Just for grins on a lazy (soon-to-be) summer day, would you say you more often loiter, linger, chill, tarry, amble, plod, stroll, dawdle, mosey, sashay, saunter, trot, gallop, scoot, scamper, skedaddle, run, dash, bolt, hightail it, haul azz, scurry, or race to a gobbler after shooting it?
I'll start...with age I've lost a step or three to Usain Bolt, but rarely rest until I place a firm grip or boot on a gobbler. Even on a certified "no flop" turkey, I'm quickly out of my usual seated position and at "full" trot. If I have a chance for a double, might just linger. Usually don't. More often, it's hightail-it time. On his azz quick. Been know to engage in hand-to-turkey combat upon arrival and on occasion...
What's your average and best zero-to-turkey time? Wind-aided and downhill count.
Anymore I just sit and let em flop. Less it's really steep and gonna mean more work if i don't get on them fast.
Sent from my SM-G800R4 using Tapatalk
Quote from: Happy on June 10, 2017, 06:22:23 PM
Anymore I just sit and let em flop. Less it's really steep and gonna mean more work if i don't get on them fast.
Sent from my SM-G800R4 using Tapatalk
Wish I could/would. Force of habit with me. Hard to break. Conditioned--I think--by youth and (in those days) comparatively less effective shells and chokes. At same time, glad I still can. Most of the time...
Most of my hunting ground is mostly flat and if i shoot him in the range of 20 - 30 yards and he's not doing lot of flopping i don't get in any hurry. But i do find it a lot easier getting up after i kill one with my old bones..ha ha ha ... spending a morning in the turkey woods is better than any day at home....season 2018 just little over 9 months and counting...
If I can see him as he hits the ground, I stay put for a while and keep the gun ready just in case.
If he hits where I can't see him well I usually stand up pretty quick and get the gun on him.
If I see that head his back when I shoot, I'll amble on up at my leisure.
Depends on the position of his head. If it is up, I am on him fast. If it is doing the jello neck wabble, I take a little more time. When I was younger, Im sure I broke some land speed records on every turkey I shot.
Quote from: Hooksfan on June 10, 2017, 06:42:31 PM
Depends on the position of his head. If it is up, I am on him fast. If it is doing the jello neck wabble, I take a little more time. When I was younger, Im sure I broke some land speed records on every turkey I shot.
agree x2...
Quote from: Greg Massey on June 10, 2017, 06:34:52 PM
Most of my hunting ground is mostly flat and if i shoot him in the range of 20 - 30 yards and he's not doing lot of flopping i don't get in any hurry. But i do find it a lot easier getting up after i kill one with my old bones..ha ha ha ... spending a morning in the turkey woods is better than any day at home....season 2018 just little over 9 months and counting...
I'm with you. Must be an adrenaline thing. I too find an extra step--one that isn't there for much else--after pulling the trigger.
I can't be the only one who gets to them quickly. I'm sure I've been on some in <5 seconds. Hand-timed of course...
Lots of wisdom and experience in some of these (others') posts, particularly regarding the head up versus down following the shot. Like HooksFan, I'm either on him quick--darn quick--if his head is up or calling in reinforcements. Only in my case, those follow-up shots are often while closing in. And for the record, I don't stretch shots. Nothing long...
I suspect that if I was less quick on my "get up", I'd have finished off some that I've lost. Yes, I didn't say missed...
I'm on them pretty quick. I wouldn't say that I sprint. Maybe jog is even a stretch most of the time but I tend to let them get pretty close.
I sit back and savor the moment unless it looks like a chance of a get away. :fud: :OGani: My Htl 7s can travel alot faster than my legs can carry myself.
It really all depends.
If it's a completely open shot with no debris between myself and the bird and he goes down hard.... I'll pick up my calls and put my wing back in my vest before I even think of getting up. It might be 90 seconds to 2 minutes before I'm to the bird.
If I'm brush busting one at 25 yards, I'm up fast with the gun in my shoulder as I close the distance to him looking down my sights ready to send a second one if his head is up.
