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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: mcw3734 on February 20, 2021, 12:25:55 PM

Title: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: mcw3734 on February 20, 2021, 12:25:55 PM
When I first started turkey hunting in the late 80's, i remember being taught to (safely) hustle over to the bird after the shot and make sure it's done. That meant stepping on its head or giving it a twist. I took a couple decade hiatus from turkey hunting and now that I'm watching videos, I never see anybody doing that. Maybe occasionally if somebody took a long shot.

Was anybody else taught that? Does anybody still instinctively do it? I do. Or maybe because of this era of tight chokes, red dots and TSS, a shot bird is pretty much anchored?
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: TJR on February 20, 2021, 12:27:41 PM
9 out of 10 I run to. Old habits.


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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Hobbes on February 20, 2021, 12:31:41 PM
I used to charge after them, but decided long ago that running with a shotgun wasn't wise.  Also, the shotgun is more than capable of making a second shot if necessary.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: guesswho on February 20, 2021, 12:33:48 PM
I'm not near as fast a the shot coming out of the barrel, so I take my time.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: bbcoach on February 20, 2021, 12:41:32 PM
I let them do their flopping with another round in the chamber.  Hevi 13 7's are the ticket.  No running or foot on the neck for me.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: THattaway on February 20, 2021, 12:46:50 PM
Ran to birds back in the lead days. Had to sometimes. Since hevi shot and tss I watch the broke neck shuffle then walk out.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Greg Massey on February 20, 2021, 12:53:25 PM
To old to RUN, i just walk over to them with these new TSS, it pretty much dresses the bird for you after the SHOT. I sure don't want to fall and mess up my turkey season with dislocated hip, broke leg or sprain ankle. I'd rather live to hunt another day safety.  :fud:
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: RutnNStrutn on February 20, 2021, 12:59:27 PM
I've seen it on hunting shows, but personally I've never done it.

Sent from deep in the woods where the critters roam.

Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: owlhoot on February 20, 2021, 01:27:36 PM
Quote from: THattaway on February 20, 2021, 12:46:50 PM
Ran to birds back in the lead days. Had to sometimes. Since hevi shot and tss I watch the broke neck shuffle then walk out.
This right here.
Purty silly to run like crazy with a loaded shotgun through the woods. I've ran to a turkey to get my foot as his neck as quick as possible years ago. Shot a pump so never shucked a round in. Haven't done it years now. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Dtrkyman on February 20, 2021, 01:29:59 PM
I just sit against the tree and smile!  I will stand up quickly if they drop out of sight but I can shoot faster than I can run if one got up.  Has not happened to me.

A friend of mine lost a bird years ago, he rolled it in a field and was trotting to it, it got up and ran off, he chased it and It wound up going over a rise and he never saw it again, he stopped and looked at his gun and was like DUH!
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: fmf on February 20, 2021, 01:36:01 PM
Usually no, but it depends on the shot and how much i can see the bird. If he immediately drops out of sight, or if i shot him next to a tree and he flops behind it, things like that I will try to get to him pretty quick. Otherwise I generally just sit there and enjoy the moment and give thanks before I go check him out.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Tom007 on February 20, 2021, 01:42:32 PM
Sit and enjoy the moment. If he's flopping, I am ready to drop the hammer if he starts to seriously retreat....
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: ol bob on February 20, 2021, 01:48:52 PM
Never have never will.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: RiverRoost on February 20, 2021, 02:01:51 PM
A shotgun propped up on the knee offers a much steadier and more accurate follow up shot if needed than free handing one coming to a quick halt from running.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: MK M GOBL on February 20, 2021, 02:07:37 PM
Seen it in those old videos I watched did it too, not anymore though, I kill them close with some lead and they're dead! No need for any of this tss stuff...
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Chad Gus715 on February 20, 2021, 04:01:08 PM
Can't say that I've ever done that.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: catman529 on February 20, 2021, 04:24:53 PM
I've always gone to my bird pretty quick. Sometimes just walk up to it and sometimes a dead run. I'll usually step on the head or pick it up by the head till it stops flopping. If for some reason its eyes are still open I'll stomp or wring the neck to finish it off quickly. Birds are weird critters and sometimes a "dead" turkey ain't always dead.

