Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

I didn't want to HIJACK Young Gobblers thread, but I've been thinking along the same lines as his previous thread.  Why do we have to have the BIGGEST and BADDEST of everything in order to kill a turkey?  Our forefathers did it with single shot 30" Full choke 12 gauges, with #4 lead in 2 3/4 inch, effectively.  Now it's, $1000 to $2000 semi-auto camoed shotguns, shooting TSS with Super Tight Extra, Extra Full chokes, topped with optics, with 3 and 3 1/2 shells delivering 300 to 600 pellets on target and we still do it mostly at 20 to 30 yards.  Some things to ponder with the snowy cold weather, most of us are experiencing, waiting on our seasons to start.   

After pondering,...Well, I may be getting close to being the BIGGEST (around the middle, that is  ;D ) but I make no claims to being in the "BADDEST" club.

...I do have a $400 camo-ed shotgun with the same choke that I have used for the past 25 years or so...shoot those simple factory beads...but I HAVE gone to shooting TSS (3-inchers...I can't handle the 3 1/2's) just because I want any gobbler I shoot at to have the best opportunity NOT to run off after I shoot at him.  ;D

Admittedly, I did buy a pair of camo pants a while back that cost me more than $20 (but less than $30)...which was a first...but I don't think I have paid over $10 for a camo shirt in my life...and most of the one's I own have a few rips and tears in them. As far as I can tell, the gobblers haven't been able to tell the difference.

...Also, never counted or circled a pellet hole, so I guess I must be a proud member of the "LEAST BADDEST" club of turkey hunters. At this stage of the game, I suppose I am resigned to admitting to it.  :toothy12:  :toothy9:

I have used a little of everything in chasing gobblers over the years and I have enjoyed all of it along the way.

So the evolution of turkey hunting has been awesome in my opinion.

The friends I've made along this journey of chasing these gobblers over the years are priceless. So my suggestion is enjoy it all if you can regardless if it is the Biggest or Baddest. Make as many memories as you can, because as you get older your memories are pretty much all you have left as you age.

Because...America!!!  Hell yeah! :you_rock:

Ain't no way the way I go into the woods would win a "Biggest & Baddest" award.

Single shot 20 gauge.  4 or 5 calls....2 of which are diaphragms.  No vest.  A pair of binos and a shooting stick (a piece of redbrush I cut along the creek bank).

Over the (many) years, I've has some "biggest & baddest" rigs.  But, I eventually figured out that was more other people's style than mine.  So, I streamlined to the essentials.  Ain't never been happier.

I LOVE the responses guys.  Keep them coming!

You don't duck hunt or bass fish do you?

For many years, I didn't spend money on hardly anything.  My family said I was 'tighter than bark on a tree'.  And they were correct.

I have backed off of that a bit in the last few years, realizing that it's ok to spend some money.  So I've upgraded from my 30 year old clothing.  I did buy a new .410 because I have a daughter intrested.  But you'll never see me buying the latest and greatest.  I guess I'm still too much of a tightwad.

Quote from: Gooserbat on January 21, 2025, 01:33:48 PMYou don't duck hunt or bass fish do you?

Absolutely Sam!  I guess we are as BAD about our spending habits as our wives are about buying shoes!  My main Goal when I posted this was to get us thinking, ALL this MONEY and STUFF, isn't necessary to go into the woods and harvest this amazing bird at 20 to 30 yards.  We don't need ALL the latest technology or gear.  K.I.S.S.

Quote from: bbcoach on January 21, 2025, 02:28:43 PM

Quote from: Gooserbat on January 21, 2025, 01:33:48 PMYou don't duck hunt or bass fish do you?

Absolutely Sam!  I guess we are as BAD about our spending habits as our wives are about buying shoes!  My main Goal when I posted this was to get us thinking, ALL this MONEY and STUFF, isn't necessary to go into the woods and harvest this amazing bird at 20 to 30 yards.  We don't need ALL the latest technology or gear.  K.I.S.S.

Well you're kinda right but if we didn't invest in our goods we would never know where it went until we opened the closet and saw shoes

Buying new gear is kinda fun, but there's not much left that I want to carry into the woods.  But I would throw stupid money at a 2.5 lb titanium frame gobbler lounger that would genuinely hold up to 250 lbs. 

Any manufacturers listening? :funnyturkey:

I spend my money these days more on ammo and turkey hunting trips than new guns and such.  That said, I just bought a new choke, trying to get my single shot pattern a bit tighter.
You can tell what a man is passionate about by watching where he spends his money.

