Well He Aint A Monster

[longbeard95]

He sure isnt a monster but he sure did get my heart pounding!

I called in 3 jakes in from roughly 600 yards (just a very rough estimate) and on my first shot I missed at 7 yards??? The first bird that came in just would not keep his head still and all I remember was his head moving just as the gun went BOOM...I missed at 7 yards  Well then I missed again as he was running away but I dropped his buddy on the run at about 40 yards. He had a 4 inch beard with just 3/8 inch spurs. It should be a good eater though and now I have a real jake fan for my full strut decoy.

[barry]

It's very easy to miss at 7 yds.
Congrats on your bird!

[RutnNStrutn]

It's very easy to miss at 7 yds.

True!! Your pattern is so small at that range, 1 head bob, and oops, you miss!! A lot of guys when they get birds that close aim where the neck meets the body to avoid such a miss.
But he'll eat good, and you got your jake fan, so congrats!!

[BHhunter]

Nothing wrong with a jake. They can be just as sporting as a long beard. My son and his buddy doubled on jakes and were just as proud as if it were a 3year old.

[longbeard95]

Ya I never really thought about my pattern being that tight. I thought that my shooting skills were just that bad or something.

[redarrow]

Congrats on a fine turkey bird.

[Hognutz]

Congrats on a nice turkey.  By the way, it is not mandatory that you have to confess to missing a bird!! Well done..

[Skeeterbait]

7 Yards!  What you doing letting one get that close?  Don't you know turkeys are dangerous?  You have to stop the charge at about 25 yards in case a follow up shot is needed before he gets you!  



Seriously, I know it is hard to get that heavy trigger pulled when your heart is racing and the sight is bouncing, but try and get your mind made up around 25-30 yards.  Lots more room for error at that range.

Congrats on your turkey!  You did good.

[TRKYHTR]

Congrats young man.

TRKYHTR

[dlquinn]

Congrats on that bird....

[captin_hook]

Everyone misses. Congrats on a fine bird. That Jake tail fan should serve you well for many hunts.

[Tail Feathers]

Congratulations on the bird!
Everyone misses sooner or later, you won't forget it but don't spend time worrying over it either.

[wisconsinteacher]

Way to go!!!  Missing keeps the ammo companies running.  Way to hunt hard and enjoy your day off from school. 

[tomstopper]

Congrats. Nothing to worry about, we all miss. For the Jake, he will taste mighty fine.

[longbeard95]

Well my plan was too take them sooner but it was like they only wanted too move in one big blob. They didnt finally split up till the 7 yard mark and thats when I first shot. Thank you all for the kind words as well.