Had a little time to hunt for myself this afternoon and have one tag left for Maine so I checked all my fields and presto, there is one of the 3 birds that I am after. I get around him and 45 mins later I cut and I hear a gobble. Then he hammers again and he is coming fast. I see him at about 60 yards coming right down the tote road. No decoy so he slows down at around 30ish yards ands starts hunting me. He steps into the opening at 22 yards and gobbles. My heart is pumping and my safe is off, dot from my FF2 is on his wattles. He turns and struts. I put my safe on and relax. Different bird. He did all h3 was required to do, but he was another 19 pound 2 year old and not one of the " Dinosaur Club" that I am after. I hiked my fat butt back to my truck, smiling and whistling all the way. Great day, perfect hun5band the bird " acted right" as my Buddy Del Crow says. Chalking it up as a win, not a kill. There is the difference boys. Not pulling the trigger was better for me right then. I hope you yungins understand.
When I got a bead on him in the kill zone and don't shot, I call it game over. Just watch the show and I enjoy it.
Catch & release turkey hunting !!!
I do quite the same in the fall when I call gobblers in. Get 'em in slam dunk range........red dot glowing at the base of his neck..........finger on the gas pedal..........and I pull my mask down and say "Hi fella(s) !! See ya in the spring !! "
A successful hunt does not always end in a filled tag.
Sweet!! When you can do that, it doesn't get any better! Congratulations on a great hunt!
I fully understand. And a tip of the hat to you. I've been doing this a day or two myself, but it's really rare that I call one inside forty that gets to fly-up that afternoon. The more encounters I have with a bird that I think is the same bird, the better his chances of me not punching his head full of holes. You beat me 5 or 6 times, I sometimes feel I should at least beat you twice.
Now I refuse to shoot a gift turkey no matter how big he looks.
Native Americans call it counting coup
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Have let a few go but not many. I tend to just go call for others and not carry a gun. Then when I get the itch I get back at it. I have saved a tag for certain birds but when the end of season approaches sometimes another bird pays the price.
Good choice and a good hunt the thrill was there without the kill
Beating him at his on game is a win win ... those hunts are memorable.... not bragging just fact .... best part is, you will hopefully get to hunt him again .... and make more memories......
All Ireally want is a Tom for my wife. She passed up a good opportunity so my daughter could shoot her first Tom. I give her a lot of credit, she has never shot atom either. I let her call it and she waited. My daughter did get him, then we doubles together again. Two years in a row. The family triple is my best day in the woods ever.
Nice!
I hope I do not sound like I am bragging, because I am not trying to in any way. I really tried to make an effort to make my first turkey a mature tom, when I was unable to hunt all those years it was not a jake that filled my thoughts and dreams, it was a tom and if the two that came in would have shown signs of being jakes then I would not have shot. So I kinda think I know what you are saying.
Success and fun should not be defined by getting a bird all the time. If it was hunting would be one sad sad activity.
This year was my first true year of hunting. I had done so only once before and I shot a bird thanks to the help of a mentor in 30 minutes. This year I went to roost birds the night before and in the most perfect of worlds I had one pinpointed for the next morning where I could get within 75 yards or so. Set up ridiculously early, he gobbles before flydown, and comes trotting my direction to 25 yards. Except...I was positioned wrong. I don't know why I was positioned the way I did and I could have adjusted when he was strutting, but I didn't want to risk it. Instead he backed away onto a ridge, I took an aggressive move to get closer, and opted not to take a 50 yard shot or so...he left...never to be seen again.
Sure, I guess I royally screwed up and should have been done 10 minutes into shooting light...but I can definitely say I won't screw up that situation in the future. I also was somewhat glad I didn't shoot it because it probably would have killed a lot of motivation the other 2-3 weeks I had to hunt and I likely wouldn't have learned what I have this year by continuously going out in search of that first bird of the year. At this stage finding birds and getting on them is success to me, let alone actually shooting one. I may goose egg on the year now, but I want to learn how to turkey hunt and not just get gifted perfect scenarios all the time...and sadly, that takes failure.
How do you know it was just a two year old? See his spurs?
My only criteria is they are not a Jake!