 Sh*t costs more now

I feel most experienced turkey hunters know that one doesn't NEED the biggest, most tricked out, newest, or expensive equipment to get the job done. They invest in gear for a variety of other reasons; some legitimate, some silly.

I think it's a problem when new turkey hunters get the impression that they DO NEED a heavy/expensive investment in gear just to hunt, that they're handicapped without it. Or that they see gear as a needed crutch that makes up for lack of experience.

Hunted with the 835 for years did put a nice nikon turkey scope on it used lead of all sizes. Never had the best of clothes the turkeys didn't  seem to mind. I was always a sucker for trying new chokes and loads. Thing was it always patterned best with stock choke. My vest is old and comfortable haven't  found a better one to replace it. Got a mossberg 20 couple years back that's  sure lighter to carry that's a joy. But that's about it.

For calls, I just have an old box call I got at a sporting goods store for like 12 bucks, a shaker gobble, a bat wing mouth call and wingbone calls I have made.

For clothing, camo T shirts, pants, thermal top, coat, boots and hat from Walmart discounted heavily. Face mask for 5 bucks from Sportsman's Warehouse.

My 20 gauge was around $500 and choke less than 100.

Optics are a must for me and red dot the best for me. I have trouble with open sights and my vision.

I have killed turkeys with 2 3/4" shells with quail and pheasant loads. 3" shells in 6, 5, and 4 loads from all kinds of ammo producers and Longbeard XR's ended up being my preference until I discovered TSS #9. That is where I put my money.

I have never lost a bird with any of the loads I have used. They were all effective in the right circumstances.

Quote from: mcw3734 on January 21, 2025, 10:18:49 PMI feel most experienced turkey hunters know that one doesn't NEED the biggest, most tricked out, newest, or expensive equipment to get the job done. They invest in gear for a variety of other reasons; some legitimate, some silly.

I think it's a problem when new turkey hunters get the impression that they DO NEED a heavy/expensive investment in gear just to hunt, that they're handicapped without it. Or that they see gear as a needed crutch that makes up for lack of experience.

Well put.  It seems we TEND to think we HAVE TO HAVE the GREATEST ammo, gun or gadget to experience this sport.  Get your Grandfathers Winchester shotgun, pattern some #4 lead to see what your effective range is and enjoy a few weeks of (Heart Pounding Frustration, Just kidding!)

I don't think it's the increased odds of success that drives us to the best and baddest gear. It's the little kid in us that likes having the newest brightest toy to show all your friends. On the back end it will kill you an extra gobbler now and then, but I would rather just keep my money and be a little more disciplined in my hunting. Heck I've killed birds with my field gun I hunt pheasants with in factory full/IC chokes with high brass magnum 2/34" #5 pheasant loads. It's all in where you choose to shoot old tom. My main gun is a Browning Gold Hunter with extra full choke I bought somewhere around 25-30 years ago with trapping money. My shells are winchester longbeards off the shelf in #5 shot. I rarely buy any camo. Most of mine has many seasons on it. If I need a new piece of camo, I just put it on my Christmas list and the kids buy it for me, LOL. They usually bug me about what I want for a birthday or father's day too, so FREE CAMO, yipee. Yeah, I am just another old tightwad with a growing waistline. It's all just a matter of personal taste and joy. The number of turkeys you bring home are not controlled by your gear as much as your skills, however; I think everyone should enjoy their hunt and if the big toys and bells and whistles make you happy then go get em. The bottom line is turkey hunting should bring you joy, happiness and fulfillment. Do what brings you those things and never worry about what someone else does. 

After you spend a bunch of time in the spring woods, you figure out what vest, gun, calls, etc work best for you. That is what drives my gear choice.

I hate going hunting with a new vest. I have to remember where everything is. That's why I will use the one I have until it falls apart.

I have found that if you buy nice stuff it last longer.

That's just my opinion. The gear changes I make usually revolve around making it easier to get around in the woods, stay warm/cool, stay concealed, and be able to adapt to the awkward conditions a turkey will put you in when he shows up in the exact spot that you hope he does not.


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I went to TSS and have bought my share of new guns, but the old ones work just as good.

Mixed and matched camo works for me. If I see something I like at a yard sale or thrift store, and it works for me in the woods I'll buy it. It's not a fashion show out there, turkeys don't judge me for what I'm wearing, just my friends!