I was shooting starlings in the barn the other day and dropped one like a rock, thought it was a head shot, but a few minutes later it was sitting up looking around. Now they are a little easier to dispatch than a turkey. Lol


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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Turkeytider on February 20, 2021, 04:38:52 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on February 20, 2021, 01:42:32 PM
Sit and enjoy the moment. If he's flopping, I am ready to drop the hammer if he starts to seriously retreat....

That's pretty much me. You can tell when a bird is well hit by the way he folds , IMO. In videos I've thought it looks kind of silly tearing a$$ through the woods. Also, I don't mean you have to be solemn and morose by any means, but why do so many of these guys on these videos laugh like hyenas after shooting a bird? Satisfaction in the accomplishment is fine. Personally, I've never felt mirth after ending a life. Guess I'm just old and more serious about life and mortality.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: owlhoot on February 20, 2021, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: catman529 on February 20, 2021, 04:24:53 PM
I've always gone to my bird pretty quick. Sometimes just walk up to it and sometimes a dead run. I'll usually step on the head or pick it up by the head till it stops flopping. If for some reason its eyes are still open I'll stomp or wring the neck to finish it off quickly. Birds are weird critters and sometimes a "dead" turkey ain't always dead.

I was shooting starlings in the barn the other day and dropped one like a rock, thought it was a head shot, but a few minutes later it was sitting up looking around. Now they are a little easier to dispatch than a turkey. Lol


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Ever had one come back alive in the truck? Friend with me did one time. I looked down on the passenger side floor board and between his feet was a longbeards head peri scoping. That was fun.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Turkeytider on February 20, 2021, 04:58:04 PM
Quote from: MK M GOBL on February 20, 2021, 02:07:37 PM
Seen it in those old videos I watched did it too, not anymore though, I kill them close with some lead and they're dead! No need for any of this tss stuff...

With you on that! I much prefer to shoot 30 yards and in. I don't want him to know what hit him. Close in plus 2oz of #6 Hevi-13 is a pretty good anchor. I like to see them blink before I shoot.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Loyalist84 on February 20, 2021, 05:37:58 PM
I always hurried in. Cleared the action of the gun, stood up and got over to the bird to wring its neck. Whether or not its neck was already broken - just as soon make a dying bird's passing a little faster rather than watch it flop around and be unsure of things.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: RED NECK on February 20, 2021, 05:44:24 PM
I have never ran to a dead bird, or jumped around celebrating like I just hit the world series winning home run in bottom of 9th,Game 7.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: springtime_overland on February 20, 2021, 06:00:02 PM
Killing one of these tough south MS birds gets me fired up every time. Usually it is after several long days or weeks of hard hunting..

I am sure with some age i will walk to a bird, but for now, safely, i want my hands on him ASAP..
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Gooserbat on February 20, 2021, 06:11:48 PM
I used to, not so much now, but I don't sit there and relish the moment.  I just shoot, get up and walk to it.  Then I stand over my kill like a victorious gladiator.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: 3chunter on February 20, 2021, 06:13:19 PM
Run to him until I can't. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Old Gobbler on February 20, 2021, 06:15:07 PM
When he is stone cold dead running is obsolete..but of there is some questionable behavior like coordinated flapping ..and especially heads up ...better get on over to him quickly
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Aholdren on February 20, 2021, 06:28:52 PM
Grow up in the hills will make you get on them after the trigger pull..   Flat lands their is seldom a need to hurry.  With the chance of them getting the slightest jump and getting their wings locked then its good bye for good.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: WV Flopper on February 20, 2021, 07:13:13 PM
 Run no. Hustle it up, sometimes. Depends on the situation.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: GobbleNut on February 20, 2021, 07:33:20 PM
Around these here parts, where turkeys are generally found on some pretty steep country, every second you sit and wait after the shot is another ten or twenty yards down the hill a gobbler will flop.  I get to them as quickly as I can, cuz I don't want to have to carry one back up the slope any further than I have to.

