed they were never mailed for one reason or another. We then had to mail them to Donald's in-laws house (in SC) and luckily they arrived the same day I did.
I think you will get your money's worth on the license. We shall see.
Win, lose, or draw - we will have a goodtime. it's money well spent.
Quote from: dirt road ninja on February 23, 2018, 08:43:04 AM
Bowguy, hope you recover quick, that's has got to take a tremendous amount of strength, will power and faith to overcome and keep the attitude you've got.
Thank you. I'm good though. Just things to overcome. Thank God He's given me the strength. Looking forward to the season
I'm jealous, I'm still two months away
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Quote from: Terry on February 24, 2018, 04:00:26 PM
I'm jealous, I'm still two months away
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
I hear ya on that, problem around here is a lot of guys won't wait till season opens, they think season opens when they hear the first gobble.
Got up yesterday to go listening but it was really foggy and cloudy. Was standing in dirt road hoping to hear some sound off around the water hole area. Stood there for around 30 minutes and nothing. YoungbuckTX texted me wondering if I was hearing anything as he was not, texted that I had not. As I was putting my phone in my pocket I start hearing clucking about 30 yards away. They were much closer to the road than I had expected. Knew I was busted so I headed on down the road.
Was walking down path leading to the field with the water hole when I heard a bird gobble across the farm. I knew he was in the back of the big field across the road or in the field behind it. Snuck around in the woods and glassed the field, nothing. Sat down and waited for him to gobble to try and pinpoint. Finally some crows flew over and he gobbled. I decided he was in the back field or the woods off to the right of it. Walked back and hid in the hedge row.
I could hear the hens yelping up a storm and could tell they were in the oak flat right off the field so I found a good hiding spot and got settled to wait.
Less than 5 minutes I saw turkeys coming out the woods. Finally two strutters came out and following them were at least three other longbeards. It was a 20+ bird flock and I could verify at least 5 longbeards.
Not the best photo but you can see they are there:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180225/f1746c31cf9594b5503f9e7387364f2d.jpg)
When my father in law came up later in the morning from taking the trash he said there was a tom in another field as well so I know of at least 6 different birds so far.
Went ahead and shot my guns to make sure they were good. Was disappointed that my 500 seemed to be shooting to the left. Tried correcting but did not want to waste shells, decided to sight in later with dove shells. Wanted to shoot my 11-87 to see whether I wanted to mess with it or not.
Do not have any sights for it so put a larger than normal paper up and shot bead, was very surprised by my findings.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180225/1af23cb8b9abdb3f9e526c4cfdc1ac85.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180225/c77e7554392313264df9aef3278124ed.jpg)
I will be hunting the 11-87.
Did not get up this morning as I thought it was supposed to be raining, wish I has been a beautiful sunny day so far. Did see two in back of field as my boy and I was riding the farm but not sure what they were.
23 days to go!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I can, will, am doing it. I've not had the easiest life. Kinda glad for it though. No matter how bad things get, someone always wishes they had our problems. Someone, somewhere is bouncing a kid on their knee hoping they see tomo.
Remember we're blessed but thank you
Quote from: Bowguy on February 25, 2018, 03:40:05 PM
I can, will, am doing it. I've not had the easiest life. Kinda glad for it though. No matter how bad things get, someone always wishes they had our problems. Someone, somewhere is bouncing a kid on their knee hoping they see tomo.
Remember we're blessed but thank you
Glad to hear it, keep up the good work. You are absolutely right on the other.
Thanks it all perspective
That's a nasty pattern.
Getting close here now. 2 weeks to youth day/weekend. Finally this morning birds were hammering all over. Had longbeards out the back window twice yesterday.
Few days ago I started loading up the vest and went with a buddy of mine to pattern his daughters gun.
Today I started to dial in a new sight. My dominant eye is screwy still from being sick but I was able to see and shoot righty. Maybe not wingshoot but a strutter is in trouble.
Only problem is the load I worked the sight for is discontinued. Gotta go back and redo sight. I'm feeling it now though that most of the snow is gone finally!!
Glad to hear shooting is going well! Hopefully things warm on up for y'all. Been one of the truest Springs we have had here in a while. Some say the hunting has been tough but most I know have done well. Good luck!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: davisd9 on April 08, 2018, 08:35:45 PM
Glad to hear shooting is going well! Hopefully things warm on up for y'all. Been one of the truest Springs we have had here in a while. Some say the hunting has been tough but most I know have done well. Good luck!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
They're calling for snow again tomo ugh!!!!
We had temps in the 30's this weekend. Cool that your birds are starting to fire up. Got a feeling your going to slay them in 2 weeks.
Quote from: dirt road ninja on April 09, 2018, 10:14:14 AM
We had temps in the 30's this weekend. Cool that your birds are starting to fire up. Got a feeling your going to slay them in 2 weeks.
