Well after having him make a fool of me last year. Today was reckoning day.
Got up on the ridge just as daylight broke.
6:45 I hear a gobble . Couldn't have been more than 80 yards. I didn't make a peep. ten mins later he gobbles agin .I know hes on the roost ..I stay silent.
then I start hearing gobbles way off ..at least four different birds diff directions and all except this one were long long way.
After a bit I make 3-4 very low volume tree yelps. he didn't answer right on me so I waited .. then a min or two I hear a double gobble...hmm.. I stay silent.
I think I hear him hit the ground not sure ..I don't hear as sharp as I want . gobble... so I do a very faint 4 yelp .. cluck .........cluck cluck.. a few mins he gobbles but this time I feel he is closer... so I rake the leaves 3 times..
I just feel hes coming ..no sounds but I just feel it..
then I see the white head pop over top the ridge.. its like a field and stream photo shoot. hes in full strut and looking for his lover .
25 yards he didn't come all the way out of strut but he raises his head. Big mistake!! for him
I know this was along story but im so pumped!! No decoy , no blind.. just me and him. What a day . The Lord blessed me!!
22lb 1 1/4" spurs 10 3/4" beard.. My largest bird to date.