Last week my daughter asked if I was going turkey hunting on my birthday. I replied that if things worked out, I would try to go. That's when she said, " I was hoping I could go with you". I told her that would make my birthday perfect, let's plan it.
She's a NICU nurse, works 12 hr shifts, and was getting off a strung of 3 days. I knew she was tired, and this hunt was for me. I told her to meet at 0700, two hours later than I usually leave. But, figured she needed her sleep.
As we drove into the ranch, full day light, 5 strutters met us at the gate, and two more on the other side, courting a beaded hen. Too close to the city houses, but fun to see.
About a ten minute drive up the dirt road to where I park. Then about a 1/2 mile hike in to the one spot on the ranch I can shoot. The winds blowing 20. Cold, and the fog line is at the top of the ridge. Couldn't hear a gobble if they were gobbling.
Blind calling for about an hour and a half. I got out of the blind and walked about 100 yards down out of the wind to run the box. Trying to strike something that could I hear. I heard one far off response. Walked back to the blind, calling as I walked. Figured if the gobble could hear me, he'd think I was moving.
About fifteen minutes later, a Tom pops up from that direction. Came in quiet. Walked over and thrashed the Jake decoy. Got about 1/2 on video. Grabbed a couple of screen shots from the video.
Mels first turkey, and a perfect Birthday present for me. A day hunting with my daughter.
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