Sit back and let it all sink in for a moment. Since I started shooting HTL loads I see no reason to jump up and run to the bird.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If he can't pick up his head, I just sit there, collect my things and enjoy the moment. If his head is up, I shoot again. I have been spurred and wing slapped before and I am too slow to run one down.
30 years ago, I was up and running before the empty shell hit the ground! Lol
Now? Not so much. I've raced to downed birds, and on more than one occasion I was watching the bird so closely that I did not see that 1" stout stick - you know the one, the one that's dead and on the ground, but still stiff enough not to break as you clear it with one foot but not the other? The one that grabs your ankles like a frustrated linebacker laying on the ground? Yeah... that one. And of course, not wanting to scratch the gun, you fully extend your arms up and out as you face plant. (you know you've done it...and if you were lucky, you were alone!)
And if your fast enough, and not thinking, you'll throw your hand onto the birds chest just as he gets really wound up on the flop & and spur pump. You generally only do that once, though... :o
Now, probably because of more faith in my gear - I don't "panic", and I'll let the shell do it's work.
I was sitting back to back with my dad this spring when he shot a gobbler. I heard him move so I knew it was fixing to happen so I was like track star on the blocks. Soon as the gun cracked I was gone. When I got around the tree the bird was moving head up across the ground very lively! I did not have a gun since I was tagged out so I ran as hard and fast as I could. Right as I got to the bird it took off to my right and I dove for it, landed wrong and dislocated my elbow. When it was out of place I was in considerable pain so I pushed it against the ground and reset it myself. I tore my UCL, ACL and flexor tendon in the progress. It's still not near 100% but getting better every day. Lord willing I'll be shooting my bow comfortably soon. With all that said my son shot a bird a few days later and I ran to it just as fast as a one armed man could!
Quote from: BBD on June 10, 2017, 09:28:03 PM
I was sitting back to back with my dad this spring when he shot a gobbler. I heard him move so I knew it was fixing to happen so I was like track star on the blocks. Soon as the gun cracked I was gone. When I got around the tree the bird was moving head up across the ground very lively! I did not have a gun since I was tagged out so I ran as hard and fast as I could. Right as I got to the bird it took off to my right and I dove for it, landed wrong and dislocated my elbow. When it was out of place I was in considerable pain so I pushed it against the ground and reset it myself. I tore my UCL, ACL and flexor tendon in the progress. It's still not near 100% but getting better every day. Lord willing I'll be shooting my bow comfortably soon. With all that said my son shot a bird a few days later and I ran to it just as fast as a one armed man could!
I wasn't so much thinking about what you do when you get there as I was how soon you arrive. However, in your case that's pure combat. Mano-o-turkey. Hope you took him home.
I've gotten on several fresh lively ones that have spurred my palm (only once) and shins a few times. As SteelerFan suspects, I've taken a few spills too. Nothing serious but would have made good video.
He got the bird so the story has a happy ending! I'm no speed demon but I get to them as fast as possible. Like someone else posted I think that comes from the early years when the guns and shells were not comparable to what we are using now.
Back before hevi shot I used to get to them pretty quick. Nowadays they are either dead or moving faster than I am going to.
Sent from my SM-G800R4 using Tapatalk
im on em very quick. if I don't he might flop 150 yds of the side of the mountain before I catch up with him.
I was taught to get on them quick so that is what I do.I know one person who was hunting with his wife out of a blind and he shot the bird and just laid the gun down in the blind to get out and retrieve the bird and when he got there the bird started trying to get away so he started yelling for his wife to bring the gun as he was running around trying to get a stomp on the bird.He finally caught up to it and got the bird,but I always carry my gun to the bird also.
I try to focus on their head after the shot. If it's up, I get there asap. If it's flopping around, the bird is for all intents and purposes dead so I might just sit and savor the moment. Think about all that just happened and revel in the experience...
A flopping turkey can inflict some damage with those spurs, so I usually begin to gather up my stuff for the walk back to the truck as the turkey takes his last breaths.
