We got a response after 1/2 hour or so of calling, a distant gobble. Brought him in, the gobbling getting closer, but he hung up at around 80 yds, behind a swamp swale. Gobbling away, he was obviously wanting the hen to go to him. This persisted for a while, then we could hear him gobbling as he headed away from us.
Changed things up a bit, switched to a different call, and we brought him back again, only to have him hang up again, behind the same swale. Up to this point, the interactive hunt was fun but this was not looking promising. This bird obviously had some experience under his beard, and knew better than to move to a yelping hen.
This hunt was all about teaming, so we discussed together (in a whisper) the next plan then changed it up again... we decided on a higher tone, slower cadence and longer gaps. He went silent, then after 5 minutes, the gobbling went total overdrive. The bird marched around the swamp, brief silence, then a tooth rattling gobble sounded off at about 45yds in the trees... this was looking promising!! Adrenaline waaay up now...
Finally we laid eyes on the Tom. On seeing the decoys, he popped up the gully into full strut and marched in to 26 yards. I'm watching the bird, and between me and the bird is my son with the unfilled tag... gun raised... what a sight. He took his time, and when the shotgun blast finally came, it was a welcome sound!
This was my son's first turkey, with perseverance and patience, blackflies in eyes and ears and nose... he pulled it to a win!!
His aim was true, the bird took no less than 15 pellets in the head and neck. Quite a prize, 9" beard, and 1" dagger spurs. This bird was no spring chicken, wily and challenging. With more than a few tails hung on the wall over the years, this was hands-down my favorite Turkey hunt ever. Watching my son take his first Tom, awesome.
Made another lasting memory together
Smile says it all
1 inch Daggers
Father Son Team