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Passing on shots is quite often based on one's hunting time/opportunity and the quality of the place you are hunting. Personally, if I am hunting a place where I believe opportunities will be abundant,...and I have lots of time,...I will pass on birds so I can continue hunting. Put me in a place with limited opportunities and little time, however, and the first mature gobbler that shows up in range is in big trouble!
This year, for instance, my first hunt was in a place where I was pretty confident I would have lots of opportunities to kill a gobbler. I passed on shooting the first dozen or so that came in,...looking for an exceptional gobbler,...and then shot one a bit later. On the other hand, hunting on public land not far from that first hunt, the first mature gobbler that showed up got his snood slammed in the dirt without hesitation.
All in all, it's all about the circumstances....
Sounds like a perfect trip to me!
There's a subtle but significant difference between being out on a hunt and being out to kill. It's hard to define, but we all know what it is.
You, sir, are a hunter of the highest caliber. Definitely a higher caliber then myself!
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Quote from: Dtrkyman on May 23, 2019, 09:11:06 AM
How do you know it was just a two year old? See his spurs?
My only criteria is they are not a Jake!
I get your question. It just wasn't the bird I am after. I have no need to shoot another bird unless it is an upgrade over my best bird so far this season. Al Baker
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Zelmo, GREAT HUNT and an even better NON KILL. I love the PATIENCE you exhibited. As I age, I find I can just enjoy the HUNT and God's Blessings, without pulling a trigger. Just because I have a tag, doesn't mean that tag has to or will be filled. It's ALL about the hunting experience. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
World of difference between having one get away and letting one get away. Great hunt.
I enjoy every year more than the last. Most of my time is behind the call and as a bystander. This limits my trigger time and makes my tags much more valuable than the picture and meat, which I really love. My enjoyment level and adrenaline rush is much higher as a witness and I feel a greater sense of enjoyment seeing the smiles on my friends and loved ones faces. That being said, if one of the "Dinosaur Club" boys comes in, I will gladly pull the trigger. It's all in the eye of the beholder. I had a perfect afternoon and didn't shoot the wrong bird, I am still smiling. Next up is the wife's first tom. Then I would really like to get a bird for my mentorees. They are struggling a bit and want to keep them interested. Then I will relax and stalk those ancient birds on "my list". I have until June 1st, Good luck to all. Al Baker
Quote from: Dtrkyman on May 23, 2019, 09:11:06 AM
How do you know it was just a two year old? See his spurs?
My only criteria is they are not a Jake!
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I ask to see their ID.
Side note: They usually get away when I do that.
Congrats on a great hunting memory!
MK M GOBL
Awesome!! Over the last several years I have let a few walk.
No way I can top this. My best friend killing his first bird. My girls with our triple and the call I made for him with his first grandchild in it . I am a lucky man :funnyturkey:
Great story, super hunt, memories that are priceless.
In The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, the author says when you can do what you described you have attained the title of an "Old Pro". Congrats on a great hunt
Old Pro Turkey Hunter.
Quote from: tha bugman on May 24, 2019, 10:16:11 AM
In The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, the author says when you can do what you described you have attained the title of an "Old Pro". Congrats on a great hunt
One of the best books out about turkey hunting. I agree with the part about the different stages hunters go through in their life.
Gene Nunnery was the first book I ever read on turkey hunting. The 'stages' of life... diapers, shorts, long pants, shorts, diapers.
I think I've made it through all the stages and now I'm just turning into a old fool ( sarcasm font on) that may have to turn to shooting chickens, because everyone knows an old fool can't kill gobblers.
Great job Zelmo, I agree it's just as much fun to help others and be the spectator, but I don't sort many out anymore by size or age. What I do want is a good hunt with a gobbling bird that works to the call and the tougher the better.
My best hunt of the year was after I tagged out and my buddy was struggling and I took him to the ridge point on the family farm where a bird I called "The Old Bastard" stayed. We caught him active, but with at least 4 hens, 2 jakes and a subordinate gobbler running in the group. I sat my buddy down and told him don't move even if I do. It took two hours of coercing, but I finally turned the group up hill. In that I used three different call types and every bit of turkey language I knew, but he finally came strutting over the bench lip 25 yards from my buddy. Boom, and I jump up and fist pumped and said, "take that you old bastard". As I walk down I don't hear any flopping and my buddy is standing there looking sad. I asked where's the bird and he turns and snorts, "I missed". So he still lives and is still the old bastard on the point, but it was a great hunt. I know I beat him and there will be another day. It was great.