Comfort drives me to a point, because I'll stay in the woods longer increasing my chances of harvesting a bird.  So, I'll spend the money on a good rain suit or look for a way to sit comfortable longer.  With that said I have yet to find a turkey lounger I can get out of without embarrassing and or hurting myself.  I don't need that video on U Tube!

The bottom line is simple. It comes down to what you are comfortable with, have confidence in using and I guess what you care to spend or can afford. New and improved isn't always better!

You guys GET IT!  Being the BIGGEST and BADDEST isn't necessary.  99.99% of the time the OLD WAYS work just fine and get the job done.  IMO Calling and Woodsmanship comprise 90 plus percent of getting a Gobbler to the end of your gun barrel.  Along with a little Luck.

I happen to have a deep interest and love for turkey calls, the art, the craft, the history, books etc. It's one of the main reasons I'm on this forum. Shows are so much fun and are the best place for getting calls/gear for obvious reasons.
I now purchase far more calls than I need but calls and calling are a big part of what I love about turkey hunting.
However, for years I used very little gear and was as successful as I am now.

Quote from: Zobo on January 22, 2025, 01:50:30 PMI happen to have a deep interest and love for turkey calls, the art, the craft, the history....

I now purchase far more calls than I need.....

I resemble that remark.    ;D

I've been on both sides of the coin here and going in to my 25th year of chasing these magnificent birds this spring I've fallen somewhere in the middle. When I started out I thought I needed every thing known to man because of the mossy oak and real tree and knight and hale VHS tapes I could talk my dad out of. Problem was, my dad was a farmer and a factory worker and my mom was a house wife. Dad didn't and still doesn't turkey hunt and didn't see the need in the fancy, new things. So I hunted with his maverick 88 that was replaced with a  Mossberg 500 in 2003. The factory full choke, and Winchester XX #4 that me and dad split because he wanted to try turkeys too. He'd buy me the H.S. Strut pack of calls that had everything in it and maybe a mad call and off I went. I used decoys and figured out how to kill em with what I had. When I turned 18 and could get a factory job I went hog wild and bought every vest, every decoy, every brand and type of call that I could possibly afford just because I always went without. Then I thought I had to carry all of them. I "upgraded" the 500 to a 835 with a scope and sumtoy choke in 2016 and after trying every shell on the market settled on long beard XR #5's. Then ditched the decoys and started hunting mountain birds on National Forest land and figured out pretty quick that I didn't want or need to carry 10 different callers with me because every turkey I had called in to that point came from a mouth call with the exception of one with a long box on a windy day. Fast forward to now and I still buy some calls, but have sold or given most of them away. I carry a couple mouth calls, the same 835 with long beard XR, 1 pot call(typically glass or ceramic) a couple strikers, and a trumpet. This year I'll be adding a OG push button to experiment with. It's fun to buy new gear and experiment but at the end of the day, I've learned that by using my brain, knowing what to say and when to say it, in a spot the gobbler wants to go, trumps anything else I have.


But I will add, that I have a 4 year old that is absolutely enamored with turkey hunting as much as me and I do buy him calls and whatnot fairly regularly. He's getting a handful of calls and a new camo mossberg mini bantam pump for his birthday next month. And that's stuff he asked for!.

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Nothing wrong with wanting and using the biggest and baddest. I'm too cheap to do that but to each his own. A couple of years ago, I did treat myself to some new camo after dropping about 75 pounds and I didn't go cheap.

I think looking the part has become as important to many as playing the part. I have noticed (this is just in general and not pointed at the folks here) that there is an awful lot of preening and posturing going on in the hunting world. It's part fashion show and part social status. That's why I have always made cracks about my good looks and general amazingness. It's me poking fun at the stupidity of it all and basically mirroring the chest puffing and bragging that many seem to consider important. Bottom line is, buy whatever you want as long as it ain't with my money. If it makes you happy, go for it. Personally, I am gonna be more worried about what a quiet guy with a well-used pump shotgun, faded camo, and a few well-used calls is gonna do to the gobbler population, then the loud guy that shows up in a jacked up truck, e-bike in the bed, sitka camo, benelli shotgun, and 4 decoys.

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Quote from: KickinRocks on January 23, 2025, 08:56:49 PMNothing wrong with wanting and using the biggest and baddest. I'm too cheap to do that but to each his own. A couple of years ago, I did treat myself to some new camo after dropping about 75 pounds and I didn't go cheap.

