This is for you know who...

[deerbasshunter3]

Well, I finally did it! I finally called in and shot my first public land bird. I heard him gobble down by a creek, which was about 200 yards, parallel, off the road that I was on. I setup on a tree, about 40 yards into the thin pines on my side of the road. I let out a few soft yelps on my pot call, and he gobbled again. Now, between the road and the creek, the land had been cleared, and the trees were stacked, like a wall, with an opening about every 100 yards. I decided to move over to a tree closer to a thicker set of small trees so I would have a shot as soon as I saw him, when/if he came to me.

So, the next thing that I see is a bird walking in the open area between the "tree wall" and the creek. I let out a few more yelps, and he came running! Next thing I know, he cuts off to my right, at about 100 yards. I was afraid that I was going to have to make a move on him but, next thing I knew, he had crossed the road and popped into the small thick pines. He came in to my right, I got adjusted, and shot him as soon as he stepped into the first clear spot.

Since I first started turkey hunting, calling in and shooting a public land bird, on my own, has been the biggest turkey hunting goal, and biggest turkey hunting trophy of mine. I cannot express how exciting, and relieving, it was to step on that bird's neck!

I was alone, so these are the best pictures that I could get:

[Happy]

Congrats! Persistence pays off. No better feeling than pushing through and succeeding.

Sent from my SM-G800R4 using Tapatalk

[Bowguy]

Congrats, see persistence pays

[tha bugman]

Looks like a stud!  Congrats!

[TauntoHawk]

Congrats, you got out there applied your calling practice and went after them


Killed a nice one, those public land birds are just a bit sweeter at times

[renegade19]

 

[2eagles]

Really glad you got your bird.

[Gooserbat]

Well done.

Lesson to be learned.  Very often we should stay still and let the bird come to us but being impatient and trying a new setup is unnecessary risk.

[Jroddc]

Congrats!

[taylorjones20]

Bud that's great. Congrats!

[Tail Feathers]

Congratulations!

[Gobspur]

Hey congrats man!  Persistence and patience!  That's a nice bird.  Always got to keep after it, lots of ups and downs chasing these birds.

[g8rvet]

Very glad for ya brother.  After the trigger squeeze and the adrenaline dump, that is an awesome carry out of the woods.  Can't even feel your feet on the ground.  The reaching of a self set goal is the reason we hunt. 

[Rzrbac]

There you go, some will get easier and some will drive you crazy. It's just one foot in front of the other.  CONGRATS 

[Gold Spur]

Congrats, beautiful bird...