Hunting Forum

Three weeks into the season and no turkey reports!

Any luck out there?

Tough but good season... I passed on three toms. I couldn't get them within my range. They hung up about 45 to 50 yards out. I passed on about seven Jakes. They would walk right up to your gun barrel. I saw a lot of birds but always with hens and wanted to hang out in the field. On the 21st I gave in and shot a Tom at 50 yards with my Encore... and wounded him. he flew into the woods acting like his wing was damaged and his head was hanging sideways. I thought I'd find him within 100 yards, but the grass, brushes, and Skunk Cabbage was so thick, I didn't. I knew I shouldn't have shot that far with the Encore. Then, I switched to my Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 1/2". Plenty of power and shot out to 50-55 yards. Just in case they stayed out in the fields. I like the Benelli but it is heavier and way longer (with the long receiver and 26" barrel) than the Encore with no receiver and a 24" barrel.

I love it when a plan comes together… Finally! Last day of the Turkey Season…
Called in from fly down. Fly down 5:20 shot at 5:50
Shot at 35 yards.
20 1/4 pounds
10 1/2" Beard
Spurs: 1 1/8" and 3/4" They didn't grow evenly.
The check in station said it had an 11" beard… but, either some of the beard didn't survive the trip home or he measured wrong.

Well it was a tough year..  Most of the birds got the best of me ... but one.  The 1st Sat I nailed a 16.5 pounder with an 8" beard and 7/8" spurs.  A little light for a mature bird... but still good eating.   almost everytim out I had biords gobbling around me. They just wouldn't commit.  They would get to 65-80 yrds out, strut and not come in to the decoys. 

I had one nice tom, come to me 3 different days. I knew where he was roosting and set up differently each time to match what he did the time before.. He just wouldn't play nice!

Next year...