missed at 35yds - update: It happened again!!!

[mmusso]

Great hunt this AM. Called up a hen first, let her ease by and started calling to her to use her as a live decoy. Worked like a charm. He came on up from a couple of ridges over in less than 5 minutes.  Waited for him to clear a couple of sweet gums and pulled the trigger. Instead of flopping he flew up in a tree a hundred yds away. Guess I shot clean over him. Heading to the range to check my sights, but I'm almost certain I just pulled over him. Oh well. First miss with a gun but was still a great time.

[savduck]

you shoot at enough, your gonna miss. get back after em

[Crutch]

Man I hate that for you. My 2nd bird this year took off running instead of flopping and I jumped up and popped a long shot at him for the second shot. . I was so heart broken and embarrassed and just couldn't believe he could survive a 30 yard shot.  He did pile up a few seconds later but it isn't a good feeling when they don't flop.

[mmusso]

Oh, it got better Saturday when I missed TWO. That's 3 in 2 days for those of us that are counting...

The first came in from below us (set up on a ridge and he was roosted in the bottom gobbling his fool head off) and circled behind us, and I had to roll and shoot behind me from a prone position. He came into view and obviously did not like that he didn't see the hen that had been calling to him, so he started to leave and I had to shoot as he was walking off. Estimated 50yd shot, but my H13 #7s patterned very well at this range (180+ in 10") so I didn't hesitate. He fell backwards and flapped his wings, so I run to mash his head, but in my run to him, he hopped up and flew to the next ridge. Looked for him and any sign and found nothing. My heart sank...

A couple of hours later, as we had circled back to this area, my buddy stopped and pulled his gun up, and said "2 gobblers, but they're too far for me." I looked, estimated an easy 40yds, and said "not for me," and shot the strutter. or excuse me, I shot AT the strutter. He didn't flinch a bit and proceeded to fly off unaffected. I guess I rushed this shot too like Friday and flat out missed him.

I consider myself a pretty good shot usually, and I'm at a loss and am feeling ZERO confidence in my abilities as well as absolute embarrassment as a turkey hunter. My sights were a bit high from Friday's patterning test, but I readjusted and they were pretty good for Saturday. I have since removed my sights to start from scratch, so I'll be re-sighting this week for hunting Friday and Saturday's close to the AL season. Any advice on what to do? I'm not in a good hunting frame of mind and am considering just calling for friends this weekend so I don't risk another miss/wounded bird. HELP...

[roostershooter]

I too have missed 2 longbeards this year with the hevi 7's. They patterned great out of my 835 before season but when it comes to droppin a turkey I just haven't been able to do it. Both at around 35 yards which shouldn't be a problem with the pattern I have. The first one stunned for a minute as feathers from his neck flew everywhere, then he ran off unhurt. The other didn't flinch and just flew off. I did drop a tom at well over 40 yards on opening weekend with the hevi 6's though. I have come to conclude that it must be me rushing the shot and lifting my head too high. Just bought a mueller quick shot to hopefully remedy this problem once and for all. If I cant break the habit of lifting my head before the shot, then I'll just accept it and raise the sights with the red dot. If that doesn't solve the problem then I guess I'll have to find another hobby . . na, fat chance. Chasin these birds is just too much fun. Although it would be nice to see some floppin after hearin that cannon go off on my shoulder. Hope you get your problems solved and you see some floppin as well.

[savduck]

Advice.................Keep pulling the trigger.


I didnt miss the first 30 birds I killed. Then out of now where I missed like 5 out of 10 shot at. Missed one this year.  Crap happens.

Check your sights and keep swinging. Let the, get a little closer though


Oh and the first three turkeys I shot at and missed were with Hevi 6s. I switched back to winchesters and havent missed a bird in gun range since (except for the one last weekend that I shouldnt have shot at)

[Crutch]

I'd have to say just relax and enjoy the hunt. 

On a lighter note, look at the up side.
There are some super smart birds out there now that will grow some long spurs before they fall for that trick again.
You got to pull the trigger 3 extra times this year and you aren't finished yet.
You got a lot of education (as is each bird with me anyway) and still have some tags left.

Good luck, I know you are going to be posting pics of dead birds soon.

[drenalinld]

It happens. The only thing you can do is verify your gun is on and be glad you had the opportunities. You will get the next one! I have a friend who is a straight up turkey killer, that has missed all three turkeys he has shot at this Spring. He is considering some seeing a therapist. lol...
He is one great turkey hunter and one of the best natural voice turkey callers on the planet. He has killed several hundred in many states. I will not visit him or hunt with him till it's cured just in case it's contagious.

[nstrut]

both of my birds this year were over 45 yards i shoot hevi-13 3" #6 i use the truglo gobbler stopper red dot its awesome for turkey hunting..both birds went down like dropping a brick..i think this is the best shell,scope combination i have ever used.and i have been hunting turkey since the early 80

[drenalinld]

Forget it. It happens to all hunters at some point. You are exactly right, it was still a great time! Kill the next one.