Had a tough morning. This past summer 2011, my No.1 long time turkey hunting partner David B. died of suddenly of acute Lukemia. Lasted 5 days afer the diagnosis ! He and I have chased birds for decades. He was the best turkey hunter I have ever come across. Well, this morning I went to one of the spots we used to start out listening. Big pines near a nice sized creek bottom. Sure enough about 10 minutes after light break, an owl hooted and 3 gobblers busted loose. I headed for one and set-up where I figured he might pitch and head towards. I heard several birds pitch. Sounded like about 200 yards off. I yelped a couple times. Got a gobble back. Then I shut up and waited. About 30 minutes later I yelped a couple of times again and he boomed within 100 yards or so. Heard a few hens. I got ready. About 10 minutes later here came a string of 4 hens, with a big long bearded Tom in tow. Man he was showing off !! I had a clean shot at 20 yards +/-. But unexpected tears got in the way. I thought of my buddy and just sat there and wept while the group walked off and out of sight, oblivious to my pain. Guess I'm getting sentimental in my old age! I had thought about passing the first Tom this season in memory of my buddy, but had sort of put it in the back of my mind as being a foolish old man. I'll be back at it tomorrow ... and maybe this time it'll be OK. I have got to let it go sooner or later anyway.