I'm on them quickly. Even though they are usually dead before they hit the ground, I still find myself getting to them as quick as I can. But I have no idea why
I keep the gun on them for a minute or two, but since most I shoot are 25 yards or less. That Hevi shot really thumps them and I haven't needed to chase one in 20 years.
I give thanks when I get to the bird, then I pick up the spent shell and any loose feathers. Force of habit I guess, I don't want anybody else to know where I shot one. Anytime I find a spent hull in the woods I look around to see if it is a good location.
Jim
100% Bolt....Got to get my foot on his neck as soon as possible!
I've mortally wounded 1 turkey that I know about that got away, I shot and he went down like bricks so I took my time with standing up (legs asleep) packing my stuff up gun leaning against the tree. When I heard flapping I figured it was the last little death flop so I looked over my shoulder to see the bird up, wing dragging on the ground running as fast as he could away through the timber. By the time I got my gun up he was out of sight and when I ran up there I no longer could see or hear him. I searched for hours but could not find him, he either crawled under a log I didn't find or made it to a large field with waist high grass I looked everywhere I could be did not recover that bird and it was the last day of the season, it ate me up (still bothers me) that I didn't get to that bird the way I should have so I am always getting right after them since that day no matter how flattened I think they are. No Idea what I did other than I must have pulled the shot low he was well in range, gun dialed in, no brush but I clearly didn't hit his head good and break what needed broke.
I've had some good dashes since then mostly for other people I was calling for, My wife's first bird I made a dash for turkey calls flying out of half open pockets as I jumped a stone wall, when I got to that bird it had enough fight to stand up stagger sideways and start to run. My wife says we were running side by side eye balling each other for a brief moment before I came in with a flying elbow. He was peppered good in the neck but that was a big ol Tom at 24.5lbs and he wasn't going down without giving me a good beating in return in those final moments.
Another was a Vet hunter I had 2yrs back, that story was one for the books as we bumped the bird walking in, he settled down and responded down in a creek bottom we called him in and he spooked at 50yds ran across a field and settled down again we called him in this time to 19yds and again the hunters movement spooked the bird who ran off putting but again I got him to turn around and work back a 3rd time and this time he shot him at 35yds but body shot him. Bird rolled right over his back and sprung to his feet. I somehow half dove half barrel rolled between two strands off a barbed wire fence without getting hung up and me and that bird threw down in a rose bush. That's been the only bird to actually get a chance to spur me but he got his licks in but I had the final say once I got my hands around his neck. That bird took horrible pictures half broke fan and no feathers on his neck left.
After i visibly verify i shot him. I go get him. (Try to say that 3 times fast)
In my youth I was like a fat kid on a pancake. Now I usually just sit there with a follow up shot on standby. Once everything is settled down I'll walk over to him. Especially if other birds were present, I like for them to be long gone before I get up.
I haul azz to get there. Always have.must be the adrenaline rush.
With 3 1/2" Hevi 7's out of my 835, the birds I shoot are dead when I pull the trigger. I can only remember 1 or 2 that even flopped. I usually just eject the empty, put another in the tube and stay seated watching the down bird. I'll probably regret not going to the down bird one day but I haven't had the need to jump and run. I've killed birds from 12 yards to 38 yards with the bird at 38 never moving when I pulled the trigger with the 7's.
I'm like the fast and the curious! Don't want 'em to get away, and curious of what the hell I got! :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
All depends on the shot. Wide open chip shot I'm in no hurry. If it was through brush or at extended range then I move a little faster.
I can't imagine any Olympic sprinter beating me to a turkey after my gun goes off on a longbeard. I sprint to every bird, every shot, regardless of how clear or close.
Additionally, I don't believe in stepping on a turkey's head/neck. I've developed a quick snatch for their legs and I go all in when I reach for them. 90% of the time they go from the laying on the dirt to over my shoulder in one fluid motion. At that point I will relax and enjoy the moment, reflecting on what went right and looking at why it went right at that specific set up. For the 10% of time it doesn't go swiftly, I pretty quickly set the bird down, get a better grip, and swing them over the shoulder for the second attempt. One of my main concerns throughout this process is preserving my gobbler. As much as possible I want every picture to show and capture his magnificence, which is why I handle this process delicately.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I know it's not safe but I run everytime, I gotta get to'em. A hunting mentor of mine hunted with a man that he would joke with and tell him if he didn't slow down he was going to beat the shot over there. I've had one stunned turkey in my career that got up and tried to run off because of me misjudging the distance so I take no chances.
