Long, long ago... my uncle was the one who always took me turkey hunting. My dad is way more into deer hunting.
I'll never forget when I was about 7-8 years old and I went hunting with my uncle. He had I believe a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag. 3.5" mags were the norm and I believe it was around a 20" barrel with compensating choke.
As I've got my back against a cedar tree along a fence row... he is laid out in front of me pointed toward a woodline down the hill. We had roosted some birds below and figured we had a good setup. After hearing a few good gobbles in response to his mouth call... we knew we may have a bird on the way. Shortly thereafter, he notices in the corner of his eye, a good Tom walking over the terrace directly behind me and the cedar tree.
Naturally, the words "DO NOT MOVE" are muttered and he slowly turns and gets into position using myself and the tree as cover. Next, he does the unthinkable. my left shoulder is now his rest to make the shot.
I thought I was dead.
Boom. Turkey is down and my left ear has never been the same since.
TRUE STORY and I'll never forget it.
