GOATS Annual "Give the Other Teams H*ll" Thread

[JeffC]

Same boat that you were sinking in Happy, think it was close to 5 years in Delaware when they 1st opened up a season for turkeys, had to take a class, then state would assign you a section of woods if you didnt have access to private. Never heard or saw any turkeys or sign of turkeys. Took another 2 years and moving to Maryland before I had my first shot at a wild turkey, and I missed. Think I am right around 30yrs and thousands of dollars deep into the pursuit of the King of Spring. Think it is 22yrs from taking my first Tom.     

[zelmo1]

25 years this year. I started trap shooting and turkey hunting in 2001, talk about a money pit. I figure I spent $65,000 to win a $15 pewter State Champ pin and 20k to shoot some turkeys. Best money I ever spent, lol. Z

[eggshell]

Oh my, I'd hate to add up my bill for turkey hunting. I probably could have bought another piece of property or built a new house. Let's see, new guns, new calls, traveled to 9 different states multiple times and much more....yup probably well into the six figures. BUt, I had a ton and a half of fun.

[eggshell]

A huge congrats to the team. Everyone who got to hunt killed a bird. We feel for you reflexl for your compromised season, we all been there. We may not have a top score but I think the team's over all tally is pretty impressive. Maybe someone will tally it up. I filled two of my three tags. I know some of you filled several tags. I will claim the smallest bird score and own it. I was thrilled to get it as it was the very first double with one of my best friends. After 40 years of hunting together we'd never doubled, so this was special. I guess I took the wrong bird, his would have scored in the mid 60s. My second bird had a bad spur score or it would have been better. Oh well I shoot what comes.

[Happy]

It was fun, gents, at least I had fun. That's all I am here for anyways. Congrats to all, and hopefully you can get out next spring Reflexl. Gnut - Could you maybe make sure our team dues go towards a new boat this year? I am beginning to be suspicious our funds are funds are being used for extra curricular activities.

[GobbleNut]

I would add my congratulations to my teammates, as well as to all the rest of the teams who participate in this contest each spring. The participation on this thread (and others) and the good will that comes with it as demonstrated by the 20+ pages of banter here is testament to the what the contest represents for many of us. Kudos to all who join in on the good-natured fun. I, for one, look forward to doing it again next spring!   

Gnut - Could you maybe make sure our team dues go towards a new boat this year? I am beginning to be suspicious our funds are being used for extra curricular activities.

  I'll look into that, Happy...but there are a lot of "extra-curricular activities" that are necessary in the search that require the proper amount of "shmoozing" with potential yacht owners who might be willing to sacrifice their vessels while staying within our current budget. The problem as it stands now is that, even though they are thoroughly impressed with my shmoozing ability, they tend to balk once they see the rest of the crew (and their OG friends) that might board the ship. At this point, I am not certain that conundrum can be overcome...except for additional contributions to the shmoozing cause.   

[eggshell]

Looks to me like our captain is working on drumming up funding for next years turkey hunting travel budget, already coming up with reasons we won't have a boat....yeah if you spend our money on gas, plane tickets and steak dinners we won't have enough for a boat. Oh well, he's the captain and he has the keys to the treasure chest, happy scrub that deck!