Unfortunately, nowadays "as quickly as I can" is something more of a fast shuffle, or maybe even a medium waddle, than what you young'uns would refer to as running.   ;D
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: 3bailey3 on February 20, 2021, 07:37:02 PM
a few years back i missed one at about 10 steps, next shot he was flying and missed again, third shot dropped him, flopping i walked to him so happy i had got him after 3 shots, about 10 steps from him he gets up and starts running, i had left my gun at tree, i had no more shells, i ran as hard as i could after him, one of his wings was dragging the ground as he ran away, never caught up to him and also died my heart was beating so hard after chasing him as far as i could..
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Goblen on February 20, 2021, 07:44:48 PM
I remain still. Especially if there are other turkeys near by. No need to educate them. Let them drift off. But even if he's alone I sit still. I've never put my foot on one. Hope I never have too.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Howie g on February 20, 2021, 07:45:12 PM
I usually run to em and continue running until I feel safe I'm on my side of the fence !!
Just kidding , I haven't ran to one in years . I normally just gather my things and walk to them .
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Cut N Run on February 20, 2021, 07:46:33 PM
Quote from: bbcoach on February 20, 2021, 12:41:32 PM
I let them do their flopping with another round in the chamber.  Hevi 13 7's are the ticket.  No running or foot on the neck for me.

^^^Exactly right. 
Get 'em in close enough and it's not necessary.
I definitely keep the gun pointed that direction for a minute, but follow-up shots haven't been required.

Jim
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Tail Feathers on February 20, 2021, 07:53:54 PM
I'm not as fast off the ground as when I started.  If I feel good about the shot I just stay at the ready a minute or two ready for a follow up shot if needed. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Hwd silvestris on February 20, 2021, 09:42:14 PM
I ask myself many a time why I run to them.  I will plan not to run but something comes over me and I catch myself running again to them. It's the darndest thing


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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: davisd9 on February 20, 2021, 09:52:57 PM
When I shot lead absolutely, the stunned Tom shuffle is not fun especially when he catches his bearings. Nowadays if I see the shot connected I gather myself and make my way over.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: captpete on February 21, 2021, 08:39:20 AM
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 20, 2021, 07:33:20 PM
Around these here parts, where turkeys are generally found on some pretty steep country, every second you sit and wait after the shot is another ten or twenty yards down the hill a gobbler will flop.  I get to them as quickly as I can, cuz I don't want to have to carry one back up the slope any further than I have to.

Unfortunately, nowadays "as quickly as I can" is something more of a fast shuffle, or maybe even a medium waddle, than what you young'uns would refer to as running.    ;D

This sounds like me.  I use to run to them, now I'm more of the get to them at a quick walk with gun in hand type. I had one about 10 years that I folded at 25yds. He was doing his dead flop act. I sat and watch until he quit. I stood up, leaned the gun against the tree and started to walk to him. I got about 20 feet from the tree, his head came up, he stood up and off he ran as I ran back to get the gun. Never did find that bird.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: the Ward on February 21, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
I will hold the gun on the gobbler for a minute or so after the shot, then stand and work my way over to him. If you need a follow up shot, it is much easier to swing on a moving target standing than sitting.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 09:18:50 AM
I do not run, but like Gobblenut said, if you're hunting at altitude and in the mountains, it's best to move quickly before the gobbler rolls down the mountain. As we all know, turkeys sometimes do a lot of flopping about though quite dead. In the mountain west, at 7500-9000 ft when that boy rolls down 75-100 yds or even more, that is no fun to trek down a steep mountain and especially back up.

