Turkey 2023
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- Doe Master
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Turkey 2023
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 . 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 .
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 .
Took my customary two feathers picture to honor the past hunting mentors and the present .
You know when you have a true limbhanger when .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 . 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 .
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 .
Took my customary two feathers picture to honor the past hunting mentors and the present .
You know when you have a true limbhanger when .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
Prone est ut nos es plurimus periculosus
- Robinsons Rebel
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Re: Turkey 2023
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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18¨ Diablo lumenok bolts
100 gr. Trailblazer broadheads
Nikon Bolt XR
R.E.D.S
String by xcaliber
"There are only two seasons in a year.. hunting season and waiting for hunting season"
Re: Turkey 2023
Way to go Kevin, great birds!
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Micro Mag 340
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Re: Turkey 2023
Both are big birds.
Nice feather honoring photo.
Congrats from me and the lads at bear camp Temagami Ont.
Nice feather honoring photo.
Congrats from me and the lads at bear camp Temagami Ont.
EXCALFFLICTION 1991 ->>----------> 2024
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Matrix 355
Huskemaw and Leupold crossbow optics.
Boo Strings
SWAT BH's and TOTA heads.
Teach Your Family How To Hunt So You Don't Have To Hunt For Your Family
- IronNoggin
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Re: Turkey 2023
Nice!!
Congrats Indeed!
Cheers
Congrats Indeed!
Cheers
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- one shot scott
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Re: Turkey 2023
Nice birds Kevin ! Congrats
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exocet 175 with Aging custom stock #27
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Micro Camo 335
Micro Nightmare 335
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Boo string on vixen
- Doe Master
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Re: Turkey 2023
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 .
The first bird was targeted but the second was by happen chance .
Prone est ut nos es plurimus periculosus
Re: Turkey 2023
Good birds! Good hunt and great pictures as usual! Congratulations!
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Re: Turkey 2023
2 nice heavy birds. Congrats!
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- AJ01
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Re: Turkey 2023
Nice going! Congrats!
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Re: Turkey 2023
Great story and pics - Congrats on a nice pair of Toms~!
Cheers
Chester
Cheers
Chester
Wildlife Management & Reduction Specialist