I took the advice that was given to me today and went out away from any crowds. I was out of my truck at 5 and started my walk. I went to a few areas that had birds in the past and couldn't buy a gobble. I was have afraid my gobble tube wouldn't even work.
After walking from 5:00 to 6:30 I finally heard a bird about 400 yards or farther out. I was on an opposite side of the hollow. At the top is a powerline and I figured it I could get to the powerline and beat feet in that direction I could close the distance. I figured the bird was at the end of a trail with a field on it. This is probably the hardest hit area for pressure, so my game plan was to walk out the powerline and see if anyone was there. There was a trail that would connect me right to my vehicle if I saw any one and it would only add about 5 minutes, so I figured lets give it a go.
I got out to the power line off of the small field at the end of the trail and I sit and listen for calling as I did not see any vehicles. After not hearing anything i decided to give out 3-4 yelps and see if my hypothesis was correct.
"Yelp, yelp, yelp"......GOBBLE-OBBLE-OBBLE about 80 yards out
YES!!
I jumped into the woods about 50 yards. Sit down check the phone and it is 6:45. I check the area over and sit down. I decided to let out some excited cuts with a few yelps.
"yelp yelp yelp, cut cut yelp yelp yep"
"GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE, GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE,GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE, GOBBLE-OBBBL-OBBLE -OBBLE"
4 answer and are coming in hot. I can tell they are coming in a bit different and quickly change my position.
After about 30 seconds I start seeing white heads coming. THe bird on the left has a swinging beard and is on a Bee- line for me.
THen they hang up on a brush pile at about 50 yards. They kept pacing back and fourth. I am about ready to choke on my mouth call I am so pumped.
I do a few soft yelps and the pop over the brush pile.
I see the long beard hop the brush pile and start strutting. There is a large diameter oak tree out in front about 35 yards. He gos right behind it. I am set up with crosshairs on the opposite side of the big oak.
"When he comes out I am wacking him" I think.
I see a red white and blue head come strutting out behind the oak.
BOOOM!
the 870 and hevi shot ring out. I see some birds running and see one has a rope. I see my bird flopping. I run up and put my foot on his head and check the phone. 6:48. MY whole hunt took 3 minutes. I flip the bird over and don't see my long beard.
Here the jake cut in front of the long beard. "WHat the heck is this? Really?"
I was a bit bummed but still elated with how everything laid out. I called in 4 turkeys right to me. I learned from last year though and didn't want to wait for the 20 yard shot. I was a bit exposed on the tree so I decided to take him.
His stats are probably .25" spurs, 4.875" beard, and 16# Definetly not what I was expecting but my son was just as happy to see the turkey.
I filled out my tag and took off back to the escape. I snagged a few in the woods pics.
I snagged a in the back of the escape pic as well. LOL I don't have a tail gate.
notice the mandatory fly rod and spot light in there.
I flew home, and ran in the house. MY wife was up with the twins and Corbin was still in bed. I went in his room and he woke up crabby and hid under his buck pillow pet.
"DADDY GOT A TURKEY BUDDY"
HE Pops up full of excitement.
"You got a turkey daddy? I go see him"
I grabbed him and ran out side.
Momma came and snapped a few pictures.
"he's a jaked daddy, he's just a little guy"
This helped my ego, let me tell ya.
Here are a few other shots.
My wife would not let me get the twins in a picture with the jake
I got the bird cut up, beard and such removed and hopped in the shower. I was a half hour late to work but let me boss know ahead of time. He had no issues with it.
I love turkey hunting and it is part of my soul. After my first day fiasco my mind has been drained. In a way even a jake on public land is an accomplishment. I had not intensions of shooting a jake but have no regrets either. MY son is so happy and will be talking about daddy's turkey all day. I have really put the miles in this season, and may take a break tomorrow and sleep in. Lord knows I need it.
I have been very blessed with a great family, loving and "supportive" wife, a new job, and even twin girls. I was unsure how much I would get out this year and feel blessed to have had such an exciting and quick hunt.
WIll be going long beard or bust now. Good luck everyone and thanks for the read.
Mike
I am thankful to have an understanding boss as well! Congrats!!