How would you hunt this turkey?

[srevans3]

On opening day in NC I called in a gobbler(he's at least a 3 year old b/c I shot his companion last year and he was 3 last year) and the bird came in behind my blind, looped around my right side and I shot at him from 5 yds. I hurried the shot a little b/c as I drew he paused and turned to look right at me(and away from the decoys in front of the blind). Despite thinking I had made a good shot(feathers everywhere), the turkey ran off about 75 yds and then set up to strutting and gobbling again but would not come back. After 30 minutes of this, he walked off. My arrow had no blood and the turkey continues to roost in the same ridge so he got away unharmed. I have since hunted him 4 times setting up just inside 100yds the last 2 times and getting completely set up in the pitch black. He has had hens each time and has not come in again. My question is whether to continue hunting him with a bow out of my blind or to ditch the blind and hunt from the ground with a gun. Will he come back in to a setup with the bowblind or spook off the blind? I have a feeling I could chase this turkey the whole season and maybe not get another shot but I'm going to keep trying b/c it's fun.

[GMMAT]

If I wanted a better chance at KILLING him.....I'd take my gun.

If I wanted to take him on my terms, ONLY,.......I'd continue with the bow.

[MN/Kyle]

Both will have their pros and cons.


I know if it was me, I'd have the stick and string.

Call the hens, and he will come.

[bloodcrick]

I agree with Jeff and Kyle. In my opinion he will not come in again. Im guesing in order to get this bird, your going to have to get a pattern on him and set up an ambush. Alot of guys have said they would not hunt a bird this style but rather call him in, but i disagree. I have spent up to a week on call shy birds that were not going to come in, pattern them and kill one of them, it is a bitter sweet ending and all the hard work pays off. But dont get me wrong i would rather have one gobbling and strutting all the way in but sometimes you have to step outside of the box and just get it done