Quote from: eggshell on May 27, 2019, 10:26:29 AM
I think I've made it through all the stages and now I'm just turning into a old fool ( sarcasm font on) that may have to turn to shooting chickens, because everyone knows an old fool can't kill gobblers.
Great job Zelmo, I agree it's just as much fun to help others and be the spectator, but I don't sort many out anymore by size or age. What I do want is a good hunt with a gobbling bird that works to the call and the tougher the better.
My best hunt of the year was after I tagged out and my buddy was struggling and I took him to the ridge point on the family farm where a bird I called "The Old Bastard" stayed. We caught him active, but with at least 4 hens, 2 jakes and a subordinate gobbler running in the group. I sat my buddy down and told him don't move even if I do. It took two hours of coercing, but I finally turned the group up hill. In that I used three different call types and every bit of turkey language I knew, but he finally came strutting over the bench lip 25 yards from my buddy. Boom, and I jump up and fist pumped and said, "take that you old bastard". As I walk down I don't hear any flopping and my buddy is standing there looking sad. I asked where's the bird and he turns and snorts, "I missed". So he still lives and is still the old bastard on the point, but it was a great hunt. I know I beat him and there will be another day. It was great.
Hahaha thats awesome. He will be there next year to make you pull your hair out. Just dont let one of them 20 something year olds hunt him. He will be gone. :newmascot:
I call it a win for you bro :funnyturkey:
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on May 27, 2019, 10:05:20 AM
Quote from: tha bugman on May 24, 2019, 10:16:11 AM
In The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, the author says when you can do what you described you have attained the title of an "Old Pro". Congrats on a great hunt
One of the best books out about turkey hunting. I agree with the part about the different stages hunters go through in their life.
He actually re addresses the stages in his second book....but it is specifically talking about himself and his success rate as his years went by.
Last bird I tagged was a small tom with a good beard, 10 1/4" after I shot a lot of it off, lol. It ended up pretty skinny. I saw a big tom and 2 jakes in a perfect spot for a hunt and the stars aligned and they fought through the squawking hens to come right to me. The 2 jakes split off and came through the woods but the tom came down the tote road, perfect. Out pops j1 then j2 and they work by me at 10 feet. Here comes the to, I see him gobble at 30 yards around the corner, that long beard just swingin. I have a perfect 20 yard shot and he stops right where I need him to. I little grin and I squeeze the trigger. A millisecond before the trigger breaks I hear a thunderous gobble just behind the bird I am on. BOOM!, he is down. I step onto the tote road, tagless and see gramps looking me in the face at 22 yards. Biggest bird I have had that close in 19 years. Mad, no. Disappointed, maybe. But the bird I shot " acted right ". So it was a good day. Now I have a target for next year. All good days guys, Al Baker
Old guy checking in. When I take time away from my family,I'm going to do everything I can to kill a bird.
And I got to say,there's a whole lot of butt hurt old guys on here after that young gun thread.
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Quote from: fallhnt on May 29, 2019, 06:34:33 AM
Old guy checking in. When I take time away from my family,I'm going to do everything I can to kill a bird.
And I got to say,there's a whole lot of butt hurt old guys on here after that young gun thread.
They are all invited to hunt with me. My bum knee and poor hearing and vision included. I like getting different takes on things. But make no mistake, us old bulls know how to get it done. I see a lot more focus and effort from us geriatrics than the "young guns" , I laugh every time I hear that. Just think boys, when us old timers were the " young guns " we didn't have the need to tell everyone, we just knew. :smiley-patriotic-flagwaver-an
Being totally honest; yes there is some butt hurt among us "old timers" on the forum. Some of it may be just hurt feelings and pride, but I have found that the ire of people is most strongly aroused when false accusations come up. People expect justice and fair play in life generally. We have the privilege of first hand knowledge and testimony of how the whole turkey hunting community got to here. Much of the butt hurt comes from the ignorance and arrogance of the accuser, it's a symptom of unearned wealth. Many of us hunted when opportunities to kill a gobbler was harder to come by. We did not hunt in a target rich environment. We were also the ones who funded the efforts to repopulate and protect the resource. We built the company and stuffed the bank account and it seems unjust to watch the kids brag and frivolously gloat over their wealth and then disparage those who handed it to them. Some may go as far as say they are spoiled brats. Not all are like that but some are. Make no mistake when there are more turkeys they are easier to kill.
