Well there's a few days left here in PA, but I thought I'd share how my father and I made out this year.
2022 was a tough year locally here with high hunting pressure on both private and public land, and some of the lowest turkey numbers we've seen in 25+ years. Neither of us tagged one last year, and honestly we maybe had 2 good encounters for the whole season. Had pretty low expectations coming into 2023.
To our surprise this year was a tremendous rebound year. Preseason there were gobblers abounding, and back in the spots where we have traditionally hunted them.
I was fortunate to be able to hunt a bunch of days with my Dad this year. I had moved away for 7 years from 2015-21 and not had many days to hunt together.
May 12 was one of the hottest mornings I've hunted in a long time. I tried to talk the old man into quitting at least 3 times. At 11:15, we struck a gobbler so far away it took 6 seconds after our calls to hear his gobbles, but he answered three times in a row. I said, "he's too far away, we don't have enough time, and it's too hot." Well we made our move and at 11:45 I tagged a beautiful 2 year old Tom that he called in for me. The last time he called one in for me was 18 years ago. The bird had very neat looking copper streaks near the tail fan feather tips on each side that we've never seen before.
Just 4 days later was my dad's birthday. For 20 years I've heard him talk about wanting to get one in his birthday. He's been turkey hunting 37 years as of this year. He's been as close as you can get but ultimately it had never happened. The night before my wife asked me what I got him for his birthday I said, "we're going turkey hunting. What could be a better present than that?"
Well this year was the year. I got to repay the favor and called in an angry hen who drug another beautiful Tom into range.
We hunt along the Allegheny front here on the low mountainsides. Typically we hunt from the bottom up but I convinced him to hike in from the top that morning. He shot the bird 150 yards from the very bottom. He looked at me and said, "I told you we should have started RIGHT here this morning." I told him he needed the exercise and we both laughed.
So we had two awesome hunts in 4 days. Got to call in a bird for each other. Very special season. I'm very thankful for the Lord's blessings this year. You never know how much time you'll have with your loved ones, and we had a terrific time hunting together this year.
Congrats to you and your Dad. Great memories, you will never forget
That's awesome, Brother!!! Y'all absolutely had a great hunt!!! Congratulations to both of y'all.
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Great memories, well done.
Awesome, Congrats to you and your dad!
Good for you and congratulations to you and your dad on calling birds in for each other.
After 37 years you made it happen and I'm sure both of you will never forget. Great birthday gift!
Great memories for you and your Dad. Congrats to both. I found the central PA turkey season a little better.
Congrats to you and your father, good read (pictures would have made it better).
This was my bird
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My dads bird
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Man, congratulations on those birds and the wonderful memories made. Glad the hunting picked up some, that is always good to hear.
Congratulations on the great season!! Awesome that your dad finally got a birthday gobbler!
Thanks PA longbeard, pictures make the great story that much better. Congrats again to both of you.