The Most Incredible Turkey Hunt, Part 2
8 Comments Published by David Blanton on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 2:09 PM.
Daylight arrived under perfect conditions to begin our quest for Mitch’s turkey.
Excitement filled the blind and it came from a lot of people.
In the Ameristep Bighouse blind was Mitch, Kay, Hoppy, myself and Steve Finch who was operating a small, handheld camera solely for the purpose of capturing any and all “going ons” in the blind. Outside the blind and well-hidden was John Tate, who was running the “big” camera and would be concentrating solely on the wanna-be-a-star turkeys, if and when they showed up.
Geraldo Rivera travels with a smaller entourage than Mitch.
Now, I’m not going to go into the details of the actual hunt, that’s what the Online Journal is for here at Realtree.com, but on the second morning Mitch is looking at a big, strutting turkey through the Nikon scope on the Benelli. And he’s getting closer.
My heart was beating out of control as if a 400” elk was screaming down my neck. Of course, I’m supposed to be the calm, cool, collective one of the bunch right? Not even close.
As I reached up with my left hand to push the safety off for Mitch, the emotions started coming to the surface.
So many things went through my mind. Would this be the last turkey Mitch Ensor ever kills? Will he be able to make the shot? Am I the only one nervous around here? Would Mitch’s dream of completing his Grand Slam come true?
Then, very strangely, I thought about Kay.
Even in the midst of this tense moment, I wondered how she handled watching her husband do what he loves the most, knowing he’s not going to be able to hunt much longer.
Strength and unconditional love. Everyday she wakes up staring at that train barreling down the tracks coming towards her . . . and she never flinches. That calmed me down and broke me down at the same time.
The gun barks and the gobbler is dead.
Mitch’s first reaction was to holler as loud as he could. He was the last one to cry. All I could do was hug Mitch and sob.
For twenty minutes people cried. Everybody cried.
The dead tom had to be thinking, “What about me? Is anybody going to come out here and take pictures with me or anything?”
We finally got around to going out to Mitch’s bird and admiring him. God is awesome!
Mitch had one last request.
He wanted to “walk” to his bird. Grabbing an arm on each side, Hoppy and I each pulled Mitch out of his chair and walked with him to his turkey.
Mitch Ensor, the most incredible turkey hunter.
*Pictured is Mitch and Hoppy with Mitch's final leg of his Grand Slam
**Make sure you watch “Realtree Outdoors” on August 5 to catch the entire hunt on ESPN2. You will not want to miss this one!
Congrats to Mitch on his bird. Cann't wait to see it on ESPN2.
God Bless
Kristle
Awesome hunt David. You guys are great. Our prayers will be sent for Mitch & Kay. Really enjoy the blogs by the way.
Steve
Alabama
David that is the most moving and inspirational hunting story i have ever heard. God is awesome and when we delight ourselves in him he gives us the desires of our hearts. I appreciate your blogs and your stand for Jesus!
David and the rest of yall thanks for doing such a GREAT thing for my friend.To see this come true just BLESSES my heart.I knew Mitch before his bad news.Great husband,dad,friend&brother.Before his news I thought I had faith but he has really showed me what it truly means to have faith and trust in GOD.Again this deed I truly think will have rewards in HEAVEN and thanks for all who had a part in this hunt.GOD BLESS,wade
David, to answer one of your questions, that was not the last bird Mitch would ever harvest. On April 22 I filmed Jeremy McQueary calling in an eastern longbeard for Mitch and he smoked it. I'm sure he will be calling to tell you the details. By the way, the Florida hunt was awesome.
Josh
Kentucky
Mr. Blanton,
I just wanted to say Thank You to all at Realtree for everything you have done for Mitch, and THANK YOU Mitch for allowing me to share an awesome hunting experience that will forever be embedded in my memory!!! You have GREATLY impacted my life and forever changed the way I look at hunting and the outdoors. You are not only a best friend, but an idol as well. I pray that I may always have the attitude and faith which you possess. In closing, all I got to say is, "BIG TOMS" beware when Mitchell Ensor squeezes the trigger on his 20 gauge!!!
Sincerely and God Bless,
Jeremy McQueary
The day that i met mitch for the first time I seen a man that loves the lord more than anyone i know ! And i cant think of anyone that was more deserving !!! Thanks from a simple acatance of mitch to team realtree for doing work for the lord ! Eric
The day that i met mitch for the first time i met a man that loves the lord more than anyone i know !And his faith is untouchable ! I dont think that team realtree couldnt have picked a more deserving person! And thanks from a simple aqatance of mitch for doing the lords work and helping mitch dream come true!!!!!!!!Eric