Score another for the HOOKS!

May 4, 2005

I'm at work, so need to keep it quick, but pics will follow later.

Didn't setup in any particular roosting area as they never do what they are "supposed to" at flydown anyway. So I parked my butt in the dark at a spot that frequently (from scouting) had turkeys visible. It's kinda like a turkey intersection...couple of fields and trails cross. Didn't make a call all morning. Passed on 3 jakes at about 6:45am that walked past just as planned. Unfortunately no longbeards walked by either.

I had heard some gobbles off in the distance and thought I might have an idea of where they were and how to get to them, so off I went. The terrain was perfect for a stalk. I crept up over an overgrown, plowed up hedgrow and took a peak. The flock was down below about 75yds away. I crawled back and walked (quite casually) to the end of the burm where I thought I could get around them. I crawled up again on my belly and could just poke my head up to see that they were still there. About 3 toms and 8 hens.

I laid in anticipation that they would mosey my way. I didn't call at all because this had been having the opposite effect all week. One hen started my way and as she got closer, I realized she had a decent beard and she was a he. Even though the two main strutters were still stuck in full strut, I couldn't pass on this beauty. I took aim on a spot in the field with my red dot and when he stepped in line I clucked once to stop him and then I popped him. Didn't pace it off, but I'd estimate about 25yds. That's easy when you are prone and not shaking...

I am very psyched as this is only my second turkey ever and first longbeard. We're only allowed one bird in Maine, so my season is done. From what I've heard and read, his stats are pretty good for a Maine turkey...particularly the weight (2nd heaviest to-date at my tagging station):

22.5 lbs

8.5" beard

3/4" rt spur

13/16 lt spur

NWTF Score = 55.125

GO HOOKS!

Ohiobucks · May 4, 2005