Gotta be thankful I got this one

[Leo]

Thanks everyone for prayers and well wishes. I needed them.

The first few days of turkey hunting this year were extremely eventful. I worked at least nine different Toms. Had some very close calls. Quite a few stories to tell about that. Maybe when I have more energy. Even though I can't chase gobblers anymore and have to stay committed to a blind the whole hunt. I'm pretty wore out right now.

In short, this longbeard finally got within range. In fact, real real close, only 15 yards. Gotta before picture



Pattern from my shotgun at that range is about the size of a softball. So I literally had to shoot with rifle like accuracy. Also I had to aim for the area just above the beard instead of the head/neck region at that range. Aiming for the head at that range almost guarantees a miss because the head moves back and forth four to five inches with every step. I hit him with all 2 1/4oz of #4 shot, plus the wad clearly went through the bird like a slug. Unfortunately, this shot tore up the beard pretty badly. It shortened what was longer than nine inches to 8 1/2". Still a solid 2yr old with 3/4" spurs and weighed about 17lbs. Not the biggest I've seen this season so far but still a good one.

[VermontHunter]

CONGRATS,, Leo on a great looking bird, and should make a mighty fine fan mount.... if you decide on that route...

Now rest up, and recoupe..

[Born2Hunt]

Beautiful bird Bud!

[arrow32]

Congrats on the great bird. Good read.

[Gus]

Nice bird, congrats

[drkillemquick]

Congrats on a great turkey!!

[woodsman2230]

Congrats! Nice Bird!

[HuntnMa]

congrats to ya

[Squirrelhunter91]

Congrats Leo!! I knew you would put it all together!

[Chrud]

Congrats Leo!

[need2hunt]

Congrats Leo!!

[huntn4bucks]

I'm sure you're very thankful to have gotten him. Congrats. Nice job.

[Fullfan]

Leo, congrats on the bird. I must be out of the loop, Have you been ill?? I know last year you droped the hammer on several nice Long beards.

[hookedonhunting]

Congrats!

Is it just me or is there 2 birds in the top pic?

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

WTG Leo! Great looking bird ya' got there.