Stupid rookie mistake...

[Bachflock]

I hadn't made it out in the woods for about two weeks and FINALLY found the time to head out. It seemed everyday I had had off it was rainy, windy, or both. Yesterday, however, was 65 deg and beautiful. I had even seen 6 birds while out for a run in a nature preserve - bachelor flock - 5 had beards at least 6" long.

I didn't actually make it out into the woods until 4p - a bit later than I wanted but it was beautiful. I creap out and find a GREAT set-up. I had my right flank covered by some small pines and deadfalls but the rest of my field of vision was spectacular. The birds would be moving from straight in front of me to my left, I knew it. I pulled out my Magic Mornings walnut on glass and started feeding purrs, clucks, and soft yelps. Every now and then a gentle breeze would make the leaves drop out of the trees heavy enough to make it sound like something was walking up on me. I felt like a cat caught under a rockin' chair! LOL I settled myself down, scratched in the leaves, purred, clucked, etc. Then, about 45 min after I had sat down I heard the unmistakable sound or something walking through the leaves. However, it was coming from directly behind me. I crane my neck and sure enough it was a group of at least 5 birds! They weren't supposed to come from that way!!! LOL I brought my gun up and swung around toward the group. They stopped at about 35 yards and started to move even more around the "wrong" way. I couldn't square up the gun on my shoulder but I had the lead hen in my sights. My heart was POUNDING and for a brief I debated about waiting. Well, I should have. I let the adrenalin make the decision and I am STILL kicking myself. My Winchester barked and I saw wings flapping and turkeys running. I sat for just a second thinking I had struck gold but it only took a second to realize there wasn't any bird the flop dance! I got up but it was far to late to try to bust up the flock by running into it. They had left in a group. I did a quick check for blood/feathers - nothing. I sat back down and for the next hour stewed, threw out some kee-kees, more purrs, etc. I was done - they weren't coming back.

Lesson learned - patience, easier said than done when your heart rate is 120 or greater! I'm headed out this afternoon but to a different spot. Those birds won't be back for a few days.

[Guest HoppeMan]

Sounds like something I did I had a flock walking in straight at me, and instead of waiting for them to come in closer, I took the shot at about 35 yards. I hit one of the birds, I know, but didn't knock her down. The flock flushed and flew into a set of woods I don't have permission to hunt in. It was a half hour until shooting hours expired, so I packed up and headed out :confused:

Take care,

Nathan

[Guest adrenaline_junky]

Hey it's happened to the best of us. Hope you have better luck next time. Good Luck