Just when you....

**ruttinbuc** · 05-23-2005, 05:53 PM

...start making plans for next year a gobbler shows up!

Working until 6AM I got to my turkey spot after light as usual and settled in to watch a couple of hens feeding in a field. With the birds being very quiet and making it a tough go. I moved on across the ridge hoping to catch one in a place where I know one might show up.

After stopping twice to crow call to try and get a response I reached my destination and settled in. It was there that I realized my wallet was missing. "To heck with these birds," were my only thoughts as I doubled back my trail in hopes of coming across it. All I could think about was the hassle of having to replace all of my credentials. Needless to say I didn't find it! It could have been anywhere in the thickening underbrush.

I got to the truck and headed for home hoping that I left it in my work pants. My heart was in my throat as I got to those pants laying in the hamper with no wallet in them. Nothing to do now but head back up to the mountain and look for it.

The GI issue pants I was wearing were soaking wet from my trek so I put on my dirty pair of Original Realtree 6 pockets. As I tucked in my shirt I felt the dang wallet in the back pocket. Geez o' wiz! I was going to wear those pants but changed my mind because they were really ready for the wash! In my haste to get out the door I didn't give that wallet a second thought. ALL this for my being a hay seed at times!

Anyhow, getting to the killing of this bird I went back up to the ambush spot and no sooner than I got there I heard a gobble up on the top of the ridge. I yelped and carried on some and then shut up. The bird didn't gobble again. Ten minutes later a pair of hens appeared in the opening. They putted and clucked as they do and moved down the hill. I thought I saw a fan behind them but the bird didn't materialize. I looked to see where the hens went and when I turned back to the clearing there stood this guy all fanned out, spitting and drumming, walking the other way. I clucked to get his attention and his head out of his chest . He turned and it was over. My 1100 Remington and its 3" Magnum load of Federal 5 shot once again did the number.

The tom has a nine inch beard and a 7/8 spur. He was missing one. He melted down to 17lbs. He lost a bit of weight courting the hens for sure. This bird's gobble was the only one I heard over the last two weeks. You just never know! Maybe my adventure with the wallet was meant to put me in the right place at the right time.

Never anyone around to take pictures. Cost me $5 bucks to get the neighbor kid to pose me with the sun at my back. Said he's taking photography in school! He ain't gonna' make it!

You should see the other two. He tried I guess.

P.S. Check out the Taxidermy boards and see the mount of the first bird I shot last year. I think you all will like it.

**Gus** · 05-23-2005, 10:35 PM

Nice bird, congrats

**redbeard** · 05-23-2005, 10:49 PM

Awesome bird, sorry you didn't find the wallet.

**hobie** · 05-23-2005, 10:58 PM

Congrats on a nice bird and also finding your wallet

**borch** · 05-23-2005, 11:28 PM

Well your finding all sorts of stuff!

Congrats on it all coming together in the end.

Borch

**huntn4bucks** · 05-24-2005, 09:36 AM

Congratulations on your gobbler. I enjoyed reading the story.

INHunterman · 05-24-2005, 09:54 AM

Congrats on a fine New Jersey gobbler!

**ruttinbuc** · 05-25-2005, 06:46 PM

Thanks everyone. I failed to mention that is was 5 minutes to noon when I shot this guy. Just never know when they are going to show up.

Going to try and fill my PA tag. Only a few days left.

**maytom** · 05-26-2005, 06:40 AM

Congrats on a real dandy!!!! The season ends here in NY on Tuesday morning. I'll be out each morning trying to get one to Hopefully work!! This has been a crappy season this year!!!

**Squirrelhunter91** · 05-26-2005, 06:42 AM

Yup maytom. This season has been crappy. Not much gobbling, from what I expierienced. But I have heard more gobbles this year than I did last year. Last year was my first season. I heard my first gobble last year in the abandoned part of the apple orchard. You know where I'm talking about. That was the only gobble I heard all year last year. Now since then, everytime I've gone out, I've had a gobble.