This morning was silent. Owl hooting and crow calling got no answer. Been the way of it every time I've got to go this season.
A little discouraged, I set up in some open pines near a field edge I found some tracks in and just started some blind calling. Finally at 8:05am I spot a tom entering the sour grass 200 yards away. I call he answers! Breaks into strut. 15 minutes later I've got three jakes within 15 yards of me. One of the jakes is sporting a 7-8" beard. Almost a shooter but the one in the field dwarfs him.
The jake gang sees the gobbler and goes out to harass him. They change their minds when they get closer and keep their distance! It takes me until 8:44am to finally get this bird into range. Almost 40 minutes of strutting and gobbling. It was awesome. I just knew a hen was gonna intercept him but God was kind to me this morning! Thank you Lord!
10 3/4" beard, 1 1/8" spurs, 22lbs a really fine bird! I'm ecstatic!
