2005 lonbeard

[slaw]

 As spring time approached , So did the anticipation of another spring turkey hunt. This one only being my fourth season , my enthusiasm grew with each of them. Ten days prior to the opening day my mother passed away. This shifted all my emotions in another direction. After several days of dealing with the loss of her and everything else that comes with it, the solitude of going to the woods is what I needed. I hunted the first couple of days with the landowner and his brother. We had a couple of close calls but the gobblers were hanging up big time on us. Monday morning came and I was going to be hunting by myself cause the other two guys had to work. I was looking forward to this time to myself for multiple reasons. The birds weren’t as vocal as the pervious mornings, except for three gobblers on the back forty as we call it, that consistently gobbled every morning till after 8:00am.. These birds were a few hundred yards off the property, which deterred me from even pursuing them.. This day would become uneventful. The forth day of hunting came along with a serious case of turkey hunters butt. My bottom was getting sore and I was ready to run-n-gun so to speak. The gobblers were again very vocal this morning but again seem to hang up and not commit .Things fell silent after 7:00 except for those three gobblers beyond the back forty. I was on my third set-up for the morning when I decided to go after these three loudmouths and see if I could make something happen. So I found me three trees to nestle inbetween at the edge of the property. There was a big field of weeds that separated me from the three chatterboxes. I cranked the volume up on the diaphram call and got an immediate response. I fell silent for a few minutes, not wanting to overcall which I was afraid we had done the last three days. After a few minutes I let out an excited hen call which was cut off in the middle by this one gobbler. He had moved a bit walking the perimeter of this field. He was on the opposite side of the field now, still 300 yards away .Again I waited a few minutes and called a little softer. His immediate response told me he was hot, and closing the distance quick .I hunkered down into these three trees and rested my gun on my knee. A couple of minutes pass and I let out three soft yelps . The thunder from the gobble this time sent chills throughout me. Seconds after this response he stepped through the fence onto the property I had permission to hunt , onto a four wheeler path and walking in my direction. Right in line with the fiber optic sights of my mossberg. His head was snow white and his waddles were blood red. He stopped at 35 yards and turned his head sideways in search for this hen that was whispering sweet nothings to him. With the squeeze of the trigger , this hot one was now mine forever. I went to him and marveled at his beauty. I thanked the good lord above for giving me this opportunity and savored every step of the long walk back to the house. He was no monster by no means, but he played the game well and I was grateful. 20.5 lbs, 9.25 inch beard, 7/8 and ¾ spurs.
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[redbeard]

No need to belittle that bird, slaw. He's a good 'un. Sorry for your loss, I know it must have been a tough season for that. Congrats on the bird.

[MadHuntinPastor]

Slaw....you right a mean story and should submit that to a magazine. What a memory. Will continue to pray for you and your family as losing Mom is never easy. Thanks for sharing your hunt with us. I felt as if I was sitting right next to you when you pulled the trigger!!

[sportsman2500]

nice hunt and love the story!! sorry for your loss. never loosing a loved one is never easy especailly if it's your mother. again great bird and great hunt!!

[James7xChamp3]

Real nice bird, and nice story. Sorry for your loss. God provides healing in many ways. Nothing like the morning you had to help deal with things a little better. Congrats and God Bless!

[hobie]

Sorry for your loss
Congrats on a fine bird

[Colorado Bob]

I understand-----My Dad passed in January. Conglads on the bird.------Hang in there. The memories will be cherished. CB

[magnatecsteve]

Sorry about your loss, it's really tough getting that kind of load off of your mind. The woods is where I do alot of my thinking, reflection, and meditation... the woods has a certain calming affect for me. Congrats on a really nice tom!! Bet it helped lift your spirits for a while!!

[JimT]

Sorry about your loss also...Great turkey and story.

[maytom]

Sorry to hear about your mom's passing as well. Both my folks are up there in years, and someday it will be my turn at what you just went through.

Nice bird and picture, congrats!!!!

[BIG_BUCK_1]

Congrat on the bird sorry to hear about you mom passing away as well