It's like I learned as a boy quail hunting, there is no need to get in a hurry though, the shotgun is much faster than any quail, turkey and certainly me. Don't run to a downed turkey. Keep your eyes on him and if he puts that head up, you better be prepared to shoot, but otherwise enjoy the moment and soak it all in. Unfortunately, the hunt is over.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: turkeykiller22 on February 21, 2021, 09:24:29 AM
I use to run every time. After hunting with someone that taught me a lot about hunting I no longer run. The main reason is to not educate any other birds that might still be hanging around. Alabama turkeys are already pressured enough. The last thing they need is more pressure.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: kytrkyhntr on February 21, 2021, 09:26:59 AM
I still get up and run to em, every time. Now I slow down once I got my hands on them. Where I used to throw em over my shoulder and find a good spot to take a picture, I now sit at the scene and enjoy the moment and give a little thanks. Something I didn't really do the first 15 years or so I did this.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Missouri hunter on February 21, 2021, 10:04:17 AM
I was taught to run after them by my uncle who started hunting with 23/4 lead loads. I have run after most of my turkeys since. If they are close it's more of a fast walk. One I was really happy I ran after was with a 20ga 6 lead and modified choke. He needed a second shot which I was able to deliver with the second barrel on my dads old 20ga. If I had not got after it I don't know if I would have gotten him. He was a few yards farther than I thought on the first shot.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: longbeards on February 21, 2021, 10:12:05 AM
Unless I see the pattern center the head I try to get to them as quick as possible. At 64 that's not too quick! I always step on there head as I hunt the mountains of WV and if and when it goes to flopping it may well end up down the mountain where gravity leaves it@!!
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Yoder409 on February 21, 2021, 11:16:13 AM
My knees and lower back can walk ALL DAY.  They can't run to the bathroom in an emergency.

I don't shoot til I'm reasonably certain there'll be no need for running or other silliness.

I prefer to saunter on over.............
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Happy on February 21, 2021, 12:35:32 PM
No need to get on them quick unless they are gonna flop somewhere i aint keen on going. Usually I just shoot and keep an eye on them. If they fall out of sight then I stand up and move to where I can cover them. I have learned over the years to listen to my gut and and take the first good   shot and not to push my luck on "maybe" shots through thick brush or obstacles. This has made life a whole lot simpler on all of my hunting.

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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: JMalin on February 21, 2021, 12:36:41 PM
All it takes is one lost turkey you initially saw flopping to make you want to hustle up to each one you kill.  Not as important in an open area where you can keep eyes on the bird.  If my view of the bird is obstructed or I had to shoot through some thick stuff to get on him, I'm not going to sprint, but will certainly hustle up to him to make sure he isn't just stunned.  Likewise when hunting steep terrain. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: G squared 23 on February 21, 2021, 11:12:19 PM
I normally keep my gun ready for a followup shot which I have needed a time or two. I'd reload before running after one. They're faster than me...
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: wbyman on February 21, 2021, 11:26:39 PM
Yes in the early days. Last time I did it was when I pushed down with my free hand to get up and smashed my favorite pot call. Not smart to stumble around with a loaded gun. Take good clean shots, probably the best advice.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Sixes on February 21, 2021, 11:32:11 PM
I throw my gun down, run over and grab em up in a bear hug! That is what a real man does!!



After being heavily spurred in the palm of my hand, I learned to leave them alone for a little bit, a bird with his head bouncing all over the place ain't going anywhere.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Gobble! on February 22, 2021, 07:44:54 AM
Immediately get up and strut my way to him. Grab his legs and put a foot on his neck.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: the Ward on February 22, 2021, 08:46:35 AM
Quote from: Gobble! on February 22, 2021, 07:44:54 AM
Immediately get up and strut my way to him. Grab his legs and put a foot on his neck.
You've got style, my man!
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: trkehunr93 on February 22, 2021, 08:58:46 AM
I use to run like Carl Lewis, he was a really fast Olympic runner for you younger guys, back in the beginning of my turkey hunting career.  Now not so much, usually just walk over and put my foot on his head until he's done flopping.  If I'm on a ridge and gravity takes over I'll move a little faster to get to him but after falling face first running to one I've slowed down a bit. 


