Started hunting with a relative in MO last year, got a jake and got hooked on the sport in the process. Saturday was my first Spring hunt in KS. I got out a little late and parked behind two other trucks trying the same area. I put out my decoys and was looking left while I was calling for about 20 minutes. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a jake coming up behind me just as he sees me. I freeze, but I am busted and he "putts" his way out of sight quickly. I move a couple of times, spot another hunter leaving the area and start heading closer to the gobbling at a distance. As I break from the trees, I see another bird "putting" away from me. I'm thinking, "I am the worst hunter ever!" Optimistically I think, "Well, I know the area is free of turkeys for now. I can't get busted again, so I'll put together the perfect setup, find a great place to sit, relax, call and just be patient." I put me dekes up on top of a terrace for good visibility, waited about 15 mintues and started calling. About every third call, I'd get an answer. I wasn't sure if it was me or just dumb luck. I called again, got an answer, called a few more times and got nothing. I thought, "Either they are coming to me, or they are long gone." Just in case they were coming, I got my gun ready and just waited. Five minutes later, two bright red heads come walking around the side of the terrace at about 50 yards. Two toms, one strutting and one just walking. As perfect as it gets, they come over to my decoys right in front of me. I waited for the strutter to turn his back to me and the other to duck his head feeding. The strutter gives me a profile, I clucked with my diaphram, he pops his head up and I drop him! 9" beard, 7/8 spurs and about all the excitement I could take. Can't wait to go again!!!! Sorry so long...I'm still pumped about it!!
First Kansas bird (pics)
