Finally put a bird on the ground. It has been a long/tough season. It started in mid-April with my stick and string. Didn't see many bearded birds, and the ones I did see where out of range. This farm doesn't seem to have a lot of Toms...but a pile of hens. It was nothing for me to see 8-10 hens everyday and not a single bearded turkey. This late in the season, I would think a lot of hens would be nesting, but I seen 7 hens before seeing the first bearded bird of the day.

Today was the first day I could leave my bow at home and take my shotgun. I couldn't get anything going at flydown, so I relocated to a new area. Still, nothing talking, nothing coming in, so I decided to do some runnin' and gunnin'. I seen about a 100 yards out a hen (imagine that), so I belly crawled closer for a better look. There were three hens and a Jake. A little sweet talkin' later, I got the Jake to leave the hens and come my way....until I dusted him at 30 yards.

Although it was only a Jake, it still feels pretty good. I had to work harder for this Jake than I did for any of my other birds in my short 10 years of turkey hunting. I put in more hours and more miles than any other year. After passing up some Jakes earlier in the year, I thought I better capitalize before the season skunked me and ended my five year streak (knock on wood). Now it is time to get catch up on some sleep.

Congrats on the nice bird!

congrats

sometimes its not the size, but the drama that unfolds during the hunt that makes the experience unforgetable. congrats zubba on a well deserved bird.

Nicely done sir! Gorgeous bird!

Thanks guys. Yeah, he don't put up a lot of points, but he will definitly be one I remember for a long long time.

The ole jake saves the day. It happens to everyone sooner or later. Just remember, any turkey is a nice bird, longbeard or not. Congrats, I know your relieved.

Congrats on the bird!!!

Congrats on a fine bird...

Nothing wrong with a jake. At this point, I'll take anything with a 5 o'clock shadow!

Congrats!