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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: ShootingABN! on February 24, 2021, 05:54:05 PM
I was taught to run to the bird as well.

Then I learned to just keep the gun on the bird and wait. It's easier to have a follow up shot seated and ready than, on the run.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: greencop01 on February 24, 2021, 06:34:41 PM
I never run to the bird. I walk with a loaded shotgun. I never had one get up after I shot, but if I did another load of sixes will be sent to his brain-housing group real quick. It is not very smart or safe to run with a loaded shotgun in your hands, it only takes once.........
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: tha bugman on February 24, 2021, 06:54:09 PM
I still do I don't care how dead they look!  Blew out my ACL running to one several years ago.  Me and him were both flopping on the ground! :TooFunny:
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Neill_Prater on February 24, 2021, 07:23:25 PM
Bird in hand worth two in the bush, so although I no longer run to them, I still don't piddle around unless the bird is in plain sight.

TSS, Hevishot, lead, whatever, a poor shot is still a poor shot. Shot a bird last year with Magblends at 40 yards. Not sure if I flinched, or just rushed the shot because I could tell he was getting ready to boogy, but the results were the same either way.

Bird went down, but immediately started flopping big time and soon got out of sight. I'm old and slow, but got up as quickly as possible and trotted towards him. By the time I got there he had flopped behind some brush, and had his feet under him. Fortunately, he froze, and I was able to finish him off.

If I hadn't hustled, that likely would have been a lost bird.


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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: g8rvet on February 24, 2021, 07:41:21 PM
I am in the keep the gun ready for a followup camp.  Then head over and claim the prize.   If I am not certain, I don't waste time getting up, but I don't like to turn my back on one either that is still flopping. 

With a muzzleloader I will be in a bit more of a rush, since a followup takes a while. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Howie g on February 24, 2021, 07:44:33 PM
How many of you fellas have gotten up to retrieve a flopper and fall down because your legs are asleep ?
I know a guy ???????
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Paulmyr on February 28, 2021, 01:20:08 AM
Reading some of these replies reminds me of friend I took down to Georgia for a hunt.

On his last day before having to take him to airport I sent him into an area in knew had birds. I sat out on the road and listened. About a half hour later I hear a Tom fire up and he's hot. I'm thinking to myself that birds gonna get it. Sat there for an hour listening to this bird ripping up the woods expecting a shot at anytime. Nothing. 20 mins later my buds out of the woods looking dejected. Asked if he spooked or something he replies what spooked. I said that Tom that was in there ripping it up. I never heard anything was his reply. I laughed and said dude I just sat here and listened to him for an hour. Buddy was dumbfounded. Turned out he set up next to a creek and couldn't here over the bubbling water.

We went back to camp for a bite and I took him back after packing his stuff. Dropped him at the entry and said stay away from the creek this time and  I'll be back in an hour and a half to take you to the airport.

Show up to to take him to the airport and he's out on the road standing over a nice Tom. He gives me the story.

