I'm still relatively new to the forum but wanted to share a recent blessing!
Though I've killed a few birds in my hunting life, I didn't really get serious about turkey hunting until about 5 years ago. The problem was, I was terrible at it on my own. The birds I had killed before were because I went with someone who knew what they were doing. 2017 was the last turkey I killed (Berry College WMA with my father in law).
Needless to say, as soon as I got serious, I stopped killing turkeys haha!
What I did find is that the more I tried and failed, the better I felt I was getting at learning this game.
I didn't get to hunt opening day because I'm a pastor of a church with Easter activities all weekend. But I always take time off after Easter to chase birds. I decided not to go that Monday because I really needed some rest.
But I was determined to be in the woods on that Tuesday morning.
A wonderful family in our church owns some land in Meriwether County that they recently and graciously invited me to hunt whenever I want. It's small but there are turkeys around.
Got there a little before first light and eased to the backside of the pond dam leading to a creek bottom where I knew they liked to roost.
I listened for a while and owl hooted with no response other than another couple owls talking back to me lol
Finally, around 7:30, I decided to ease into the edge of a pasture that they like to use but also allowed me to see back toward the creek bottom.
I settled in and hit the wingbone... sounded pretty good to me.... But nothing.
So I tried a mouth call... my best call to be honest... But nothing.
Finally, about 7:55, I pulled out the Houndstooth Gamecalls Cherry Glass and gave a few yelps... GOBBLE!!!
It was coming from the creek bottom... behind me! I slowly looked around the tree, confident he wasn't near yet... worked my body like a writhing toddler around the tree and settled down... GOBBLE! Closer this time...
I made sure my red dot was on and rested the old Mossberg 20 gauge I'd spent the offseason rebuilding into a turkey gun on my knee. I shut up... no more calling from me (a lesson I'd learned the hard way before).
Pretty soon, a white lightbulb popped up over the crest of the hill, beelining toward me through the woods. He slowly made his way to my left... 50 yards... stopped, full strut... GOBBLE... eased on... 40 yards... no shot... 35... no shot... 30... between two trees... lightbulb pops up... BOOM... and the lights went out!
Ol boy never moved a muscle! FINALLY... a bird I called in on my own was going home with me! Turkey nuggets for dinner and a trophy on my wall.
I picked him up and moved him to the field edge to take some pictures but not before thanking the bird and the Lord for the blessing of that hunt... and the lessons I'd learned earning me success.
The Lord has been so good to me and I'm grateful for the opportunity I've been given to grow and learn in these Georgia woods. It's made me a better man, husband, father and pastor... and maybe even a little better hunter.
TL;DR - I finally killed a turkey I called in myself! Haha!
Thanks for reading! And may you experience all the goodness of God this week!
Congrats! Feels amazing doesn't it? In only have two fan mounts. My first bird a buddy called in for me and the first one I called in.
Way to go! Congrats
Wow - great story! Congratulations to you on a fine bird! Welcome to the Legion!
Great read!
Ralph
Great bird and pics.
I need to take better pictures
Congrats! That's a fine bird.
Congrats, I know that was exhilarating....Love the pics, the tractor brings back memories for me.
Great story!! Congratulations brother!!!
Congratulations. That's a beautiful bird.
Awesome hunt! Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on a great bird! Thank you for sharing the hunt and photos with the forum. You should be proud!
Awesome, congrats!
Nice bird! Congrats.
That is Awesome!!!
Congrats great story
Congrats on a fine Tom! Keep after them. We learn more each year don't only gets better. Keep after them!
Great read with great picture, Congratulations on taking a beautiful Tom , and welcome to the greatest turkey worshiping hunting fanatic site! Stick around and enjoy the comradery. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations!!! Great write up as well.
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Congratulations. Now you are really hooked! GOD is good.
A great story and thanks for sharing.
Pretty good story bud congrats
Thanks, everybody! I was hooked before... but after this, you can't keep me out of the woods! ;D
That's awesome!!! Congrats!! Thanks for sharing the story and pics. :icon_thumright:
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Way to go!
Congratulations brother!! You'll remember that one forever.
Well done