Hope so cause they haven't been around at all
Quote from: Bowguy on April 09, 2018, 03:14:54 PM
Quote from: dirt road ninja on April 09, 2018, 10:14:14 AM
We had temps in the 30's this weekend. Cool that your birds are starting to fire up. Got a feeling your going to slay them in 2 weeks.
Hope so cause they haven't been around at all
Pic out bath window
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Season opens Monday. Heard a few this morning but also ran into 3 different guys listening and are aware of where those birds are at. I'm raring to go but I expect it to be tough, a lot of hunters and the timber is still wide open. I figure those birds will get bumped around a lot till it greens up. I'm also looking forward to trying out my new vest. I have been using the same vest for 15 years or so and this one is definitely a little different.
Quote from: Rzrbac on April 10, 2018, 09:55:34 AM
Season opens Monday. Heard a few this morning but also ran into 3 different guys listening and are aware of where those birds are at. I'm raring to go but I expect it to be tough, a lot of hunters and the timber is still wide open. I figure those birds will get bumped around a lot till it greens up. I'm also looking forward to trying out my new vest. I have been using the same vest for 15 years or so and this one is definitely a little different.
What vest did you go with?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Alps Impact, it holds a camelbak bladder. Glad I can shed the camelbak pack under my vest this year. I took my old cushion off of my Super Elite and velcroed it to the seat on on the Impact. I don't sit a lot but when I do I like to be comfortable.
Got my 835 setup with a scope...hope to get it sighted in this week sometime.
Quote from: WNY Bowhunter on April 14, 2018, 10:04:40 AM
Got my 835 setup with a scope...hope to get it sighted in this week sometime.
Which scope?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I wanted a leupold vx1 with the turkey plea reticle but they apparently don't make them anymore so.I ended up with a Bushnell trophy with the circle x reticle. I have it mounted with medium height rings but now I'm thinking that I may have to buy some low ones instead.
Quote from: WNY Bowhunter on April 15, 2018, 06:58:44 AM
I wanted a leupold vx1 with the turkey plea reticle but they apparently don't make them anymore so.I ended up with a Bushnell trophy with the circle x reticle. I have it mounted with medium height rings but now I'm thinking that I may have to buy some low ones instead.
Very nice! I tried the Bushnell but did not care for the circle. It was a very nice scope my eye just could not adjust to it. I had the Simmons Pro-Diamond on a gun since 2011. It work really well but I decided to go back to bead this year and loved it. When I switched to tighter chokes than the improved cylinder or full I thought I had to have a sight and would shoot over the top of a bird with rifle sights almost every time. Decided to try my 11-87 to see if it would shoot bead this year and felt really silly it did. I hunted it this year and it was great.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Been bored sitting around not being able to hunt. Went to the farm this weekend for some family events so I decided to see whether my Mossberg 500 would shoot bead like my 11-87. Took the scope off and ran a dry bore snake down it twice since the barrel had 4-5 shells down it since last cleaned. Got to 40 and squeezed one off. Dang if it did not shoot bead. I think I am having luck with bead cause I am using more open chokes in both guns, 11-87 is a .576 and 500 is a .575. So now I got two that shoots point of aim and I am a happy man, just a man that has to wait a year to shoot another turkey.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180415/f1b341c3d5e7918f28af86227bcb7b00.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Rzrbac on April 10, 2018, 06:59:04 PM
Alps Impact, it holds a camelbak bladder. Glad I can shed the camelbak pack under my vest this year. I took my old cushion off of my Super Elite and velcroed it to the seat on on the Impact. I don't sit a lot but when I do I like to be comfortable.
How do you like it? Mind posting pics? I have been thinking about getting one. I'm not usually a vest guy, but this looks like it might fit the bill
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180415/5d8e0ccad173326505a226c8797ddc11.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180415/640b5fb7ee9e4fb028c539b342f32556.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180415/b1e512c9150728061f6ce26d953b4542.jpg)
Just took these pics in my little honey hole. Was gonna look for sheds a bit and head back to where I'm expecting one to roost. I flushed a gobbler about 100 yards from that spot. I'm not happy about that at all.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! I ordered one, I'm hoping I like it
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Four days to go time...they were hammering this morning at the farm I plan on hunting opening morning!!! :z-guntootsmiley:
Quote from: WNY Bowhunter on April 27, 2018, 06:51:20 AM
Four days to go time...they were hammering this morning at the farm I plan on hunting opening morning!!! :z-guntootsmiley:
Patiently waiting for some upstate NY gobblers. Good luck!
Hitting PA state land tomorrow and then using a couple hours of vacation time for NY's Tuesday opener.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
NY is getting close!
Less than 48 hrs to go time and the snowflakes are falling... :z-dizzy:
And then high 70's by Wednesday I heard
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk