James7xChamp3 Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Well, I had let my boss know yesterday that I would arrive late due to priorities of a Maine gobbler. Dawn broke with the sounds of distant gobbles in a couple directions, but no amount of calling and coaxing would bring them much closer. At 0700 it was time to leave. As I was headed back to the truck I figured there was time to go try a few calls at this spot and if no one was home I would head back and get ready for work. On the way, thoughts were running through my head about another spot I was planning to hunt on Saturday when more time was available. Well, I couldn’t wait for Saturday! I had to go. After all, I had said I would be late for work........but not how late. This spot required a steady 1/2 hour hike from where I would park. If was lucky enough to get into the game, who knows how long I would be out there. I would soon find out. This was a “run and gun”situation. I threw my Primos Lil Heartbreaker box call and a couple diaphragms in my pocket, grabbed my Encore and I was off. It was 0730. I climbed the short distance to the top of the ridge & walked parallel with it for a little bit until it was time to head back down. I started down the ridge and quickly caught movement downhill to the right. A small doe was making her way along a small plateau about 70 yards down the ridge. As I watched her cautiously make her way I noticed small tufts of fur would fall from her as she brushed against the branches of some small pines. When she was out of sight I headed on my way. I had to reach the bottom, cross a stream and swampy area and then back up another ridge. About 50 yards into the walk, a hen let loose on me. I was busted big time! I heard every call in the book. Some I swore I had never heard before. Oh well, I had to keep going as the clock was ticking. I made my way to the stream, crossed it and made my way through the swampy area. There was an old logging road I could follow, which I did for a little bit but I figured I would save time and cut up the ridge through the hardwoods which would save me about 10 minutes time. I smiled to myself as I noticed lots of deer tracks and an occasional turkey track in the muddied logging trail. The smile was for the tracks I didn’t see.......boot tracks! I put the sun at my back and headed up the ridge. I figured I would try calling a few hundred yards before the old cut-off I was headed to. That’s when I heard it. A thunderous gobble I figured to be about 75-100 yards away. The game had begun. A little panicky, I was searching for a setup. A pine about 20 yards behind me would have to do. I quckly plopped myself down, broke a few amall saplings in front of me and pulled the Primos box call from my pocket. A diaphragm was already moistened and in my mouth. Your headnet...........put your head net on! As I was pulling the headnet down over my face another roaring gobble was let loose. Man this is unbelievable I thought as I pulled my Earnhardt Realtree ballcap over my head. And then I heard him. Sammy is here to help! Caw, caw, obble, obble obble....... caw, caw, caw, obble, obble. Your the best Sammy! He seemed closer I thought as I scanned ahead through the mixed pines and hardwoods. I noticed two stone walls that met at 90 degrees about 50 yards ahead and there looked to be an opening. If he were to cross the walls, that would most likely be the spot and that’s where my Encore was readied. One soft series of yelps from the Heartbreaker quickly confirmed an interest. I laid her down and figured to coax him in with the Primos diaphragm. It didn’t take much calling, and the last 10 minutes was completely silent on my part. Sammy was tracking him well! As planned, the opening of the stonewalls was his front door to turkey heaven. There he was, as I peered over the top of my scope. Through the pounding of my heart I couldn’t help but think of the moving red weed that Redbeard talked so fondly of. This was a definite moving red weed! I saw good beard and he looked tall as he intently searched through me for a girlfriend. Fifteen more yards, one more gobble along with some last minute drumming and the Winchester #5’s found their mark. He was looking a little nervous and the 35 yard shot was looking pretty good. I was up quickly at the shot, broke her open and quickly slid another round in the Encore and locked her back up. It wasn’t needed. A few final twitches and all was still. Thank you God I said aloud as I looked down on this beautiful bird. Thanks for the scope honey and thank you too Dad. I love you Mom! I was simply elated! I had bagged a nice tom in the area I really wanted to do it at. And it was spur of the moment just like my NH bird the past weekend. I really feel blessed I thought as I searched my pockets. It was there. Thanks for the lucky coin honey! This was a pretty nice bird for my area. He sports two beards of 9.5” & 7.5 “. One spur at 1”and the other at 1 1/16”. He weighed in at 22.5 lbs. That's my Dad with me. He's also my best friend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimT Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Totally awsome. Great job man and a great bird!!! You must be physched for sure. Lots of birds being shot here in Maine this year....I hope we have enough left for next year...lol. Congrats again on a super bird and a great hunt. Your the man.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanH Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Very Awesome Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbeard Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Yeah Buddie, fine bird and awesome hunt. Great retellin' of the story too. I can tell you love this stuff and must be dang good at it too! Congratulations. Ol' Dale was probably watchin' the whole hunt and grinnin' at your success. YeHi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Awesome bird and story!! WTG!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Great story on an exicting hunt, I felt like I was right there next to you!! Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borch Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Great story and an awsome bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Man what a monster....congrats !!! Now only if your driver had your luck.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Real good tell. Nice bird congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobie Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... Congrats on an awesome bird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Re: My Maine bird....... great story and an awesome bird! congrats todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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