Little late in posting this, but had a great weekend April 1-2 taking a couple youth hunters out. I had an 11 years old Saturday, and we got to hear tons of gobbling and saw 5 big gobblers and several hens. 3 big strutters put on a great show for the youngster. Unfortunately he missed the shot at about 15 yards, but he handled it well, and was just excited for the action we had.
I took my 14 year old hunting buddy out Sunday afternoon on a different property. About an hour or so into our first set up I heard what I thought might be a jake yelp. I rattled off a few more calls, and shortly we both heard a bird approaching from behind us. We were setting against a huge tree about two trees back off a field edge, and the cover behind us was a tangled mess. The bird was approaching from the hunter's side, and there was little I could do for coaching at that point due to the size of the tree we were propped against and being unable to see the bird. The hunter spotted the red head, and identified the beard. He was only 10 or so yards away stopped behind a big bush. There was a standoff for a few minutes with the bird and hunter both being motionless. Since I was completely blocked out by our monster tree, I decided to let him know I was still there with a few soft purrs and a little leaf scratching. Suddenly I heard a couple steps coming my way, and the anticipation hit immediately. His 20 gauge roared, and that boys excitement was priceless! I didn't know what we were working with, but when I looked around that tree I saw the big red head and beard flopping. He turned out to be a fine gobbler! This makes the 5th bird harvested with the walnut ceramic call I made last year (two are his).
It couldn't have happened to a better kid. We've been hunting together since he was 8, and it has been so rewarding watching him grow as a hunter, and young man. I was so proud of the way he handled himself in that situation. He's one of only two people I know that will hang with me all day in the field, and he's been that way since day one. He's one fine hunting buddy!
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee518/mabren2/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170402_164834120_HDR.jpg)
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee518/mabren2/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170402_163238254.jpg)
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee518/mabren2/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20170402_163537602_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg)
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Congrats!
NICE! :icon_thumright: :icon_thumright:
Congrats!!
Congrats to the young man.
Congrats! :icon_thumright:
Congrats to the young hunter.
congrats to the young man :icon_thumright:
Well done.
Awesome, congrats!
Thanks for the comments guys!