He stays out of the creek but sets up by and abandoned church retreat. He picks a concrete wall to sit against. The wall is about 15 yds from the main building and not very big. The Tom comes in silent and gets between the wall and building right behind the friend and starts drumming. Buddy says he going nuts as the bird sits there with that little wall between them and booms drumming for about 20 mins. The drumming stops and finally sees the bird at about 35yds going away. He quickly get a shot before the bird enters the woods rolling him over. Buddy runs over to his prize and checks him out. He's digging in his vest to get his camera out (for you younger guys that's how we used to take pics back in the day) when out of the corner of his eye he sees the birds head pop up. It was off to the races. He couldn't shoot again because he set his gun down to take aforementioned pic. The Tom starts to fly. Buddy catches the bird by the foot just before it gets out of reach and the battle was on. Apparently the turkey was winning until he got a hold of its neck. Still getting the heck beat out him my friend was able to somehow twist the birds neck.
Ha! we get a good laugh out of that story every time I see him and we talk turkey.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: old3toe on February 28, 2021, 02:44:31 AM
  It depends on the situation for me. Most of the time I just chamber another round asap and keep the gun covering him in case he isn't hit hard and assuming I can see him I just sit there and take it all in. After getting the feeling back in my legs I ease over to him. If he disappears at the shot and I can't see him I get to my feet quickly and reposition til I can see him down while chambering another round. Then I keep him covered for a bit til I know he's not moving anymore. If it's a flopper I'm quick to my feet and readying for a followup shot while moving in on him. Most of the time it's just nerves and their head and neck are broken so I don't shoot a second time but if that head comes up and or he even remotely tries to stand I give the followup shot. I haven't had many floppers but the last bird I killed was one. At the shot he flipped and by his reaction I thought I caught him with the edge of the pattern even though I had a wide open shot and he was perfectly still. Shot felt perfect too and he was around 28-30 yards. I took off to him as he was flopping, at a fast walk as he was over a little rise by then and I couldn't shoot again. By the time I got to him he was done but I was surprised to see his head was literally smashed with shot. His whole head and neck looked like they caught the center of my pattern. I couldn't believe he flipped and flopped like that when he almost had to be dead instantly. They sure are some tough creatures just like other wild game.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: sendero558 on March 06, 2021, 06:06:49 AM
Run grab the legs and step on the head with a good yank.....old habits are hard to break
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Turkeyman on March 06, 2021, 06:41:23 AM
As many of you, I'm up at the shot and certainly hustling...at my age sprinting days are over! I'm always prepared for a finishing shot if needed.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: grayfox on March 06, 2021, 09:58:52 AM
Only if he looks like he's about to get away & I can't get another good shot from where I'm sitting.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: 12point on March 06, 2021, 10:42:41 AM
I'm 56 and my days of run after a shot is pretty much over LOL. Ok maybe running at all is over LOL.
I did the same thing as you did years ago, running after the shot.
I believe like you do Scoped guns and TSS shot have changed that.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Swenny on March 08, 2021, 08:01:06 AM
Quote from: RiverRoost on February 20, 2021, 02:01:51 PM
A shotgun propped up on the knee offers a much steadier and more accurate follow up shot if needed than free handing one coming to a quick halt from running.
Yep.  I sit and let the moment wash over me with the next round ready to go if I need it.

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Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: derek on March 08, 2021, 09:55:28 AM
Depends on the situation - a bird that's in plain site and obviously crunched - I may bask in the moment.  I typically feel a lot more comfortable once I have him under my control though.  If its a bird I can't see after I shoot, or has potential to get where I can't see very quickly - I'm sprinting.  I'm not sure I realized how often I do this until I started filming.  It's pretty comical at times watching myself go hauling off after one, especially when he's rolling down a mountainside.   One thing I will not do which I've often seen in videos is take my eyes off of him after the shot - It blows my mind how many shoot then have conversations with the camera before going to pick him up.  Crazy stuff can happen.  I want to be ready for whatever happens and don't truly relax until he's in my hands. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: mcw3734 on March 08, 2021, 12:53:40 PM
Quote from: derek on March 08, 2021, 09:55:28 AM
One thing I will not do which I've often seen in videos is take my eyes off of him after the shot - It blows my mind how many shoot then have conversations with the camera before going to pick him up.  Crazy stuff can happen.  I want to be ready for whatever happens and don't truly relax until he's in my hands.

I'm glad I'm not the only one to notice this. I started watching the YouTube videos last year and I was amazed at how they would divert attention away from the bird after the shot. Honestly, seeing that was the main reason I started this thread. But... they always seem to get up and find it, so, who am I to say they're doing it wrong?

I'm like a retriever in a duck blind, once a bird goes down, I do not take my eyes off it until it is literally in hand (or under foot).
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: TonyTurk on March 08, 2021, 02:16:30 PM
Unless I am being chased by a bear, I am not running anywhere at my age. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Howie g on March 08, 2021, 09:42:42 PM
Well , I ran to one today that my son shot with a 410 !  Probably was pretty comical watching me chase him down . But it was worth it !!
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: 3bailey3 on March 08, 2021, 10:01:27 PM
Congrats Howie, i get to them as fast as i can, i was also turned off by some off the yoububers that sat there a long time before going to the bird!
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: dzsmith on March 08, 2021, 10:24:00 PM
it all depends. If I have any doubt...any at all. I get over there. But typically I click by vest off, pick up my shell, and walk over there. 99% of the time, im to the bird before he even starts flopping even when taking my time. I grab the bird by the legs, put my foot on his head "not mashing it or stomping it just to hold it to the ground,and hold him while he flops so the wings hit me instead of himself. I had a bird flop a beard off once...not completely but it broke it up pretty bad. I don't waste time by any means, but I don't run to get my stomp on....I don't stomp heads period. I enjoy my pictures, and try to take care of birds as best I can. Ive see people throw them in the dirt, kick them, all kinds of unnecessary stuff......I don't do that. I have a had to snap a couple necks before from making a bad shot, semi low, and you walk up on the bird awake and conscious quivering. I hate that......so I end it as quickly as possible for them. with all that said. I do think its probably best when introducing people to the sport to encourage them to get on the bird as quickly as possible. better to be safe than sorry...and over time if they kill more birds they can make there own judgement from there.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Marc on March 08, 2021, 10:49:36 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 20, 2021, 07:33:20 PM
Around these here parts, where turkeys are generally found on some pretty steep country, every second you sit and wait after the shot is another ten or twenty yards down the hill a gobbler will flop.  I get to them as quickly as I can, cuz I don't want to have to carry one back up the slope any further than I have to.

Unfortunately, nowadays "as quickly as I can" is something more of a fast shuffle, or maybe even a medium waddle, than what you young'uns would refer to as running.   ;D
I am often hunting steep country, and once had a dead bird roll out of sight.  The happiness of success was soon replaced with the irritation of that long walk down, and the worse walk back uphill carrying a bird.  Granted, I was still happy after following that trail of feathers and actually finding a dead bird.

I have always made haste after making the kill, and generally anchor the bird's head with my foot...  Unless the head was missing...  Then I just let it keep flopping.

This season, I am going to try a new tool I used for duck hunting called "The Finisher."  It looks like a sharp key, and is basically used to "pith" the birds.
Thought it was junk when I got it, but it kills birds very quickly without wringing the necks or biting their heads...  They can bleed like a stuck pig sometimes though.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: quavers59 on March 09, 2021, 06:35:20 AM
    I really can't Run anymore. I love to Hike though still. I will walk out Briskly to a Big ol Bird and as always- my Foot is on that Turkeys Neck.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: Howie g on March 09, 2021, 06:59:52 AM
Quote from: derek on March 08, 2021, 09:55:28 AM
Depends on the situation - a bird that's in plain site and obviously crunched - I may bask in the moment.  I typically feel a lot more comfortable once I have him under my control though.  If its a bird I can't see after I shoot, or has potential to get where I can't see very quickly - I'm sprinting.  I'm not sure I realized how often I do this until I started filming.  It's pretty comical at times watching myself go hauling off after one, especially when he's rolling down a mountainside.   One thing I will not do which I've often seen in videos is take my eyes off of him after the shot - It blows my mind how many shoot then have conversations with the camera before going to pick him up.  Crazy stuff can happen.  I want to be ready for whatever happens and don't truly relax until he's in my hands.
Agreed ,   A man once told me when I was young to beware of the guy who treats a dead gobbler like a dead chicken , slings him around/ throws in bed of truck etc ... Kenny Morgon was his name .
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2021, 08:32:48 AM
Really have enjoyed reading everyone's experiences. One of the few posts I have read all the way through. I treat every animal I shoot as being alive and after the shot wait to be sure it does not move or is not breathing. This go's for Turkeys, deer, mtn lions, coyotes or bobcats. Once grabbed a deers antlers and it started getting up. I was much younger than and knew better. Any animal can hurt you! Step on a turkeys head? No, very seldom if ever, especally with the better patterning shotguns and shells of today.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: GobbleNut on March 09, 2021, 10:05:24 AM
Quote from: Marc on March 08, 2021, 10:49:36 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 20, 2021, 07:33:20 PM
Around these here parts, where turkeys are generally found on some pretty steep country, every second you sit and wait after the shot is another ten or twenty yards down the hill a gobbler will flop.  I get to them as quickly as I can, cuz I don't want to have to carry one back up the slope any further than I have to.

Unfortunately, nowadays "as quickly as I can" is something more of a fast shuffle, or maybe even a medium waddle, than what you young'uns would refer to as running.   ;D
I am often hunting steep country, and once had a dead bird roll out of sight.  The happiness of success was soon replaced with the irritation of that long walk down, and the worse walk back uphill carrying a bird.  Granted, I was still happy after following that trail of feathers and actually finding a dead bird.

I have always made haste after making the kill, and generally anchor the bird's head with my foot...  Unless the head was missing...  Then I just let it keep flopping.

This season, I am going to try a new tool I used for duck hunting called "The Finisher."  It looks like a sharp key, and is basically used to "pith" the birds.
Thought it was junk when I got it, but it kills birds very quickly without wringing the necks or biting their heads...  They can bleed like a stuck pig sometimes though.

Marc, it's interesting that you bring up "The Finisher".  That little tool was developed by a young guy here in NM, and the son of one of my best friends did the patent work on it for him.  I have several of the "prototypes" they put together when developing the product that they gave me to try out for them. ...Never thought it would be a marketable success, but apparently it has been. 

Also, your comment about following a "feather trail" hit home, as well. Just last spring I had to "feather trail" a gobbler down a steep slope for a looonnnggg ways.  It was so far that I thought he must have gotten up and run after the shot, but I eventually found him piled up stone dead against a downed tree far below where I had shot him.  If not for the feather trail, I may not have.  Needless to say, I wish I had been quicker getting to him before he got to floppin'!

Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: outdoorsmen on March 09, 2021, 09:17:34 PM
I can't run 1100fps so I don't see much sense in trying.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: CALLM2U on March 10, 2021, 08:15:27 AM
As it's been mentioned, it was more common in the lead days as we didn't tend to kill them as dead as we do now. 

That being said, I still will run to scoop one up these days because I mainly hunt mountains.  It doesn't take but one time of watching one flop 100 yards down to the bottom of a nasty hollow to know you don't want that to happen again. 
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: 12point on March 10, 2021, 01:08:37 PM
You got that right about the mountains For sure. First bird I was lucky enough to get on public land East TN Smoke Mountains did just what you said flopped right done the mountain.
The second one I got a ran to before he did the same thing. But as Ive said I believe my running days are over LOL
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: dublelung on March 10, 2021, 01:45:38 PM
It depends on the distance, terrain, etc. If I can see it's clearly a dead bird I'll sit tight and take my time. If I can't see the bird after shooting or if it acts like it wants to get those feet under him I'm advancing quickly with the barrel pointed his direction. I'm short and fat but ain't afraid to hustle after one.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: leaf shaker on March 10, 2021, 09:09:39 PM
RUN LIKE HELL YALL. My younger brother shot a bird somewhat low (main part of the shot was around the beard) last year and I don't know how far the bird would have gone but he was still decently alive. I capped him off with a .22 I carry with me when calling for other people. To be honest he had a single shot so I knew there couldn't be an accident, but bang went the gun and I went a runnin   :fud:
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: High plains drifter on March 19, 2021, 01:25:22 AM
No reason to get vulgar like that.
Title: Re: Run to bird after the shot?
Post by: NTXRRANCH on March 22, 2021, 06:06:25 PM
I always readied a followup shot.