Opening day Rio

[outdoortexan]

Well, opening weekend has come and gone in Texas. I was able to return to the ranch outside of Del Rio that I hunted last year. Rain was the name of the game on the trip down there on Friday, including a hail storm on Friday night. Saturday morning though was clear and wonderful. The first bird to show was a lonesome hen. About 10 minutes behind her was a jake. I bided my time and at around 9:45 a.m. a group of 6 hens and 2 toms came by. Those toms were hot and refused to come out of strut. As the hens started filtering off, I figured this was my last chance at this group. Despite his head being almost completely tucked back in strut, I fell the two year old tom. Unfortunately, about half his beard paid the price. Oh well.


I never got close to another gobbler but came close on several occasions and had a blast doing it. The pictures below were of one that came by the ranch house. After he disappeared, I got my camera and calls and sat at edge of fence. One short series of strikes on a Primos Ol Glory brought that tom running back and I was able to get the pics. Naturally, we weren't allowed to shoot birds at the house, but it made for a great experience.

[Ohiobucks]

Congrats on your bird! Great pics of the "too close to home" strutter as well!

[Covehnter]

Beautiful bird, hope to find a buff tipped bird on the end of gun barrel sometime this weekend. Congrats.

[outdoorgirl]

congrats on a great bird.

[toddyboman]

COngrats on the bird.

Nice pics on the second bird. He probably knows he is safe near the house.

[Colorado Bob]

Them Rio's sure do like to gobble. Conglads on a good bird. CB

[boomer]

Congrats! Nice pics

[Jeramie]

Great pics! Great bird too! Congrats!

[Tom2008]

Congrats on the awesome Rio! Great pictures and story too.

[Shaun_300]

Congrats! Nice looking bird!

[5SHOT]

Congrtas on great Rio! Great pictures also. Do you think that bird knew no guns are allowed by the house?

[pintail711]

sweet, great pics

[maytom]

[ QUOTE ]
Despite his head being almost completely tucked back in strut, I fell the two year old tom. Unfortunately, about half his beard paid the price. Oh well.

[/ QUOTE ]

I did the very same thing many years ago, and ended up blowing the dang beard clean off!! Lesson learned on that bird, I'll never shoot at another gobbler when he's in full sturt ever again!!

[hunter336]

Nice bird! The pictures were fantastic.

[wtnhunt]

Great bird and pics. Congratulations.