For another little "primer" to prepare for the upcoming exciting spring months ahead. I`d like to introduce you to an old gobbler that I met last season, that really highlighted the importance of versatility and a "never say never" attitude...I met this old bird one morning as he was gobbling on his own from an adjacent ridge-top. By the frequency of his gobbles, he sounded lonely and desperate for some female company. But right from my first couple of excited hen calls to him, I quickly realized this old boy has been around and was certainly not going to be a "push-over". Even though he responded to my calls well, each gobble was a bit further and further away. He wanted this excited and lonely hen to follow him! Not willing to play the game on his terms,I immediately changed tactics and took out three different sounding "diaphragm" calls and began to create a 3 to 4 hen scenario, trying to come across like a small flock of anxious females. Apparently convinced that a "hand-full" of sweet talkers were worth checking up on,this wary old bird finally turned and started to close the distance. Nearly 30 minutes later, I caught sight of him "strutting" back and forth out about 40 yards to my west. Hoping to unlock this hung-up gobbler, I started with some very light under the breath "feeding" calls and "contentment" purrs that luckily he identified with. Slowly and very cautiously this wise old boy inched closer and closer. What really struck me first while focusing on this fantastic bird,was the "paint-brush" that was swinging from his chest...

Amazingly, as long as I kept up the very light convincing light talk this beautiful Monarch of the spring woods, stepped to within 6 to 7 yards of the camera`s lens. What a magnificent sight as the early morning sun seemed to highlight each and every feather...



At one point I was even able to zoom-in on an incredible set of spurs that revealed how many years he`s been on this mountain...



There`s few things more exciting and rewarding, than to be able to look directly into the eye of a wild turkey and record it forever.Always wondering if he`s still out there to meet up with again some day...

man those are some great photos.hope you meet him again this spring.
thats whay it's all about.


I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

Great pics, old gobbler.

OG...definitely some great pics, enjoyed the story too. Kinda curious how you got so close to that old boy? I can't imagine getting that close to any turkey and taking pictures without them spooking. Thanks for sharing.


TB

If I wasn't lathered up before, I sure am now!!

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,Them is the clearest pictures i ever saw.....

..JESUS IS COMING BACK BE READY...

Wonderful Pics!

Ryan Tucker

Great shots!! I love that close up of his spurs!! Man Denny, he must of been very close for that shot!!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Nice hooks. Keep them comin denny.