I have never shot one that was not instantly dead, so I just take my time. I am also selling real estate in New York - Brooklyn Bridge is my current listing.
I like to step on their head, take out my pocket knife and end him quickly-scramble his eggs, so to speak. I ring a duck or goose neck as quickly as I get them, so Mr Tom gets the same consideration. If I am in a field and he is close, I figured a followup is easier from my sitting position, so I usually wait for him to finish his flop-which I have never had to do in a field.
One great story was from a buddy of mine that is a pretty good turkey killer. He almost always tags out on both FL and GA (I live near the line, his house is in FL, most of his property in GA). He was hunting one opening day and realized he had one shell in his vest and none in his truck and was already dropped off and ready to head in, a long way from his house. Just said to himself he would only shoot a clean shot and then jump up and get him, like he has done many times (he is, or was, one fast white boy, played CB in HS and was a track runner). So he headed in and heard a bird nearby at first light. Called him in for a slam dunk shot. He lines him up and shoots and as he gets up, Old Tom takes off at a wobbly run, too wounded too fly, but his legs are not too bad. He tries jumping on him once and the bird gets away. And the race is back on, one running for his life and the other running for his supper. Can't seem to knock him down when he catches him and kicks him, so he is pizzed and the next time he catches up to him, he pulls the empty Black Eagle off his back and does his best impression of Tiger Woods trying to drive the green on a par four. That does the trick on both the Tom and the wood stock of his gun! He still gets fired up telling the story of how dumb he was and how his dad had driven around to getting him and there he stands with a dead turkey, a broken gun and silly grin on his face.
Another epic was my nephew, long story short he employs his uncle's technique of a knife to the head on a not so dead turkey. Sticks him in the top of his head with a Sunday pocket knife (little blade). He turned around to his dad to laugh and the Tom stands up with the knife sticking out of his head like an Indian Headdress and he is on the warpath. He unslings his gun and says, F this and shoots him again. It may be a made up story but both he and his dad swear it is the truth. My next bird I killed that year, I stuck the knife in the birds head with my boot on it and sent him a picture text on the phone that said 'This is how you do it". :OGturkeyhead:
I tend to haul azz after the shot. Only exception would be if there's other birds around that I can hunt tomorrow and don't really want to spook.
The first thing I do is pump another round into the chamber if I'm using my 870 & then I try to get to him pretty quick. As to how fast depends on how he reacts to the shot. And when I do get to him I approach with extreme caution usually with my gun up ready to put another round into him if I have to. Done seen & heard too many horror stories on how other hunters had a turkey or deer get away after being shot & thinking it was over. I don't plan on that ever happening to me. Years a ago I shot one in the side of the wing at 33 steps after he whirled around to run off after he had seen me. He flopped & halfway run down the hill on one leg toward me. He then fell with his wings spread out within 4-5 yards of me like he was dead. I slid another shell into the magazine of my Beretta & watched him for several minutes with no sign of movement but I didn't think he was dead. I got up & eased over to him with my gun on him & then he jumped up & started running off. I shot him again in the back of the head. I don't know how far he may have went but I didn't plan on finding out. In my book it ain't over until you got your hand around his legs hauling him out over your shoulder headed to the truck :fud:.
I let them flop unless it's apparent that things are "picking up."
used to run to everyone of em. now i just 1) shuck in another shell and watch for a minute or two. 2)no sign of life i get up and walk with the gun at the ready. not like a point man going thru the jungle ready but ready enough just in case. if on the rare occasion the bird flops out of sight i usually go straight to the bird. pick up bird then walk back to the tree,sit down and give thanks for what i was just blessed with.
I try my best to race the shot to the birds head. It's what my dad taught me so it's what I'll always to