After dropping 75 pounds you deserve some new threads for the woods. Good for you!

Crack, Hookers, Booze or Turkey Gear.  Every man has to have a vice.  For me, it's turkey equipment.  I enjoy hunting with different guns, calls, calls, decoys, vests/satchels, etc...  Do I NEED all of this gear; ABSOLUTELY NOT. It is simply part of my enjoyment of the sport and where I like to spend my time and money.  It also keeps me out of the doghouse with mama bear (mostly).  :)

If I have the cash there's one thing I won't skimp on, waterproof footwear. It has to be Gortex!

I think you either love to go simple, love to go high-tech or you consider yourself in between, picking here and there what you like most and what suits you... Personaly I like to keep it simple. I shoot lead and factory beads with my pump shotgun for everything.

Quote from: Happy on January 24, 2025, 06:59:04 PMPersonally, I am gonna be more worried about what a quiet guy with a well-used pump shotgun, faded camo, and a few well-used calls is gonna do to the gobbler population, then the loud guy that shows up in a jacked up truck, e-bike in the bed, sitka camo, benelli shotgun, and 4 decoys.

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Hehe... That's true... Especially if that guy hunts fall and spring season...  ;D

Quote from: Happy on January 24, 2025, 06:59:04 PMI think looking the part has become as important to many as playing the part. I have noticed (this is just in general and not pointed at the folks here) that there is an awful lot of preening and posturing going on in the hunting world. It's part fashion show and part social status. That's why I have always made cracks about my good looks and general amazingness. It's me poking fun at the stupidity of it all and basically mirroring the chest puffing and bragging that many seem to consider important. Bottom line is, buy whatever you want as long as it ain't with my money. If it makes you happy, go for it. Personally, I am gonna be more worried about what a quiet guy with a well-used pump shotgun, faded camo, and a few well-used calls is gonna do to the gobbler population, then the loud guy that shows up in a jacked up truck, e-bike in the bed, sitka camo, benelli shotgun, and 4 decoys.

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Happy, it's funny you say that first part. I'm guilty of the playing the part excerpt myself. But not in the way you stated it. My thing is a turkey vest. I grew up watching the Lohman guys, the Drury's, the Mossy Oak videos, Knight and Hale, and they all had vests. So naturally I thought I had to have one to be a turkey hunter and it's stuck with me. I can't just stuff a few calls in my pockets and go, I've tried the satchels, I've tried the fanny packs, but to this day, I just don't feel like I'm turkey hunting if I don't have a turkey vest on. It's a dumb thing but that was just something that was ingrained in me as a kid.


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Quote from: ScottTaulbee on January 28, 2025, 07:01:28 PM

Quote from: Happy on January 24, 2025, 06:59:04 PMI think looking the part has become as important to many as playing the part. I have noticed (this is just in general and not pointed at the folks here) that there is an awful lot of preening and posturing going on in the hunting world. It's part fashion show and part social status. That's why I have always made cracks about my good looks and general amazingness. It's me poking fun at the stupidity of it all and basically mirroring the chest puffing and bragging that many seem to consider important. Bottom line is, buy whatever you want as long as it ain't with my money. If it makes you happy, go for it. Personally, I am gonna be more worried about what a quiet guy with a well-used pump shotgun, faded camo, and a few well-used calls is gonna do to the gobbler population, then the loud guy that shows up in a jacked up truck, e-bike in the bed, sitka camo, benelli shotgun, and 4 decoys.

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Happy, it's funny you say that first part. I'm guilty of the playing the part excerpt myself. But not in the way you stated it. My thing is a turkey vest. I grew up watching the Lohman guys, the Drury's, the Mossy Oak videos, Knight and Hale, and they all had vests. So naturally I thought I had to have one to be a turkey hunter and it's stuck with me. I can't just stuff a few calls in my pockets and go, I've tried the satchels, I've tried the fanny packs, but to this day, I just don't feel like I'm turkey hunting if I don't have a turkey vest on. It's a dumb thing but that was just something that was ingrained in me as a kid.

I suspect many of us have bought into the turkey-vest hype over the years. I think I have four or five of them laying around and haven't worn any of them in recent years. They just don't fit my hunting style or my needs. However, I am just as certain that there are folks who hunt in ways and places where they are very handy. Where I hunt, how I hunt, and the few things I need in that regard just make wearing a vest an unnecessary burden.

