This was the last Saturday of the season.
I woke up late and had no intention
of going hunting. I thought that I may
just take my calls for a walk just for
the fun of it. So I got dressed in my
camo outfit and went out to the local
convenice store and got a coffee. While
I was there I ran into a Friend of mine
who asked me if I was going out after
them. I replied: Na I don't even have
my gun with me I am just going out to
see if I can hear anything and play
around for a few hours.
After I left I thought over what I
had said and came to the conclusion
that it wasn't very smart to go out
without my gun along. So I stoped off
at my house threw my gun behind the
seat of my truck and my shells in the
glove box even though I had no intention
on using them.
When I arrived at the farm I got out
and proceeded to drink my coffee and
tie my boots. Then suddenly I heard
a dog bark in the distance and thought
I heard a gobble back it up. Standing
there I paused for about a minute and
heard nothing else so with another sip
of hot java I proceeded to tie my other
boot. At that point I heard the dog
bark again I quickly stepped back away
from my truck just in time to hear a
gobble come from the field above me!
Quickly I grabbed my things including
the shells and gun and headed up into
the woods that bordered the field. I
got myself situated and started calling.
The bird proceeded to answer just to
the north. Not long into the exchange
another bird joined in just to the east.
I had two birds going at one time! Man
that was exciting! Two Birds I thought
I was fairly new to the sport meaning
that this was only my 3rd season so
I thought to myself. Man this just can't
get any better!
Well, I was really getting into exchanging
vocals with those two birds when suddenly
behind me to the southwest another bird
sounded off! I could not believe what
I was hearing ! But after the 3rd bird
sounded off the other two just went
silent. But this ole Boy Gobbled his
head off. For at least an hour and a
half every time I would make a couple
of yelps he would gobble. Back and forth
he worked in a cedar thicket and seemed
that he had no intentions of coming
out.
Knowing that I had to do something
I used a tactic that I had learned on
a video I had watched. I turned my head
away from him and gave a few yelps like
I was leaving. He answered again. So
I tried it one more time but this time
he did not answer. I thought to myself
just be patient he is on his way. So
there I sat waiting.
Well, about 3-5 minutes went by (
Ha closer to 3 min.) and it had got
the best of me. I couldn't help to wonder
if I had done something wrong. So with
this in mind I tried calling again.
Again no response. Getting worried I
decided to Cut and Cackle ( Ha Ha LOL
I think that I watched too many Primos
Tapes) But right after that the ground
shook with a thundering gobble! Man
he was right there in the woods with
me and less than 50 yards! I must have
jumped 3 feet!
Any how I knew then that I had to
get ready shut up and set still so I
did. Then within seconds I saw a black
image working my way. Suddenly at 25
yards he came into Full Strut. Graced
with his beauty I was amazed! I watched
him put on a show for what seemed like
forever but was about 10 minutes!
Then when he Strutted to within 15
yards he threw his head up and looked
directly at me knowing that something
was wrong it was too late. I had done
pulled the trigger.
You know something Guys? If I could
breath life back in that awesome bird,
I sure would! He was without a doubt
The King of Kings and will forever hold
a very special place down deep in my
heart! You all know now why I say that
the "True" Thrill for me is from the
time I first hear a bird until just
before I pull the trigger! Thanks guys
and good luck too all.
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