rhine16 Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 (edited) I'm not much of an evening turkey hunter(for various reasons, from the heat to the lack of gobbling) but when I finished umpiring the last of 5 games I umpired Saturday, I had the urge to hit the woods and see if I couldn't sneak in on a group of birds before they hit the roost. I parked the truck at the farm at 6:15 and took off running for the woods where I felt sure the turkeys were mingling around. Nearing where I felt the birds were, I slowed down and listened for any sign of turkeys whether it be movement or calling. As I topped the last hill to where I had decided I would call from had I heard no sign of turkeys, I heard turkey(s) scratching in the hollow below. I eased to the nearest tree, but there was one problem.... there was no way I could shoot right handed down the logging road where I expected the turkeys to appear. I decided to set up at that tree anyway and just shoot left handed if a shot arose. I purred a few times and did a couple soft yelps... three gobbles cut me off along with the sound of turkeys running in the hollow. When they stopped, I yelped again.... Again I was answered by a gobble, turkeys running, and then again they stopped. So once again I yelped, this time a little more aggressively. After finishing my cadence I heard one solo bird headed my way, and heading quickly. I knocked the safety off and shouldered the gun(somewhat awkwardly I'm sure). The gobbler appeared down the logging road at 35 yards where I dust rolled him seconds later. As I was standing on his head waiting on him to expire I checked my phone for the time... 6:31... It took me all of 16 minutes. This is my first bird since '04 and one I truly feel I worked my butt off for... Not necessarily on this hunt, but during the first six weeks of season. This birds tied me up and twisted me in so many ways this season that it wasn't funny... My punch line for the whole season was that I was just ready to kill that bird because he was driving me crazy. Truth is, I owe a ton to this ol boy.... He taught me a lot and I wouldn't change any of it if i could. He has a 10" beard and 7/8" spurs. Weighed in at 18#s Thank you Lord! Edited April 26, 2009 by rhine16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 Wtg! Congrats on an awesome longbeard! Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntn4bucks Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 I'm not much on evening hunting either but it can be quite productive at times. Congratulations on a nice gobbler and a quick hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig mack Posted April 26, 2009 Report Share Posted April 26, 2009 Nice gobbler, congrats!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorden Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Great looking bird, congrats:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Nice bird...Love them turkeys...Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunt or be Hunted Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 thats a nice longbeard turkey Jeremy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TennesseeTurkey Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Is that a State hat? No wonder you werent killing birds they knew that a State fan was trying to call them in.....The cow bell in your back pocket musta gave it away.... I guess this one was deaf .....Hotty Totty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhine16 Posted April 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Is that a State hat? No wonder you werent killing birds they knew that a State fan was trying to call them in.....The cow bell in your back pocket musta gave it away.... I guess this one was deaf .....Hotty Totty! Dang you're funny I actually left out the story about the cap.... I've worn a different one all season, but decided to change caps before I headed out Saturday afternoon. That state one is the one I put on..... Looks like it worked :cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHISKEYSWAMP Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 nicely done... congrats! I have a feeling the bird behind my house is going to drive me crazy before it's all said and done... so far he's winning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3seasons Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Congrats on a nice bird those are the ones you remember. Almost waited a little to long. Better late than never. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 WTG!!! We are on the board now! Knew it you would get one sooner or later CONGRATS!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAMABUCKS Posted April 27, 2009 Report Share Posted April 27, 2009 Congrats on a beautiful bird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagleboy Posted April 28, 2009 Report Share Posted April 28, 2009 Congrats on a beautiful tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted April 28, 2009 Report Share Posted April 28, 2009 Great bird, congratulations! Hey umpire, don't give the next bird 5 years before calling him out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhine16 Posted April 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2009 Great bird, congratulations! Hey umpire, don't give the next bird 5 years before calling him out. Haha well I definitely would've changed it if I could. I didn't get to turkey hunt but a couple mornings a season from 04-07 because of baseball though. No excuse for last year.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the one Posted April 30, 2009 Report Share Posted April 30, 2009 way 2 go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted April 30, 2009 Report Share Posted April 30, 2009 Nice bird rhine16. Glad it all came together for you. I haven't bagged an afternoon bird in MS in 3 or 4 years. As you found out if you can get a bird to respond in the afternoon they can come in a hurry. I ain't heard no fat lady yet. You have through this weekend to bag another one or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covehnter Posted May 1, 2009 Report Share Posted May 1, 2009 And sometimes it just works!! Congrats on the longbeard!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted May 1, 2009 Report Share Posted May 1, 2009 Nice bird. Nicely done pics. Great story!! CONGRATS all around!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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