Then again, I still carry around a shotgun that seems like it weighs about twenty pounds when I really don't have to...so there is that contradiction to my "unnecessary burden" theory...  ;D  :angel9: 

Bet that 30" single shot was a bad boy back in it's day though.

Quote from: GobbleNut on January 29, 2025, 09:57:24 AM

Quote from: ScottTaulbee on January 28, 2025, 07:01:28 PM

Quote from: Happy on January 24, 2025, 06:59:04 PMI think looking the part has become as important to many as playing the part. I have noticed (this is just in general and not pointed at the folks here) that there is an awful lot of preening and posturing going on in the hunting world. It's part fashion show and part social status. That's why I have always made cracks about my good looks and general amazingness. It's me poking fun at the stupidity of it all and basically mirroring the chest puffing and bragging that many seem to consider important. Bottom line is, buy whatever you want as long as it ain't with my money. If it makes you happy, go for it. Personally, I am gonna be more worried about what a quiet guy with a well-used pump shotgun, faded camo, and a few well-used calls is gonna do to the gobbler population, then the loud guy that shows up in a jacked up truck, e-bike in the bed, sitka camo, benelli shotgun, and 4 decoys.

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Happy, it's funny you say that first part. I'm guilty of the playing the part excerpt myself. But not in the way you stated it. My thing is a turkey vest. I grew up watching the Lohman guys, the Drury's, the Mossy Oak videos, Knight and Hale, and they all had vests. So naturally I thought I had to have one to be a turkey hunter and it's stuck with me. I can't just stuff a few calls in my pockets and go, I've tried the satchels, I've tried the fanny packs, but to this day, I just don't feel like I'm turkey hunting if I don't have a turkey vest on. It's a dumb thing but that was just something that was ingrained in me as a kid.

I suspect many of us have bought into the turkey-vest hype over the years. I think I have four or five of them laying around and haven't worn any of them in recent years. They just don't fit my hunting style or my needs. However, I am just as certain that there are folks who hunt in ways and places where they are very handy. Where I hunt, how I hunt, and the few things I need in that regard just make wearing a vest an unnecessary burden.

Then again, I still carry around a shotgun that seems like it weighs about twenty pounds when I really don't have to...so there is that contradiction to my "unnecessary burden" theory...  ;D  :angel9:

That's the thing, I really don't carry enough to warrant using a vest and 9 times out of 10 I drop it off by a tree and come back to get it after the showdown plays out. I just can't seem to find a better method to carry my stuff. Just stubborn I guess. The amount of calls I carry typically wouldn't fill up 2 pockets on a new vest


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My "turkey" gun is a Franchi "turkey" with the fancy camo, pistol grip, etc.  I am sticking with the iron sights though.  I bought a Glenda Green small satchel off here and a couple trumpets from craftsmen on here.  Love hunting with it all. In three years of hunting I have only shot one jake.  And... I wear Sitka Timberline pants.  Love those too.  :jackson:

Quote from: Brillo on January 29, 2025, 09:18:31 PMMy "turkey" gun is a Franchi "turkey" with the fancy camo, pistol grip, etc.  I am sticking with the iron sights though.  I bought a Glenda Green small satchel off here and a couple trumpets from craftsmen on here.  Love hunting with it all. In three years of hunting I have only shot one jake.  And... I wear Sitka Timberline pants.  Love those too.  :jackson:

Not to try and make you buy more stuff🤣, but do you have a good box call? It's a must IMO for "newer" hunters. Put one in your satchel, even the best trumpet callers cannot duplicate an assembly call the likes of a box.

I wear a vest and wouldn't want to be without it. My main purpose for it is carrying out the bird. I am most comfortable with a bird in the pouch on my back then any other way. I have an old Liberty vest that is bare bones and only one layer of material, I don't like  the heavy hot ones.

I have an old Winchester 1300 topped off with a Simmons Pro Diamond scope this rig is 30+ yrs old its gotten turkeys thats all I can expect from it. I dont need a shell that throws 90 pellets in the head at 80yds the old 3 in the head he,s dead holds with me.

It's all good gents, I don't care what people do with their money. We all have our things. I wear a turkey vest as well and love it. I spent a good chunk of change on mine to boot. I was speaking more to the matching, expensive camo, the expensive shotguns, and shells, etc. Once again, if it increases someone's enjoyment of the sport, then so be it. But I know a few fellows that wouldn't come close to making the bass pro turkey catalog that are darned deadly in the woods. Matter of fact, most of the hard-core guys I know look like they have been drug through the ringer by the end of the season and did most of their shopping at yardsales. We joke and call it high fashion. I think, over time, we figure out what we like and choose function over form. I know that for me personally, matching camo typically doesn't happen.

