After 2 unsuccessful western Oklahoma turkey hunting seasons, I finally bagged my first long beard today!

I spent last weekend and the entire day Saturday watching several hens walk by the blind and never saw a single tom. I went to bed hopeful that Sunday morning (today) would be different. Also, I thought I'd switch from the box call that I used all day Saturday to a slate call.

I'm no expert with slate call. In fact, I just bought it this week. So, this was my first hunt using it. After spending a little time Saturday night watching some videos on proper slate call technique, I got up early Sunday, grabbed my TenPoint crossbow and brand new flextone tramp stamp slate call and headed for the woods with new hope!

Sunday's hunt started out much the same as it did on Saturday. Hen after hen coming by, but no toms. However, I did notice that the hens really responded to the slate call. After a few hours I'm starting to think this day will end with no toms and I will go home empty handed, once again. Then, I look to my left and about 80 yards away I see two heads popping up and down in the prairie grass making their way towards me. I suspected it was 2 more hens. Then, the grass cleared and 2 toms, each with 8-9" beards, were running towards me. As the adrenaline started flowing, I reminded myself not to screw this up!

The toms were coming in fast, so I quickly, but quietly, prepared to shoot. They both suddenly stop just out of range and look my direction. I was worried that they saw me and I froze. I actually think I stopped breathing for a little while! Then, they started making their way towards me again. I steady the crossbow, put the biggest tom in my sights, and pulled the trigger.

The shot was in the breast and the turkey jumped, ran about 10 yards, laid down, and that was it.....I just harvested my first turkey! At this point, my heart is nearly jumping out of my chest.

Below are a few pictures from the hunt. The pocket knife in the second picture measures 8". This isn't a record setting turkey (not the reason I hunt anyway), but it's definitely one I'll remember forever!