OLd Guy Stuff( warning to all snowflake, this may shock you)

[Swenny]

Sounds like a perfect trip to me! 

There's a subtle but significant difference between being out on a hunt and being out to kill. It's hard to define, but we all know what it is.

You, sir, are a hunter of the highest caliber. Definitely a higher caliber then myself!

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[zelmo1]

How do you know it was just a two year old?  See his spurs?

My only criteria is they are not a Jake!

I get your question. It just wasn't the bird I am after. I have no need to shoot another bird unless it is an upgrade over my best bird so far this season. Al Baker


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[bbcoach]

Zelmo, GREAT HUNT and an even better NON KILL.  I love the PATIENCE you exhibited.  As I age, I find I can just enjoy the HUNT and God's Blessings, without pulling a trigger.  Just because I have a tag, doesn't mean that tag has to or will be filled.  It's ALL about the hunting experience.  GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

[Turkeyman]

World of difference between having one get away and letting one get away. Great hunt.

[zelmo1]

I enjoy every year more than the last. Most of my time is behind the call and as a bystander. This limits my trigger time and makes my tags much more valuable than the picture and meat, which I really love. My enjoyment level and adrenaline rush is much higher as a witness and I feel a greater sense of enjoyment seeing the smiles on my friends and loved ones faces. That being said, if one of the "Dinosaur Club" boys comes in, I will gladly pull the trigger. It's all in the eye of the beholder. I had a perfect afternoon and didn't shoot the wrong bird, I am still smiling. Next up is the wife's first tom. Then I would really like to get a bird for my mentorees. They are struggling a bit and want to keep them interested.  Then I will relax and stalk those ancient birds on "my list". I have until June 1st, Good luck to all. Al Baker

[stinkpickle]

How do you know it was just a two year old?  See his spurs?

My only criteria is they are not a Jake!


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I ask to see their ID. 

Side note:  They usually get away when I do that.

[MK M GOBL]

Congrats on a great hunting memory!


MK M GOBL

[Spitten and drummen]

Awesome!! Over the last several years I have let a few walk.

[zelmo1]

No way I can top this. My best friend killing his first bird. My girls with our triple and the call I made for him with his first grandchild in it . I am a lucky man 

[NCL]

Great story, super hunt, memories that are priceless.

[tha bugman]

In The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, the author says when you can do what you described you have attained the title of an "Old Pro".  Congrats on a great hunt

[ShootingABN!]

Old Pro Turkey Hunter.

[Spitten and drummen]

In The Old Pro Turkey Hunter, the author says when you can do what you described you have attained the title of an "Old Pro".  Congrats on a great hunt

One of the best books out about turkey hunting. I agree with the part about the different stages hunters go through in their life.

[tal]

 Gene Nunnery was the first book I ever read on turkey hunting. The 'stages' of life... diapers, shorts, long pants, shorts, diapers.

[eggshell]

I think I've made it through all the stages and now I'm just turning into a old fool ( sarcasm font on) that may have to turn to shooting chickens, because everyone knows an old fool can't kill gobblers.

Great job Zelmo, I agree it's just as much fun to help others and be the spectator, but I don't sort many out anymore by size or age. What I do want is a good hunt with a gobbling bird that works to the call and the tougher the better.

My best hunt of the year was after I tagged out and my buddy was struggling and I took him to the ridge point on the family farm where a bird I called "The Old Bastard" stayed. We caught him active, but with at least 4 hens, 2 jakes and a subordinate gobbler running in the group. I sat my buddy down and told him don't move even if I do. It took two hours of coercing, but I finally turned the group up hill. In that I used three different call types and every bit of turkey language I knew, but he finally came strutting over the bench lip 25 yards from my buddy. Boom, and I jump up and fist pumped and said, "take that  you old bastard". As I walk down I don't hear any flopping and my buddy is standing there looking sad. I asked where's the bird and he turns and snorts, "I missed". So he still lives and is still the old bastard on the point, but it was a great hunt. I know I beat him and there will be another day. It was great.