pays off!
I have been hunting this nice bird since Monday....I had many close encounters with him but no really good shots. Since I have to work every day, there were also a couple of mornings this past week I had to sneak away from him because I ran out of time. He always had a hen with him too...until this AM
When I got to my hunting spot, he was already gobbling. I made my way along the edge of a field and set up (not exactly sure of where he was) close as I dared (which turned out to be under 50 yards (talk about feeling LUCKY)! I could hear him spitting and drumming on the roost .......I tried a couple of soft yelps. After a few more more gobbles, he flew down right in front of me ....took about 3 steps, fanned out, (I was already on him)....stretched his neck to take a look....took my time & got him at about 30-35 yards!

Made it home before the sun broke the skyline!

8 1/4" beard
1" spurs
about 19-20 lbs.

Thanks for listening!