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Quote from: Happy on January 30, 2025, 09:24:35 AMIt's all good gents, I don't care what people do with their money. We all have our things. I wear a turkey vest as well and love it. I spent a good chunk of change on mine to boot. I was speaking more to the matching, expensive camo, the expensive shotguns, and shells, etc. Once again, if it increases someone's enjoyment of the sport, then so be it. But I know a few fellows that wouldn't come close to making the bass pro turkey catalog that are darned deadly in the woods. Matter of fact, most of the hard-core guys I know look like they have been drug through the ringer by the end of the season and did most of their shopping at yardsales. We joke and call it high fashion. I think, over time, we figure out what we like and choose function over form. I know that for me personally, matching camo typically doesn't happen.

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I'm the same, the most expensive shotgun I've ever owned or killed a turkey with was a dream of mine since I was a boy. My Belgium Browning Auto 5. It costed me a whopping 750$. Other than that, I don't own a gun that costed more than 250$. Other than the couple I've bought for the kids. My entire camo set including hat, gloves and face mask I probably have less than 100$ in. I do have a couple vest that were expensive at the time but less than most vest now days. I did splurge on a rare opportunity at an OG pushpin and I have a few calls in the 150-200$ range but they're mostly for the kids to have when I trust them enough to take care of them. Over the years I've realized that for me 99% of the time the turkey isn't going to see me by how I I like to set up, all but maybe a handful have came in to a cheap mouth call, and the mossberg 500 and 835 kill em as dead as anything else.

I like to be the guy at the public land gate that when the other hunters see me they think "there is no way this guy is going to kill a turkey, he might be homeless".


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I like to be the guy at the public land gate that when the other hunters see me they think "there is no way this guy is going to kill a turkey, he might be homeless".

Scott, I Love the Homeless analogy.

Back when I started turkey hunting I couldn't even afford to eat lunch much less buy anything bigger or badder. So I hunted with what I could. When I saved enough to buy a Mossberg 500, I thought I was in heaven. I had more confidence with a camo gun and it really changed the way I hunted. Funny, I know...but with that gun I thought every turkey I heard was dying that day. As ya'll know, that wasn't the case.

Now I'm very fortunate and very blessed with a great job, so I choose to buy nicer guns, scopes, red dots, the best mounts, chokes and TSS. Since turkey hunting is my passion, I don't mind spending big bucks on it. From travel, to cabin rentals, gas, etc.

As for camo, I'm still wearing clothes that I've had since the 90's. But I have bought a few new clothing items from time to time when I catch camo on sale. Priorities, I guess I don't see clothing as the main one. lol

Quote from: Happy on January 30, 2025, 09:24:35 AMIt's all good gents, I don't care what people do with their money. We all have our things. I wear a turkey vest as well and love it. I spent a good chunk of change on mine to boot. I was speaking more to the matching, expensive camo, the expensive shotguns, and shells, etc. Once again, if it increases someone's enjoyment of the sport, then so be it. But I know a few fellows that wouldn't come close to making the bass pro turkey catalog that are darned deadly in the woods. Matter of fact, most of the hard-core guys I know look like they have been drug through the ringer by the end of the season and did most of their shopping at yardsales. We joke and call it high fashion. I think, over time, we figure out what we like and choose function over form. I know that for me personally, matching camo typically doesn't happen.

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I used to do some pipeline work for a major oil company client. As with anything there are guys that have to have the biggest lifted welding truck and high end tools. Some of the guys would show up in fresh cloths every day with the fancy cowboy stitching on their jeans and starched shirts to lay in a ditch and weld pipe.

We called them "designer pipeliners" :jackson:

Most people take themselves too seriously. Today I spent a few hours in the woods trying to shoot a squirrel or two.  I pick a few days a year when we get some sunshine between blizzards.  In two years I have yet to kill a squirrel.  Its OK with me. A sage observer once said: "Most men go fishing all their lives not knowing it is not fish they are after.
That might be a self serving attitude for an inept hunter but I don't care even a little.    :jackson: 

When it comes to buying camo I'm in the Guesswho camp.....

Before season it's discount camo and after the season it's camo on clearance!