#1
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called another couple toms today
This rain we've had made it tough this morning on the mountain. Fog had visibility down to 40 yards and I had to use my cell phone and google maps to navigate to our spot. My cousin had birds located and we got to the area late, but undetected. Heard a few gobbles early, but at the bottom of the mountain. Didn't do us any good. A few soft calls produced no response up top. The birds he roosted Thursday were not talking, if they were there.
I decided we should move up to a saddle where we killed a good one a few years ago. I believe the birds like to travel thru there on the way to a food plot hidden nearby on top of the mountain. We moved 100 yards or so, picked a spot and settled in. After a few minutes, we heard a gobble from where we just were. Bird must have heard us call over there and was looking for us...and man was he HOT. I called and he gobbled. Headed our way I thought. Then crows flew over and he really let loose...But wait. Was that a double gobble or 2 birds? What seemed like an hour, but was probably 5 minutes, and I saw movement through the fog. One bird.., yes, two. One looked bigger than the other, probably a dominant boss and subordinate. I got my cousin around to my side of the tree, to try to double, but they kept circling left out of his view. It was all me. As they , moved further left, they were slightly down over a hump out of view. I adjusted my butt and slid the barrel to the left, but crap! There's a head poking up from behind a log. The jig was up! I wasn't sure which one it was, but knew I had to act fast. The 870 roared and a bird flew straight up, then down and ran left. Did I miss? Got on him quickly and the gun belched again, but again, wasn't sure I connected. We got up and headed to look and the first bird was flopping behind the log. I inadvertantly shot at the second bird thinking I had missed. We looked the area over good and found I had cleanly missed. Thank goodness. My bird weighed about 15-16 pounds with a 6" beard and 3/4" spurs, a personal best. His belly was nearly devoid of feathers from mating and wing tips worn off. But I truly believe I shot the wrong bird. The ole boss must have gotten away, this time. At least I hope so. His gobbles were incredible. Deep and loud in the fog. A hunt to remember. I get to play guide now, for my cousin and mom. Maybe one of them will get him? |
#2
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Congratulations
Way to go Charlie,
enjoyed reading about your exciting morning, Stan |
#3
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Charlie,
Without pictures, it didn't happen Only kidding of course...congrats and thanks for sharing your hunt! Don
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NRA Lifetime Endowment Member |
#4
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Since early last summer, I had a pair of toms coming into my yard to raid the bird feeder leftovers and they got really, really tame -- to a point where I could walk right up to them with food.
Hunting season started a little better than a week ago. Now there's only one. I can only hope the other died quickly. Guess that's what happens when an old hunter turned softie mourns the loss of a "pal." |
#5
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That's kinda the way I am about "my" deer here at the house. Kinsa tough to shoot em. I enjoy having them around.
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#6
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As my departed brother always said. DON'T NAME IT. Kenny
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sicero I pride myself in being able to make decisions with little information. |
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