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Got some great pictures there! Bird isn't bad either.

Yup, he's a great looking gobbler! Congratulations

Looks like a great spring for you and your son. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing Joe! Cute kid ya got there.

Notice the bird in the middle has the shingled breast feathers. The one on the right has it to a smaller degree.

Have looked into this topic in the past. Decided on a smokepole instead. Something you might find interesting... http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/apr97browning.html

Sounds like a plan. Looking foward to seeing pics when you get it done!

Wide range around here. Anywhere from 400.00-1000.00. There are a lot of things to consider/ask about: shingled breast feathers, fake head or freeze dried, feet injection, and the base. Most are around 575.00 and whatever the base costs. Well known Hazel Creek in Missouri charges 800.00 just for the bird and 900.00 if you want the breast feathers shingled. Most of the local guys don't even attempt to shingle the breast feathers. I hear it takes a prime specimen to have the breast feathers shingled anyway. I went with a reputable local guy that charges 585.00 for the bird and 40.00 for a custom made base. I think I'll go with a standard base with ferns and a large molded rock in the center that has some moss on it. I'm also going to place a couple morel mushrooms in it and a shed I found while out hunting. The guy I went with has the turkey heads sent to Hazel Creek where they are freeze dried. Turn around time is about a year and 1/2.

Biggest at top: 161 gross 148 net (non-typical) Smallest at top: 126 gross 120 net (typical) Bottom: 154 gross 140 net (typial) I'm generally off 5-10 inches on the guessing game (still like to play)

Heck of a spring for you Jared!

Nice job Andy! What do you think 2 or 3 year old?

Nice solid black streak at the top of his fan. Congratulations!

Not sure but it looks like we're done. We did pretty darn well, and even better we all kept up with posting our stories/progress! Don't always have that with these contests. It's been fun being on team Final Roost! These contests always add a little something to the hunt. I'll be looking foward to hearing your stories and seeing your pictures this fall. Happy Hunting and God bless! >Frank

"This guy has been kicking your butt huh...... " Seems like they are playing you. Might want to try some different tactics? I wouldn't even worry with decoys (unless you go somewhere completely different). Think I'd just pick a good spot where you think he'll likely be at some point, get there before daylight, and stay put (would call light and only about every 30 minutes).

Welcome Brian!

Wow! That is the most life like luer I have ever seen!

I was watching a Drury video and they went with a fixed blade with small cutting diameter when shooting with low pounds. I believe the diameter was about an inch.

Glad to hear of your success with your son. I would have thought that bird would have weighed more with 2 beards and those near inch spurs? Congratulations!

I'm guilty of seeing something in church and planning to leave because of it. Then a good friend said something to me that I'll never forget. He said he too thought about leaving a few years prior, but that he prayed and felt God wanted him to stay and change the things that were problems. He is very involved in the church now and has made several changes for the better (mostly leading by example). There are still problems, but realizing problems are present in most if not all churches (as someone mentioned we are all sinful people) may help your motivation.

Congratulations on bird #1 and good luck with #2!

Well a lot of people agree with you MUDRUNNER. I'm not sure how much damage these changes made by the ILDNR will actually do to the deer heard because I'm not sure how many more deer will be killed with the extended late season. It is pretty easy to see that money is the primary driving force behind the decisions made as opposed to quality deer management. Increase the number of permits and "seasons" and get ready for the 100% license and permit fee increase next year! Seriously, look at how the turkey season and permits are handled. If that is not a money making operation I don't know what is. We have five "5" day seasons and hunters have to buy a 15.00 permit for each "5" day season. Why not just have the unfilled early season permits be applicable for later seasons? I'll tell you why... to bring in more money of course. Look at Missouri. Residents pay 17.50 (they don't need a license like in IL) for a 2 bird permit that spans the entire season of several weeks. Oh, and I'm expecting to see turkey tags go up to 30.00 in 2 years (I wouldn't be surprised if they add a 6th season and cut the number of days per season to "4"). Of course the press release will read "Horray! IL. residents you now have 6 seasons instead of 5!"

You all must have been salivating knowing those birds were roosted right above you (well until you had had enough and were ready for sleep). Congratulations!

The only change I really like is that youth permits are over the counter now. My 7 year old will be attempting to take her first deer this October 10-11. There are a lot of IL. hunters at Prarie State Outdoors that are opposed to the changes.

Congratulations on your Gobbler!

Nice bird Randy. You picked a great backdrop as well.