Jellyhead #1 for 2011

[handcannon]

Several months ago my father went into the hospital for a back surgery and things went terribly wrong and we nearly lost him. One of they guys that worked to keep my father alive just so happens to be a turkey hunter. We got to talking and I told him that for the God gifted talent he had helped keep my father alive, I would build him what ever type of call he wanted. Well, I ended up building him 4 calls instead. Great guy. Anyhow, he invited me to hunt some of his family land and I took him up on it today. Talking about some beautiful hardwood timber to hunt in. I'm jealous!!! We got there plenty enough early to make the mile long walk to the pipeline. Birds were gobbling early and we sat up. Did not take long and they were on the ground. He ended up going after another loudmouth bird and I stayed in the area we started in.

The birds seemed to hush on us and I made a small loop to look over some of the timber. Dont see good stands of hardwood like this around my place anymore. Anyhow, I ended back where I started at and decided to just sit and wait and see if they would start up again. As soon as I got relaxed I heard one fire off directly to my left probably less than a hundred yards. I moved so I could see down the lane and gave a little calling. He gobbled but would not come in any closer. He seemed to be hung up. I knew there was a little dried drainage that we had crossed but couldnt remember how far back it was. He seemed to be pacing back and forth in the same area so I decided to make a move and try and close the gap. The lane was pretty clear so sneaking was easy. Anyhow, I got about as close as I felt comfortable with and sat back down. I gave him a few soft yelps on Stephans Hooks Persuader mouthcall (which I love) and he would gobble but not commit. I gave him a little yelping on my bloodwood ceramic call and he started drumming his butt off with what seemed to be every breath. It wasnt long I seen his head through the brush and he finally stepped out to show me he had a decent beard. I was sure hoping not to get fooled again with another super jake this year. Caught enough crap over that one last year. Anyhow, at 35 steps Tommy met Mr. Hevi-13 and that was a wrap. It was a fun hunt and wish I could have stayed longer but had to get out and get the meat on ice.

I owe my new friend more than a call or two. He's helped save the life of my father and put me on a good turkey with the promise of a return trip to his land every year from now on.

[TRKYHTR]

Thats a great story. Congrats,

TRKYHTR

[honker22]

Awesome!!! You deserved that one. Congrats

[vicksburg]

Congrats, Travis!  That's awesome brother!!! You must taken my advice on changing your luck!!

[Flydown]

That's a goodun Travis! Congrats buddy! Great story!

[handcannon]

Congrats, Travis!  That's awesome brother!!! You must taken my advice on changing your luck!!

Not quite. Just found my lucky hat.

[HARDCORE]

That's AWESOME Travis, great story and congrats!   

Looking forward to hearing about Jellyhead #2, give em Hell buddy!   

HC

[stinkpickle]

Congrats all around!   

[LX_Trkyhntr]

Great story and GREAT turkey!!  Congrats!!!!!   Seems like I might have been giving you a hard time about your bird from last year, look at the score of the bird I have on the board so far!   I think I will watch what I say from now on.

[barry]

I've been checking here everyday to look for your name.
Now that the ice is broken the birds better look out.
Congrats man!!!