Jake shoots a Tom! (pic)


Ohiobucks

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We had some luck here in Ohio during the youth season today. A perfect day weather wise turned into the perfect day hunting wise as well.

My 12 year old son Jake and I were late getting to the woods this afternoon, we were waiting on Jake's momma to get home from her last day of work, so she could keep an eye on the little kids. We exchanges hi's and bye's in the driveway and we were off. We had a 30 minute drive ahead of us and were fortunate that we didn't get behind any Sunday drivers. :D

When we got to the farm we were still on the dirt road and spotted a flock of birds on the hillside. When we pulled in to the farm they turned and went back into the woods we were going to be hunting. We drove the truck up over a hill out of sight and baled out. Got our gear together and ran the length of the woods to get to our blind, which was set up on the opposite side of this woods. The run felt like a marathon, but was only about 350-400 yards total. When we made it to the edge of the woods, we caught our breath and slowed down for the final 20 yards to our blind. As soon as we stepped into the woods, birds started running down the hill away from us, they were right on top of our blind already. I thought to myself Game Over, but told Jake we needed to get low and get into the blind as quickly and as quietly as possible. He got into the blind and was pulling his face mask on while I set the decoys up just outside the blinds window. I got into the blind with him and got my mask on and made a few soft kee-kee calls. I was using the call that I had won in the bulldawg benefit auction that Andy had put up. Did I tell you guys that this call is simply awesome? Sounds as good as it looks, I love it. Anyway, the lost kee-kee call worked out as planned. *Maybe* 30 seconds total in the blind after one series of calls and I could hear the birds coming back to the top of the hill. Maybe another 30 seconds after that, I spotted the red and blue periscope peaking over the hill. At 20 yards, the big tom spotted the dekes and went into full strut. He came right in with his buddy in tow as well. The lead strutter went straight for the jake decoy and at 11 yards, Jake put the hammer down! The bird was out cold before he hit the forest floor. A few quick wingbeats, a kick or two and it was all over. Jake started crying with joy, which made me choke up as well. Our hug lasted longer than the actual hunt did. Thank the Good Lord for this great day, it is one that I will never forget. Thanks for reading this story, I am glad to be sharing it with you all.

Jake's first bird ever is a good one, specs are: 8 1/2" beard, matching 3/4" spurs and approx 19-20 pounds.

Jakes1stturkey3.jpg

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