Opening day

Close Up · Post by **Close Up** » Sat May 02, 2009 9:29 am

Arriving at the bush, 1 1/2 hours before legal shooting time on opening day, the first 20 minutes was spent gearing up and discussing hunter placement. After finishing our morning cordials we headed out. My path of choice should have only taken 20 minutes to walk in the dark but raspberry canes and blown down trees had me loosing the path and 45 minutes later I arrived at my chosen sight. Not a good omen for the day I thought. Thinking I scared everything away I set up and had a smoke. Moments later I heard a distant gobble, about 15 minutes before legal shooting time. I put on my gloves and facemask and prepared to wait it out. Then all h*## broke loose when I heard one gobble on the roost about 70 yards in front of me that was quickly answered by 2 more in the same area. Looking at my watch and praying for time to pass quickly I watched and listened to the show continue. As legal finally approached I had to try and uncase the gun and load it without being spotted. Somehow acheiving this I got myself ready and shortly after the 1st gobbler flew off the roost and hit the ground in full strutt 30 yards to my right. The 2nd gobbler hit the ground 20 yards in front of me and the 3rd landed about 20 feet to my left. Being pinned down at this point the only movement I could make was with my eyes as I watched all 3 start strutting and moving away! The bird to my left chose the direction that put him in my line of fire so he was my choice shot. Upon him reaching my sights I had to let loose several clucks and yelps to distract him out of his strutt enough to shoot him. It felt like an hour had passed but looking at my watch I realized opening day over and done with 5 minutes after legal shooting time. Perfect start to the season, now I had time for a little fishing as well. Day 2 I lost several fish but day 3 I managed to land this 3 pound rainbow. Not a bad week.

VixChix · Post by **VixChix** » Sat May 02, 2009 9:34 am

Congrats! Looks like a great way to start the season!

Old Buck · Post by **Old Buck** » Sat May 02, 2009 10:58 am

You had better keep that horse shoe in your pocket, you seem to have had good luck in all the seasons.

one shot scott · Post by **one shot scott** » Sat May 02, 2009 11:19 am

nice story, nice bird, nice fish!!
its the hunting stories that got me hooked on excal forum last deer season. been here every day since. Its nice to get back into a season and hear the stories again!

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Sat May 02, 2009 12:10 pm

Way to go!

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Sat May 02, 2009 1:28 pm

Congrats .. Job well done x 2

SPITFIRE · Post by **SPITFIRE** » Sat May 02, 2009 4:43 pm

Hey Close Up, As I was reading your story I almost felt I was there with you! Great story ,nice pictures, glad you had a good time. I know I did reading your story. Thanks for sharing.

SPITFIRE

mikej · Post by **mikej** » Sat May 02, 2009 11:34 pm

congratulations