On Thursday morning I went to the property where I opened the season two weeks ago. That morning at 5:25 a gobbler was sounding off right where I wanted him to be except too close to the field, and it was quickly getting light so I couldn't get positioned properly. A hen and a jake flew into the field from the corner. Another hen flew down right below him, and another walked into the field. All were right below his roost tree. I was hoping he'd join them and meander my way, but at 6:05 he flew down the opposite direction, away from his hens! Then at 6:20 -- BOOM! I went over there and the guy said he missed.
I returned Monday and Tuesday, but didn't hear anything and figured the turkey had been hit and went off somewhere to die. Today I decided to check again, and at 5:40 he gobbled. Whether it's the same one or not, I don't know. I gave a quiet yelp or two on my
scratchbox, and he gobbled right back. Then I heard a couple of hens. One flew down about 40 yards to my left. She walked by me at about 20 yards and into the field. Then I heard another fly down. When she got to about 30 yards I gave her a few notes on the diaphragm so she wouldn't hurry into the field too quickly and cause the gobbler to enter the field before coming into range.
Next, here this guy comes. He fanned out once, then folded and walked behind a tree. I got the gun up and shot him at 28 steps. Time for a dirt nap. He folded permanently.
This is actually the first gobbler I've heard since opening day. Between our state outdoor writers' conference, and being sick, I haven't hunted every day. Still 2� weeks to tag #2 -- except that I have to take time out to travel to Chicago for my daughter's medical school graduation.
The stats: 17� pounds, 1" spurs, 9" beard, 5:55 AM (I think that's my earliest).
Steve.