Got an upgrade on my jake today. I got to my spot this morning and didn't hear a single gobble, which surprised me because it was a crisp and clear 31 degrees and little wind. So I hiked up to the field where I got my Jake the other day and gave out an owl hoot and again no response. It was still early so I waited a little bit and I hooted again, nothing. As I started to make my way up the hill one sounded off about 150 yards along the ridge. I moved about 50 yards in the woods so I was straight across from him, I couldn't find a tree big enough to sit at so I sat down by a large log that wasn't quite tall enough to hide my silhouette . Soon there were a bunch of hens below him carrying on but he didn't gobble to them so I thought I had a chance. I called a little bit to let him know I was there and I saw him drop almost straight down out of the tree. I was surprised that he didn't glide down the ridge to be with the other hens. They were still making a racket so I decided to get a little aggressive with my calling. He never gobbled once and I wasn't sure if he would come in until I heard him spit and drum. Now this really got my heart pumping and I started shaking. I couldn't see him so i moved so i was better positioned for the shot. I finally saw him about 50 yards out when he stepped into a little clearing. He must have made me because he was standing at attention looking directly at me. Luckily I had the gun up and pointed directly at him and when he started putting I let him have it. This was a farther shot than I wanted to take but I have killed gobblers that far before so I felt confident. He flopped around a little bit but not too much. I haven't measured him officially yet but his beard is around 9 inches and spurs about an inch. Not huge but I'll take it. I will get the pics posted in the team score thread tonight.
(http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g383/nathanjbarnes/5-5-11Tom4.jpg)
Awesome story and hunt. Congrat's on a fine longbeard. that is a great u[grade for sure.
Congrats Nate!!!!!
Congratulations!