Turkey 2023

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Doe Master
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Turkey 2023

Post by Doe Master »

Got busy so the story is a week delayed
Because of the cool wet weather we had a slightly tougher time than the past . Seemed the hens were not interested in leaving all day . But when the cold finally broke on Thursday all heck broke lose . Friday morning started with a very thick fog . The birds were gobbling on the roost but not interested in coming down until well after sunrise . But when they hit the ground there was sparse gobbling . By about 7 I first saw the bird out at about 50-60 yards . It seemed he was in no hurry to do anything . He did more standing than walking the half a toenail at a time . :shock: In 15 minutes he managed to move maybe 10 yards but that movement put him behind a large tree for the next 30 minutes . It was a test of patience but at least he did let out a gobble here and there to let me know he had not walked away . The downside was by this time I was busting for a nature call . :problem:
But when he did step out he was definitely in range .
Amazing how the bush looks clear but there is always a tree for our game to hide behind . :)
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Took my customary two feathers picture to honor the past hunting mentors and the present .
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You know when you have a true limbhanger when . :)
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The next day was eventful but didn`t close the deal for my nephew . We went out to try and get him on a bird for I owed him big for bailing his father and me out by working on my truck . He is a mechanic so we try not to abuse that until we were in too deep . :shock:
Me and John planned to get to a spot but our plans changed when a bird started to gobble before legal where we wanted to be . lol So we set up along the trail hoping to draw him in . To our amusement we had individuals on the next property start up with a crow call in the dark then switch to a good 5 minute calling session . Still well before legal . lol
The bird ended up when he dropped was in the opposite direction from them . Not good for us even .
The next day it was just me and my brother at another spot . I walked into where I thought would be a good listening post . But when I got there was greeted by someone who had walked in from a neighbouring property . I backed out because that is what I will do . I got maybe 100 plus yards from him thinking now what am I going to do . A bird lights up just off the trail me and my brother had walked in on . I did a quick setup hoping there was some sort of clear stuff somewhere . I was greeted to a sunrise and music supplied by a gobbling bird . :D
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Had a hen drop down in front of me and he was not long in parachuting in . He gave quite the show of strutting , spit and drum with a rattling gobble . But I had to wait for him to give a clear shot which eventually came at about 20 yards . I ended up tucking his head under the body for pictures for those who don`t hunt . I did the customary feathers picture .
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Because it was early still and my brother drove I went over to try and call one in for him . Didn`t quite happen but I did need a photographer .
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First bird was 24.5 pounds , 11.5 inch beard and matching 1.5 inch spurs .
Second bird was 23.8 , 12 beard and 1 3/8 & 1 7/16 spurs
My brother did end up getting that bird 3 days later . One of his fastest hunts . Him and his wife were walking in for a afternoon hunt when a bird gobbled real close . After a quick set-up he gave a couple of calls . The bird practically ran in . A five minute hunt maybe .
Me and the nephew went out again yesterday but the bird seems to have a routine we hope to exploit next weekend . :)
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Robinsons Rebel
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Robinsons Rebel »

Nice birds!! I too use a shotgun scope for turkeys. Makes a big difference especially when you have a beard length requirement. I prefer a Simmons Pro Diamond. What kind are you using?
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Bcxbow »

Way to go Kevin, great birds! :thumbup: :thumbup:
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Normous »

Both are big birds.
Nice feather honoring photo.
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by IronNoggin »

Nice!!

Congrats Indeed! :thumbup:

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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by one shot scott »

Great post, Congrats Kevin!
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by mr meat »

Nice birds Kevin ! Congrats
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by CBRon »

Congrats , Real nice turkeys , :thumbup:
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Doe Master
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Doe Master »

Rebel I am using a 40 year old Bushnell that was originally bought for my Wolverine . Not a high magnification but gives a solid aiming point . Many years ago tried a red dot but batteries can and will die at the wrong moment .
The first bird was targeted but the second was by happen chance .
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Boo »

Good birds! Good hunt and great pictures as usual! Congratulations! :thumbup:
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by wheelsquad »

2 nice heavy birds. Congrats!
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by AJ01 »

Nice going! Congrats! :thumbup:
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Re: Turkey 2023

Post by Sandman »

Great story and pics - Congrats on a nice pair of Toms~!

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