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Turkey Opener 2017

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:10 pm
by Out4trout
Season opener yesterday, woke at 4:00 to a gorgeous +4c morning. My son and I slipped on our gear, then headed for the drive to our spot. We got there by 4:45 and walked in half ways, with a quiet fist bump we split on the trail, and each walked in quietly to our respective spots.

I settled into my new spot I had scouted last week. As night gave way to day, I could see a cluster of hens in a nearby oak tree silhouetted against the brightening eastern sky. That was unplanned but I was thankful I had cleared my trail of dead branches, they had no idea I was there. Tree yelping started and a gobble within 200yds was a good sign. Several distant gobbles, then my 4x6 were quietly loaded once legal shooting arrived. Within 20 minutes of that, the hens pitched north with multiple fly-down cackles all toes were on the ground.

Gave a few flydown cackles myself, and then sat quietly, listening as the day shift animals started their routines. Gobbling ended signalling that the hens were with the boys. Around 7:30 I gave a few yelps and the gobble told me where they were now. At 8, a very close gobble and then the flock sauntered past, closest bird was within 8 yds. I really enjoy openers like this. After they passed by, I played a few quiet notes on the slate and 2 quite large jakes slipped back up the hill to see who was left behind. With the low sun angle gleaming off their backs, heads glowing white and blue, I watched as they came in closer. A cluck on the mouth call and both birds gobbled... click and boom and the first bird of the year was registered for the books. The first bird in hand, time for a swig of coffee and listen to the birds while my son continued his hunt.

Another enjoyable hunt, interactive and a great start to the season.

Good luck to those who are out there chasing birds.

Roost in peace
Image

8) O4T

Re: Turkey Opener 2017

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:57 pm
by Joel
Love those mornings! Congrats, nice bird. Can't get out till Monday I can't wait.

Re: Turkey Opener 2017

Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 6:08 am
by Markus
Right on! I was hoping to log in this morning and see some turkey down posts! Congrats out4trout....sounds like a perfect hunt!

Re: Turkey Opener 2017

Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:51 pm
by CBB
Congrats on a Nice Tom. Great write up on the hunt