The girls woke up early today so I figured I would take advantage and go out for a little. IF you all have read my reports you know that the public land I have been hunting has not been very kind to me. I have been cut off, set up on, you name it.
I took the advice that was given to me today and went out away from any crowds. I was out of my truck at 5 and started my walk. I went to a few areas that had birds in the past and couldn't buy a gobble. I was have afraid my gobble tube wouldn't even work.
After walking from 5:00 to 6:30 I finally heard a bird about 400 yards or farther out. I was on an opposite side of the hollow. At the top is a powerline and I figured it I could get to the powerline and beat feet in that direction I could close the distance. I figured the bird was at the end of a trail with a field on it. This is probably the hardest hit area for pressure, so my game plan was to walk out the powerline and see if anyone was there. There was a trail that would connect me right to my vehicle if I saw any one and it would only add about 5 minutes, so I figured lets give it a go.
I got out to the power line off of the small field at the end of the trail and I sit and listen for calling as I did not see any vehicles. After not hearing anything i decided to give out 3-4 yelps and see if my hypothesis was correct.
"Yelp, yelp, yelp"......GOBBLE-OBBLE-OBBLE about 80 yards out
YES!!
I jumped into the woods about 50 yards. Sit down check the phone and it is 6:45. I check the area over and sit down. I decided to let out some excited cuts with a few yelps.
"yelp yelp yelp, cut cut yelp yelp yep"
"GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE, GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE,GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE, GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE"
4 answer and are coming in hot. I can tell they are coming in a bit different and quickly change my position.
After about 30 seconds I start seeing white heads coming. THe bird on the left has a swinging beard and is on a Bee- line for me.
THen they hang up on a brush pile at about 50 yards. They kept pacing back and fourth. I am about ready to choke on my mouth call I am so pumped.
I do a few soft yelps and the pop over the brush pile.
I see the long beard hopethe brush pile and start strutting. There is a large diameter oak tree out in front about 35 yards. He gos right behind it. I am set up with crosshairs on the opposite side of the big oak.
"When he comes out I am wacking him" I think.
I see a red white and blue head come strutting out behind the oak.
BOOOM!
the 870 and hevi shot ring out. I see some birds running and see one has a rope. I see my bird flopping. I run up and put my foot on his head and check the phone. 6:48. MY whole hunt took 3 minutes. I flip the bird over and don't see my long beard.
Here the jake cut in front of the long beard. "WHat the heck is this? Really?"
I was a bit bummed but still elated with how everything laid out. I called in 4 turkeys right to me. I learned from last year though and didn't want to wait for the 20 yard shot. I was a bit exposed on the tree so I decided to take him.
His stats are probably .25" spurs, 4.875" beard, and 16# Definetly not what I was expecting but my son was just as happy to see the turkey.
I filled out my tag and took off back to the escape. I snagged a few in the woods pics.
I snagged a in the back of the escape pic as well. LOL I don't have a tail gate.
notice the mandatory fly rod and spot light in there.
I flew home, and ran in the house. MY wife was up with the twins and Corbin was still in bed. I went in his room and he woke up crabby and hid under his buck pillow pet.
"DADDY GOT A TURKEY BUDDY"
HE Pops up full of excitement.
"You got a turkey daddy? I go see him"
I grabbed him and ran out side.
Momma came and snapped a few pictures.
"he's a jaked daddy, he's just a little guy"
This helped my ego, let me tell ya.
Here are a few other shots.
My wife would not let me get the twins in a picture with the jake
I got the bird cut up, beard and such removed and hopped in the shower. I was a half hour late to work but let me boss know ahead of time. He had no issues with it.
I love turkey hunting and it is part of my soul. After my first day fiasco my mind has been drained. I am thankful so many of you on here did not let me get down, and gave me solid advice for public land hunting. In a way even a jake on public land is an accomplishment. I had not intensions of shooting a jake but have no regrets either. MY son is so happy and will be talking about daddy's turkey all day. I have really put the miles in this season, and may take a break tomorrow and sleep in. Lord knows I need it.
I have been very blessed with a great family, loving and "supportive" wife, a new job, and even twin girls. I was unsure how much I would get out this year and feel blessed to have had such an exciting and quick hunt. I have worked hard at my calling and listening to advice that is given on this site. I want to thank you all for being a part of this bird.
WIll be going long beard or bust now. Good luck everyone and thanks for the read.
Mike
