Today was youth day here in VA. My son and I were at my dad's place by 6am.
By 6:15 we heard somebody doing a sick owl hoot. And then they started
gobbling and didn't slow down until 8:00. I never heard any hens. We got set up. I did a
few soft yelps sparingly just to let them know we were there; about 200yds away (property line kept us from getting closer). After it stayed quiet for several minutes, a loud much closer one bellowed out.
I told my son, who was in front and to my left, to get ready. He said just a couple of minutes
later the big tom stepped into view. I couldn't see him from my spot. He said he stayed there for about a minute. Then I saw him walking about 50yds to my son's left. I did a few soft purrs and clucks, but just couldn't turn him. He had 2 hens in tow, which I thought was backwards. He gobbled about 4 more times before we called it a morning, about 1 1/2 hours later.
For my very inexperienced self, I was happy with getting a big boy to come my way with hens.
I had ranged 2 spots for my son and told him not to go beyond a 35yd shot. He said he figured the bird was about 40yds. I ranged the spot where the bird stopped at 42yds. I sure was proud of him for not taking the chance. He said he just knew that bird could hear him breathing when the bird started to go into a strut. Close but no Kaboom. But at least we know he's there. We'll most likely go after him next Saturday. I had been trying to talk him into using my father in law's Rem 870 20ga because then he could take a 40yard shot with it. He just wants to shoot 1 bird with his 16ga. Now he's talking about buying an aftermarket choke for his gun.
Thank you for letting me share our morning.
For HIS service,
R.D.
Sounds like a great morning. It's def. not always the kill that makes a hunt. Just being able to be in the woods, is always a great day! Good luck to you and your son for next sat., go get em'
Quote from: Trip on April 02, 2011, 10:09:46 PM
Sounds like a great morning. It's def. not always the kill that makes a hunt. Just being able to be in the woods, is always a great day! Good luck to you and your son for next sat., go get em'
:agreed: :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
Great Morning Indeed!
Sounds like you had a great day. The kill will come soon enough. Good luck to you and your son..Mike :icon_thumright:
Wow!! Great hunt and time spent with your son. I know your proud of him and his ethics he exhibited by not shooting!! Good teaching by you R.D.
God Bless,
David B.
Good job by you and your son there...here's to you two closing the deal soon! :anim_25: