3rd year...

[lohaus]

I was in the same boat a few years ago.  I figured I would give it a try as something to do in the spring.  Gradually saw the distance between myself and ol' Tom decrease every hunt.  Man, I learned so much those first 2 years.  I probably hooked up with about 3 different guys to help me along.  Even this year when I thought my calling was solid I went to a presentation at a sporting show where Primos was there.  One of the guys gave me advice on fine tuning my technique with the diaphragm and I was surprised on how much it helped me out.  All those times of being busted and burned paid off as I looked back on all those experiences and learned.

[hwy419]

Wish me luck guys! lol I'll be out there on day 1 trying to end my losing streak... Y'all have a safe & successful 2012 season...

[TennLongspur]

Great story. And I was the same way. My dad got me in the woods to hear turkeys gobble, but beyond the few times we hunted together, it was totally up to me to learn the ropes. Turkeys are great teachers, and it sounds like you are getting a great education.

It took me several years to kill my first one too, and yes, I fell asleep on him, and like yourself, when I fell asleep I was SOUND asleep. Sleeping hard. When I woke up, I realized I had been asleep for over an hour. I started collecting my calls getting ready to pack it in, but decided I would hit my box call one time before putting it away. He gobbled about 60 yards away and ultimately decided he was ready to die.

That day, and countless days since, I learned that a little calling goes a long way (especially on public land). Your nap, just like mine, helped him to come without hammering at him too much with calls that might make him a little leary. And on public land, I had rather him not gobble so much, so someone else doesn't slip inbetween you and the bird and kill him.

Good luck to you. keep us posted on your season. And remember, failures in the woods will teach you a whole lot more than the successes.

[twinters]

i was very fortunate to have hunted with a very savvy turkey hunter when i got started ,i did kill a turkey my first year but not on my on,the bird was called in for me and he was sitting right by me for direction.my later years were tough ,i was on my on,but when i got on tough birds my old friend would always give me advice to help me right my wrongs,and help me kill those stubborn turkeys.all i am saying is never be to proud to ask someone for advice,there are lots of really good turkey hunters on this forum,and each of them would be glad to help you in any way they can.all that being said,sounds like you are well on your way to figuring this out you will kill a bird,the first is always the hardest,  by the way sounds like you are very ethical by not taking a shot that you were not comfortable with,my hats off to you brother,good luck,and safe hunting.

[hwy419]

That day, and countless days since, I learned that a little calling goes a long way (especially on public land). Your nap, just like mine, helped him to come without hammering at him too much with calls that might make him a little leary. And on public land, I had rather him not gobble so much, so someone else doesn't slip inbetween you and the bird and kill him.

Great way to put it. All year long I have thought hard about what "it" was that brought that bird in so close that day. What about that hunt was different? The answer is the calling. You're right, hammering them too much just sends them the other way. I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me.

Ultimately, I had called to that Tom less than I had ever called to one before, and it was the first time in 3 years I really even came close to killing one. Coincidence I think not.