It was opening day for Alabama and the first time turkeys in these parts have seen decoys. Heard 2 gobblers on the roost---both gobbled about 3 to 4 times each about 200 yards away. I had set my decoys up in a field 20 yards in front of me. A hen flew down within 15 yards of the decoys and stared at them for 10 minutes. 3 other hens flew down right in front of me and I expected one of those Toms any minute. But never saw or heard from the gobblers after fly down.

All of a sudden the four hens got real excited and started cutting and putting. A hawk flew right in front of my nose and tried to knock down one of the hens. A minute later that same hawk came back---acompanied by some really mad crows. The hawk swooped down and whacked one of my decoys before the crows ******ed him out of the area.

30 mintues later 6 hens paraded 10 yards in front of me. Was certain ole Tom would be trailing---but he wasn't.

Didn't see a longbeard---but it was a great day to be back in the woods!!

lol that is funny

Sour....
Dont fret, I have had the same thing happen to me on two occasions. (except the hawk thing) What seems like the absolute perfect scenerio /set up soon sours! LOL(no pun intended.......well maybe...

Do not give up though......sometimes the turkeys win[:@]

What's important is that you had a good time out in the woods and ya learned something. Moments like the one you described will be with you forever.


doubleA

Sounds like a fun hunt for sure. I'm headed that way in a couple of days, going to Eglin again.

Sounds like was a great time!
I sure envy you southern boys being able to go out all ready.It will be another month before I get my first chance up here in the upper midwest.
Lots of luck to you.

you are lucky, our season doesnt come in until april 27...cant wait

Sounded exciting sour!!Had the same thing happen years back except the dang hawk was swooping down on my incoming gobbler!They actually hit each other twice and both times the only feathers I saw fly were from my gobbler!I was tempted to kill the redtail but chose the tom instead(better eating)Anyway stay at it bud,your chance will come!!

That is fun!! Sounds like you had an awesome time, which happens every time in the woods!! I'm kinda jelouse, I cant hunt for another month. Oh well, I will still be hunting after you are all done for the year.

Great story and thanks for sharing. Can't wait to get back to Bama.

Hunted almost 10 days, I havn't got a bird for me yet but have helped others get theres. Love every minute of it regardless. Hang in there, you'll get that big ol' Tom.