Scored this weekend on a good public land bird! Will attempt to post pics in a minute, but the quick skinny...got set up on the duck river in TN, and had birds pitch down to the other side of the river...morning set was pretty much blown. Had a hen come in at about 7:00, but nothing other than that. Walked, looked, and called a little til about 8:30, and headed to get a drink. While driving back from the store, my buddy and I noticed a bird in a field that was on the WMA. Turned around to check it out, and it was a gobbler...strutting this time. We turned around, found a spot to park, and eased into the woods. We got to the field edge, and planned to get his attention with a fan, but couldn't find him in the field. My buddy called and he gobbled from the woods not 100 yes from us. He didn't hear it, but when I called he double gobbled, and we moved quick to set up in the woods. Once we sat down, we determined that the first one with a shot would take it. He gobbled several times while I did nothing but purr, and scratch. I finally saw him, and he was only 35 yards out (thick mess we were in), but I had a few saplings blocking a good shot. I figured my buddy would've shot him already...don't know if he hadn't seen him yet. Once he did see him, he had an oak blocking a shot. I was on the trigger, and about to squeeze it when I heard him say, "I got him." So, I waited...and waited. Decided to go ahead and shoot before he spooked, and hit him right in the face thru some leaves and junk at 22 steps. Rolled him over! Turns out my buddy hadn't said, "I got him", but had asked if I had him. Lol. All worked out.

Stats:
Weight - 17 lbs, 9 oz.
beard - 10.25"
L spur - 7/8"
R spur - 3/4"