Bitter Sweet

[Punisher]

Today is the last day of the Kentucky spring turkey season. I have tagged out on long beards in Kentucky since I was eighteen years old (1998). This year was going to be the twenty-fifth year. It was not in the cards though. I killed one, and missed two. It almost doesn't seem real, seeing that I have tagged out for so long. Dwindling numbers haven't helped either. Where ten years ago I used to hear turkeys there are now none, and I have several thousand acres that I can hunt. The good thing is that I have called in seventeen different jakes. Looks promising for next year. To say I am a little down in the dumps is an understatement, but life could be much worse. Sorry if I sounded ungrateful. That was not my intention. Just hard to take in at the moment. I just thank God that he blessed me for so long, and for giving me the opportunity to do something that I am so passionate about. Good luck to all.

[Turkeybutt]

I understand but every hunt is a good hunt, just some are better then others.
Most of us here realize that it isn't always about killing a bird but more about being in the woods, relaxing and enjoying mother nature and all the creatures in it. Sometimes it's the camaraderie we share with follow hunters; maybe at camp, the diner, over drinks or here at Old Gobbler that really makes what we do all worthwhile.

[Tom007]

Today is the last day of the Kentucky spring turkey season. I have tagged out on long beards in Kentucky since I was eighteen years old (1998). This year was going to be the twenty-fifth year. It was not in the cards though. I killed one, and missed two. It almost doesn't seem real, seeing that I have tagged out for so long. Dwindling numbers haven't helped either. Where ten years ago I used to hear turkeys there are now none, and I have several thousand acres that I can hunt. The good thing is that I have called in seventeen different jakes. Looks promising for next year. To say I am a little down in the dumps is an understatement, but life could be much worse. Sorry if I sounded conceded at all. That was not my intention. Just hard to take in at the moment. I just thank God that he blessed me for so long, and for giving me the opportunity to do something that I am so passionate about. Good luck to all.

It's been this theme in a lot of areas this year, especially in the North East. Numbers are down, the only positive is when you do harvest a nice Tom, it is extremely rewarding. The chase is definitely much harder and enduring, but a successful harvest feels more rewarding than ever. I am starting to realize that the bountiful days may be over, at least for now. I have re-aligned my expectations moving forward and am willing more than ever to take what the good lord will give me. Be safe, good luck.....

[2eagles]

I had one of those years last year after many very successful years. Last day of the season I came upon a group of 8-9 jakes. I shot one. I love to eat wild turkeys.

[Punisher]

Not killing two turkeys is not as sad to me as seeing the season come to a close. The turkey woods is my happy place, and I really hate it when season closes. I have never had a bad turkey hunt. Some were just better than others.

[Wigsplitter]

I enjoy ever opportunity in the spring woods but as others have alluded to above I think I'm going to have to realign my goals to be more towards the company of my great friends and family in the spring woods and be thankful for any opportunity to harvest a gobbler - we are definitely in decline on populations and even though most states are starting to take measures to help some it's gonna be awhile seeing this dip or valley rise back to a peak!! Enjoy the time out there fellas!!

[Mountainburd]

I think you would feel a whole lot worse typing that post had you not even killed 1. So it's an off season. It happens. Regroup for next year. Sometimes it takes bad seasons to appreciate the good ones.

[Greg Massey]

It has been a weird year for most of us.. But i agree i hate to see the season come to an end. 

[fallhnt]

I've hunted a total of 1 hr the last 3 spring seasons due to loss of a hunting buddy and the other has Parkinson. Turkey populations are way down in the states I hunt as a NR anyway. Hope they start rebounding soon. My spring travels are done.

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[Cowboy]

It has been a weird year for most of us.. But i agree i hate to see the season come to an end.

Absolutely.  Seems very strange. I hunted more this year than last year.  Took a fine gobbler on day 2. Dry spell since for me. Did call in a gobbler for the wife. Her first gobbler. That was a blessing.  Nothing like the old days though. Had 3 tags and she had 2 but we feel blessed to get one each and thankful for time spent in the woods and together.  Got to look for the positives. 

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