Covehnter Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 One more to stack in the pile of memories for the Spring of 2006, it has been an incredible year for me. . . starting in the swamps of S.Florida and ending yesterday at 6:30 on a grass road in Georgia. Since last Thursday, we've been going rounds with this bird. Roosted him each evening in the same tree. He would always be one step ahead of us. Friday morning, flew down in the field at 80 yards w/ 2 hens . . . bumped by a trespasser. Saturday morning, flew down in field at 100 yards. . . moves the other way, alone! Sunday morning, flys the opposite direction, really had us scratching our heads! Monday flew down the opposite direction. Each morning we were within 80-100 yards of his tree and each morning was fruitless. Had him at 45 yards Sunday evening but he comes out of the short grass field and across a tall section of grass to go to roost, the grass was taller than we expected and we were unable to get a shot. Anyways, last day and he shows in a dove field w/ this adolescent sidekick and hen friend. We knew his travel path from all the turmoil he's put us through the past several days. We slide into position behind the field about 150 yards in some open pines that were burned about 2 months ago. We had just got sat down when they filed in, he gave a perfect shot at 45 yards but my buddies gun wasnt in position so they walked right out of frame. They proceeded over a rise and we hit the ground on our bellies and backed up 10 yards to the grass road that runs around the pines and scooted around the corner and up the road about 20 yards, hoping to catch them as they crossed the road to enter the plowed field on the other side. My buddies doing the shooting and we're both in the grass road on our bellies. He eases up and whispers that they are coming our way and will come out at 35 yards, but cant see the longbeard. Just as he's easing back down, the big boy steps out in the road, he has obviously passed the other two birds. He gets down on the gun just as the longbeard makes his move to complete his entry into the field across the road, i hear "bring his head up" . . . i cutt and up his head comes. BOOM! The bird folds as if someone slapped him across the beak. The king was down only 2 hours before he would have made it another season. Due to the conditions of looking through the grass and taking for granted the bird was the same distance as the jake and hens still in the pines, my buddy underestimated the shot distance drastically. What he thought was 45 yards ended up being 58 strides. He'd still be gracing the plowed fields and big water oak if we'd realized this before the shot. This alone is proof that it is valuable to be certain that your gun is patterned as well as possible. I setup my gun each year in case these situations occur, this is the first time it ever has. Until that shot the farthest that gun had killed turkey was 35 yards. I'm thankful that i over prepare each season at the patterning board! Here's the last day monarch, with a 10" super thick paintbrush beard and 7/8" razor sharp spurs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntn4bucks Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Now that's what I call a paintbrush...great way to end the season guys. Tell Poncho I said congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom2008 Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Great story and awsome bird! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrelhunter91 Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Thats awesome! Congrats to your bud and to you for calling it in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbeard Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Man Cove, good lord almighty. If I ever get aholt of a gobbler I can't kill, you are my MAN! Geez, I tip my hat at your skills and dedication to the sport we both love. Remember me if you ever can't find anyone to head to Florida wid ya. Many congrats on a fine season. You are truly an asset to the sport of turkey hunting. I 'spect when I'm an old old man I'll be readin' articles about your prowess at the art in the Atlanta Journal Constititution, much like we always did with Roscoe Reams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gus Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Nice bird, congrats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinguide Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! nice bird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Double post---sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Colorado Bob Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Way to go---Never give up---If you have a tag & there is time left in the season---get out there & get hunting! Good job & nice bird CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okbowman Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Way to go Covehunter!! Congrats on a great bird!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pointing_dogs_rule Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Congrats!!! the dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borch Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! What a great season! Congrats on another fine bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAMABUCKS Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Nothing like finishing strong! Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo_hunter Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! congrats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted May 17, 2006 Report Share Posted May 17, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Congrats Cove. Another fine addition to your turkey hunting memoris. You've had one heck of a season bud. Way to hang in there with that wary paint brush draggin bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted May 20, 2006 Report Share Posted May 20, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! Great story, pic's, and birds!! WTG!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuntnMa Posted May 22, 2006 Report Share Posted May 22, 2006 Re: Finishing up Strong! what a way to end it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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