Made it back from our Texas hunt. My son and I had a really good road trip over there. We checked into a little roach motel and went and met the land owner. I had been to this place once before but it was my sons first time. The landowner took us to a spot so he could unlock the gate for us and left us to hunt. We mainly went to try to roost birds that evening which we did. I knew from the last time exactly where they were and how we needed to set up.
Next morning we get there and walk in on the high line. We sat up next to a fence and he was already gobbling about 125 yards away. We could see a few birds in the skyline and we were both getting excited. I gave him a little soft yelps on Stephans persuader mouthcall and he hammered back. Shortly they flew down and started easing our way. Seen a few hens coming through the grass and then I seen his fan coming in. I could tell the Blake had spotted the strutter and was following him with his Winchester. I want you to know these birds put on a beautiful show for the two of us. They turned and started working off to the side so I gave them a little more calling and a single hen worked our way just to the left. They started single filing by and I did not realize just how many birds were there. Probably 20 birds all together including 4 or 5 jakes and at least that one big Tom. Blake was still tuned in to the strutter and just waiting for a shot. He came out of strut and worked his way into a good opening but of course he got into a big ball of turkeys and could not get a clear shot. Birds went across the high line and shut up on us. We seen a couple heading down the highline and a Jake going down a little road that lead to the highline. Couldnt get anything to turn around and couldnt get in front of them.
Came back that evening and set up at there roost. Had several deer come in and blow at us. After the deer finally left some birds came in directly behind us and started putting. We froze and they putted there way straight behind. I heard some other birds come in and go the same way. I finally got the nerve to turn and look behind me and I think they saw that stupid safety orange flag that was partially sticking out of my vest. I guess it somehow worked it's way out while I was sitting. Well they all ended up roosting behind us and we left planning on sitting on the highline the next morning.
The next morning we snuck in early and sat down at the highline. Getting close to flydown time the hens started doing some clucking and purring and I swear they sounded close enough we should be able to see them in those little trees in front of us. They started pitching down of course to our hard right and all shut up. One bird flew down by hisself to the left. I seen him cross the highline to our side and I was pretty sure it was a jake. I told Blake we needed to move and try to get in front of the birds.
I got up and started glassing down both directions of the highline and told Blake that I think someone was sitting in that box stand way down the highline. Sure enough, the guy started climbing down and heading our way. We met up with him about half way and I introduced myself to him. Well the guy had nothing to do with shaking my hand. The old fart stood there with his hands on his hips and asked me what we were doing. I told him that we were doing a little turkey hunting. He commenced to telling me that we were tresspassing on his hunting lease. I tell you, this guy was a real jerk. I tried to explain to him that the land owner did not tell me that part of his land was leased and if I had him if I had known I would not have crossed onto it. He did not care. He told us to get off the land now and do not come back ever. I even got one of those "Your not from around here, are you?" from him. After hearing all I wanted from this guy we turned and walked away to the truck. I called the landowner and told him what happened. He asked me if I had crossed the fence and I told him I did. I told him the first day that I was gonna go over there and he said nothing about leasing that land. He told me to meet him at the end of the gravel road and he would take me to another spot. Well the grumpy guy pulls up with his wife and wants my name again and had her write it down like they were gonna turn me in. He said he was gonna go talk to the land owner and I told him dont worry about it, I had him coming to where we were sitting. I explained to him again that he did not tell me that I couldnt go on any part of his land and did not tell me that the last time I was there either. He really tripped out when he found out I was there two years ago. He blamed me for the birds not acting right and even blamed me for them not roosting where they were supposed to. This piece of crap was hunting out of a box stand over a corn feeder for turkeys. Well the land owner did not have much to say. He just took us to another spot and left. I knew this spot he took us and knew we might could catch them passing through but there was nothing there to hold the birds in there. Blake and I made a big loop, found a couple deer sheds and made our way back to the truck. It was lunch time and we headed back to the motel room. The more I thought about it I decided it was time to leave. My son was aggravated too and was ready to go as well.
We did not kill a turkey but I tell you what, my son and I had a really good time together. He is the kind of boy that will keep you entertainded 24/7. Gonna have to find someplace else next year to get Blake a Rio. Looking forward to it already.
Sorry I'm so long winded guys.