Do we become less successful as we age? That is a matter that is controlled not by ones hunting skills, but physical health. For some of us it is true we just can't hunt in a way that is the most productive and some birds get a pass because of it, but make no mistake it is not skill that is lacking. Young man you should respect the elder who built the house you now live in! As a young man I was brash and cocky too, but I was also willing to glean knowledge from those who had already learned what I did not know. I would also suggest that we let the young guns have their day of gloating, the sun comes up everyday and enough of those sun rises will bring them to the same day they now infer upon us and they will be the compromised. So smile and know what you know and just chuckle inside knowing that their day is coming.
I guess I missed the "young guns" thread that seems to have gotten some of us "elder statesmen" riled up a might. ...Not sure what the fuss is about....???
....Must be the brain cells dying off.... ;D :toothy12:
As I have gotten older I have come to realize how much I do not know
As I have aged, not gracefully, I enjoy each moment and memory much more. The yungins need their space to grow as we did. But I sure do enjoy a chance to kick one of the young whippersnappers when they so eagerly deserve it. Just the "Old Bull" in me coming out. I was on the other side of this 30 years ago and took my physical mental and emotional abuse and grew a better man for it. I am just glad to be able to enjoy my life now. Thus ends the sermon :jesus-cross: :smiley-patriotic-flagwaver-an
I didn't even know that "passing" a turkey was a thing until this year...learning the ropes in AR doesn't present the target rich environment as many other places though, so taking every opportunity is just part of it down there.
Quote from: eggshell on May 29, 2019, 07:57:02 AM
Being totally honest; yes there is some butt hurt among us "old timers" on the forum. Some of it may be just hurt feelings and pride, but I have found that the ire of people is most strongly aroused when false accusations come up. People expect justice and fair play in life generally. We have the privilege of first hand knowledge and testimony of how the whole turkey hunting community got to here. Much of the butt hurt comes from the ignorance and arrogance of the accuser, it's a symptom of unearned wealth. Many of us hunted when opportunities to kill a gobbler was harder to come by. We did not hunt in a target rich environment. We were also the ones who funded the efforts to repopulate and protect the resource. We built the company and stuffed the bank account and it seems unjust to watch the kids brag and frivolously gloat over their wealth and then disparage those who handed it to them. Some may go as far as say they are spoiled brats. Not all are like that but some are. Make no mistake when there are more turkeys they are easier to kill.
Do we become less successful as we age? That is a matter that is controlled not by ones hunting skills, but physical health. For some of us it is true we just can't hunt in a way that is the most productive and some birds get a pass because of it, but make no mistake it is not skill that is lacking. Young man you should respect the elder who built the house you now live in! As a young man I was brash and cocky too, but I was also willing to glean knowledge from those who had already learned what I did not know. I would also suggest that we let the young guns have their day of gloating, the sun comes up everyday and enough of those sun rises will bring them to the same day they now infer upon us and they will be the compromised. So smile and know what you know and just chuckle inside knowing that their day is coming.
Those are the points I was attempting to make in the "Old Timer" thread that was sadly deleted. An old mans brain in a young mans body would wipe out a turkey population in a single season...but age ultimately leads to lacking qualities. The same goes for youth too. Although the body is sound, the mind is often clouded with style, greed, and the need for unneeded crutches (gimmicks).
I'm extremely fortunate that I was raised when turkey were just really coming up. My dad was one of the "self taught originals" in SE Arkansas. We didn't have it easy by any stretch. Problem now is hunting is somewhat of a fad. Hero pictures and bragging is sadly taking place of respect for the game.
Sorry to the OP for going off topic. :happy0167:
Never passed on a full fan tom with a tag in my pocket...can't see it happening anytime soon...
40+ years hunting...just getting warmed up...
12 or so states...
More states will be added as $$$ become available...
New Zealand with it's no limit booming Rio population is a very real bucket list possibility...already working on it...might take multiple trips there...
The whole old vs. new is a non-issue for me...
Father Time is undefeated...we will all end up in the same place eventually...