Just got back form an extended weekend, opening of spring season on the Big Island. Friday I scouted a spot on Mauna Kea and saw abundant sign. Sat I stayed up there until 4:15pm. I didn' t hear a single gobbler all day. I did see 4 hens, and watched them fly off a 30ft cliff to their roost trees. It was a beautiful sight. Sunday & Monday I palyed cat & mouse with 2 henned up gobblers on a small farm. They were hanging out in a pasture across a 30ft wide 30ft deep gulch overgrown with wild guavas & eucalyptus trees & 2 ft of stream water. I could see them roosted in the trees, but they flew down on the far side. I tried to sweet talk the tom into paying me a visit, but to no avail.
Monday afternoon around 3:00pm, after my buddy Jack & I had had a few cold ones, a gobbler cuts loose just up the hill from the house. We can hear he' s getting closer, and as soon as I realize that he' s on my side of the gulch...load the gun, grab the hat and hurry up to set up on him. I call once, and he answers. I yelp again he goes quiet. I wait and hear some small calling and peeping noises as he approaches. Rather than scare him, I just shut up and let him come in. He comes down to 25 yds and stops. He looked around, chirpped 2x, and putted. Halfway through his turn I drop the hammer. He flounders off towards the gulch and off the edge. Threading myself & gun down a very steep slope, I realize this ain' t gonna be an easy landing. I had to make two trips to get the bird & the gun out of there.
Lessons..hit ' em with the first shot, don' t bank on one place if you can help it, and knowing when not to call can be just as important as knowing when to call. Thanks to the board & the users for all the advice, either to my questions or to somebody else' s.
I should have pix on Thursday.