Ohiobucks Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 (edited) My spring turkey "lucky streak" on this particular property continues into 2012 with this feller, a 2 year old that came in on a string this morning. After hunting the same property the day before and having a few close encounters, I brought my dekes in this morning, and was set up in a prime spot well before the first gobble. This was going to be like taking candy from a baby, easy as they come. It had to be, with all the action that was there yesterday - 4 different birds gobbling at first light, 1 came to about 60 yards alone, strutting and gobbling with almost every step. Another bird that I called from the neighbor’s property also came right in, only to hang up at about 25 yards through some thick brush before getting spooked by something. While working both of those birds yesterday, I thought of my decoys sitting in the truck, and how if I would have had them stuck in the ground 30 yards from me, I could have tagged one before 6:45am. That was yesterday. Today was going to be a sure thing, decoys strategically placed in a large opening in the woods, right where 2 birds filtered through the previous morning. I had some high hopes. When I heard the first gobble this morning, it was well before light and quite a ways off. No problem, there are other birds in here, sit tight and be patient. I soon realized that that was going to be the only bird I would hear off the roost, and he sounded like he was in the next county. After about an hour of no action, and feeling sorry for myself, I gathered my fake birds, and started heading back towards the truck. I guess I’ll go into work and save my 4 hours of PTO for another day. I had a 250 yard walk through the woods before I hit the open hay fields leading to my truck. About 80 yards left to the edge of the woods, I hear a faint gobble in the hay field. I pause and listen…nothing. Maybe my ears were playing tricks on me, I wanted a bird to gobble so bad I was hearing one in my head (wouldn’t be the first time that has happened…) I took a few more steps and sure enough, a gobble from the bottom of the hay field, not 200 yards away – back in the game! I set my dekes, and back away about 30 yards and get set against a large oak. I set out a few soft yelps with no answer. Throw in an aggressive fighting purr with some louder yelps and he answers! I get my gun up, pointed toward his gobble, and wait. It seemed like 10 minutes, but it was probably only 2, I felt the urge to call again. He answers immediately and very close. I finally see him at about 50 yards, and he has a silent buddy with him as well! 2 long beards plow through the woods like they own the place, and come straight to my dekes. The lead bird gets a little spooky at the sight of the strutter decoy, and putts a few times - he is coming no closer. His friend though decided he needed a better look at the competition before he tucks tail and runs. 3” 6’s head towards him from a distance of 40 yards and puts him down for the count. The other bird comes back to his downed friend and proceeds to kick and spur him while he is taking his last few wing beats. I stood up, he ran out, I offer up some thanks to the good Lord, and I recovered my prize. He ended up being a 2 year old, 9-1/2” beard with matching ¾” spurs and a shade under 20 pounds. Halfway through Ohio’s spring season and I have 1 tag filled, and 1 remains empty. Think I’ll go after his friend sometime next week…. Edited May 4, 2012 by Ohiobucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailfreak55 Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Congrats that's awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Congrats Bud! I know this morning at times I didn't know if I really heard distance gobbles or my mind was making my hear them, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHISKEYSWAMP Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 awesome... congrats! I have terrible hearing and can't tell how many times I think I hear gobbles, or maybe they were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Congrats Tom. Good story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 congrats Tom! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Great story Tom!! Congratulations!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbHunterNY Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 better too be lucky than good... but i think if you're lucky all the time, it's gotta be the fact that you're good too. congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan Givan Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Congrats on a nice bird! Seems like some mornings they just dont gobble on the roost. One morning this season I didnt hear a single gobble on the roost, but by 8:30am there was three longbeards in the hayfield I was watching. Just never know. Congrats again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted May 4, 2012 Report Share Posted May 4, 2012 Good lookin' bird !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted May 5, 2012 Report Share Posted May 5, 2012 Way to get it done, Tom! Good story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted May 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2012 Thanks all. Anyone got a good recipe for some turkey breast? Something different than a marinade and grilled... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted May 5, 2012 Report Share Posted May 5, 2012 Way to go Tom! Amazing how they can stay quiet for hours then for almost no reason gobble when you least expect it. I love to batter and deep fry breast strips sometimes with a little cajun seasoning and ranch dressing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Thanks all. Anyone got a good recipe for some turkey breast? Something different than a marinade and grilled... The ONE and ONLY bird I ever got, I smoked the breast. Yum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Thanks all. Anyone got a good recipe for some turkey breast? Something different than a marinade and grilled... About the only way I fix turkey is on the smoker here Tom. Congratulations on the bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted May 15, 2012 Report Share Posted May 15, 2012 Congrats Tom! Like the old saying goes...it can happen any time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.