No Kaboom, Awesome morning just the same!!!

[rdfirenut]

Today was youth day here in VA. My son and I were at my dad's place by 6am.
By 6:15 we heard somebody doing a sick owl hoot. And then they started
gobbling and didn't slow down until 8:00. I never heard any hens. We got set up. I did a
few soft yelps sparingly just to let them know we were there; about 200yds away (property line kept us from getting closer). After it stayed quiet for several minutes, a loud much closer one bellowed out.
I told my son, who was in front and to my left, to get ready. He said just a couple of minutes
later the big tom stepped into view. I couldn't see him from my spot. He said he stayed there for about a minute. Then I saw him walking about 50yds to my son's left. I did a few soft purrs and clucks, but just couldn't turn him. He had 2 hens in tow, which I thought was backwards. He gobbled about 4 more times before we called it a morning, about 1 1/2 hours later.
For my very inexperienced self, I was happy with getting a big boy to come my way with hens.
I had ranged 2 spots for my son and told him not to go beyond a 35yd shot. He said he figured the bird was about 40yds. I ranged the spot where the bird stopped at 42yds. I sure was proud of him for not taking the chance. He said he just knew that bird could hear him breathing when the bird started to go into a strut. Close but no Kaboom. But at least we know he's there. We'll most likely go after him next Saturday. I had been trying to talk him into using my father in law's Rem 870 20ga because then he could take a 40yard shot with it. He just wants to shoot 1 bird with his 16ga. Now he's talking about buying an aftermarket choke for his gun.
Thank you for letting me share our morning.

For HIS service,

   R.D.

[Trip]

Sounds like a great morning. It's def. not always the kill that makes a hunt. Just being able to be in the woods, is always a great day! Good luck to you and your son for next sat., go get em'

[hookedspur]

Sounds like a great morning. It's def. not always the kill that makes a hunt. Just being able to be in the woods, is always a great day! Good luck to you and your son for next sat., go get em'

[spitndrum]

Great Morning Indeed!

[Hognutz]

Sounds like you had a great day. The kill will come soon enough. Good luck to you and your son..Mike

[BOFF]

Wow!! Great hunt and time spent with your son. I know your proud of him and his ethics he exhibited by not shooting!! Good teaching by you R.D.

God Bless,
David B.

[FttFttVroom!]

Good job by you and your son there...here's to you two closing the deal soon!