April 1. It's game time!!
Hunting & Fishing Turkey hunters.
- Thread starter bbear
- Start date
Re: Turkey hunters.
14th here
14th here
Re: Turkey hunters.
I won't start hunting either for about another week but when the calendar flips from March I'm ready to start zippin some arrows. With some luck, and for my fellow addicts, I'll post some pics and a little video footage of some of the best turkey action South Dakota has to offer. Good luck this year fellas. Lay em down.
I won't start hunting either for about another week but when the calendar flips from March I'm ready to start zippin some arrows. With some luck, and for my fellow addicts, I'll post some pics and a little video footage of some of the best turkey action South Dakota has to offer. Good luck this year fellas. Lay em down.
Re: Turkey hunters.
April 14th here. Lots of birds and good sign. Shotgun is sighted in.
April 14th here. Lots of birds and good sign. Shotgun is sighted in.
Re: Turkey hunters.
April 14 in KY. I suspect the Tom's are feeling frisky early this year due to the VERY warm winter and early spring. They have been gobblin up a storm here for the last few weeks.
Didn't see ya up there KY Jelly!
April 14 in KY. I suspect the Tom's are feeling frisky early this year due to the VERY warm winter and early spring. They have been gobblin up a storm here for the last few weeks.
Didn't see ya up there KY Jelly!
Re: Turkey hunters.
Woohoo!!! Headed to Lake Lopez this weekend! Hoping everyone hasn't killed all the birds before I get there.
Woohoo!!! Headed to Lake Lopez this weekend! Hoping everyone hasn't killed all the birds before I get there.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Apr 14 here in ND. My 10mm is ready to rock.
Apr 14 here in ND. My 10mm is ready to rock.
Re: Turkey hunters.
We have been going strong for a half month. I haven't been able to go as much as I would like, but was lucky enough to have one run to me.
We have been going strong for a half month. I haven't been able to go as much as I would like, but was lucky enough to have one run to me.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Nice birds!!!
Wait, can guys even say that to each other??? lol
Nice birds!!!
Wait, can guys even say that to each other??? lol
Re: Turkey hunters.
Youth day NC. My little man smacked a nice one. I still tell him it's all in the guide! It has been really warm here until the last few days and it was 34* when we set up this morning. The weather slowed down the gobblin' but this one snuck in about 8:30 and Jeb warmed him up. One more to go for my oldest daughter that is into hunting and then I can do some solo work. Nothing in the world beats seeing the work pay off when your kids smoke a nice turkey or deer! Memories that are more special than anything on my own.
10.5" beard and 1-1/4 spurs
Getting ready for the grill
Youth day NC. My little man smacked a nice one. I still tell him it's all in the guide! It has been really warm here until the last few days and it was 34* when we set up this morning. The weather slowed down the gobblin' but this one snuck in about 8:30 and Jeb warmed him up. One more to go for my oldest daughter that is into hunting and then I can do some solo work. Nothing in the world beats seeing the work pay off when your kids smoke a nice turkey or deer! Memories that are more special than anything on my own.
10.5" beard and 1-1/4 spurs
Getting ready for the grill
Re: Turkey hunters.
1st day of turkey season 4-14-12 Pikeville, KY 7:30AM
20 gauge Benelli M2, Kicks Choke
21 lbs 4oz
1.1 inch spurs
11 inch beard
1st day of turkey season 4-14-12 Pikeville, KY 7:30AM
20 gauge Benelli M2, Kicks Choke
21 lbs 4oz
1.1 inch spurs
11 inch beard
Re: Turkey hunters.
Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail.
Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail.
Re: Turkey hunters.
I also hunt in KS, and we had amazing luck. I chased turkey this past weekend, for the first time. We set up the blind, and 2 cheap inflatable hen decoys and waited, but not long. Within 10 minutes there were two hens walking up the fence row straight for the decoys. We kept calling (box call), and soon a gobbler and another hen came out of the timber 200 yards away and made a beeline for the blind. 25-30 yards away, I downed this 22 lb tom. We spent a total of 30 minutes or so in the blind. Being my first turkey, I had to reference as to what was a big bird, or small bird. Apparently a 22 lb bird is pretty large around here. Beard is somewhere around 10"-11", spurs over an inch. In hindsight, I should've had it scored just to know where it falls, 'officially'.
Great morning, couldn't have asked for it to go any better. Hopefully this weekend goes half as well.
Benelli M1 Super 90
Improved Modified Choke
Remington Nitro Turkey 3" #4
I also hunt in KS, and we had amazing luck. I chased turkey this past weekend, for the first time. We set up the blind, and 2 cheap inflatable hen decoys and waited, but not long. Within 10 minutes there were two hens walking up the fence row straight for the decoys. We kept calling (box call), and soon a gobbler and another hen came out of the timber 200 yards away and made a beeline for the blind. 25-30 yards away, I downed this 22 lb tom. We spent a total of 30 minutes or so in the blind. Being my first turkey, I had to reference as to what was a big bird, or small bird. Apparently a 22 lb bird is pretty large around here. Beard is somewhere around 10"-11", spurs over an inch. In hindsight, I should've had it scored just to know where it falls, 'officially'.
Great morning, couldn't have asked for it to go any better. Hopefully this weekend goes half as well.
Benelli M1 Super 90
Improved Modified Choke
Remington Nitro Turkey 3" #4
Re: Turkey hunters.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail. </div></div>
Yes sir, they are Avian-X decoys. The above Tom bypassed the two hens I had out with it and went straight to the 1/4 strut Jake and gave him a chest bump.... very realistic decoys.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail. </div></div>
Yes sir, they are Avian-X decoys. The above Tom bypassed the two hens I had out with it and went straight to the 1/4 strut Jake and gave him a chest bump.... very realistic decoys.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Opening day in KY.
870 compact camo youth 20 gauge, Fed HW #7's = 1 dead gobbler...
Opening day in KY.
870 compact camo youth 20 gauge, Fed HW #7's = 1 dead gobbler...
Re: Turkey hunters.
My 9 yr old son got his 2 weeks ago so it was his sister's turn and we got a father/daughter double. Big boy answered from the tree about 350 yds across some of the fields I have steel set up in to shoot so I put up the call and we waited. Picked him up walking beside my 500 yd steel plate and figured it was a good omen. Lost sight of him in a draw as he worked his way towards us and when he topped the ridge he had a second gobbler with him. He went full strut and a few light clucks and purrs got him in range, he couldn't take that Avian-X Jake standing up to him. I let my daughter get lined up on the big bird and she smacked it with her 20 guage. The other bird hopped about 6' in the air and I shot him. The final talley was one big one with 11" beard and 1-1/4 spurs and one medium one with 7" beard and 1/2" spurs. Every once in a while it happens just like in the videos...happy I could share it with my daughter.
My 9 yr old son got his 2 weeks ago so it was his sister's turn and we got a father/daughter double. Big boy answered from the tree about 350 yds across some of the fields I have steel set up in to shoot so I put up the call and we waited. Picked him up walking beside my 500 yd steel plate and figured it was a good omen. Lost sight of him in a draw as he worked his way towards us and when he topped the ridge he had a second gobbler with him. He went full strut and a few light clucks and purrs got him in range, he couldn't take that Avian-X Jake standing up to him. I let my daughter get lined up on the big bird and she smacked it with her 20 guage. The other bird hopped about 6' in the air and I shot him. The final talley was one big one with 11" beard and 1-1/4 spurs and one medium one with 7" beard and 1/2" spurs. Every once in a while it happens just like in the videos...happy I could share it with my daughter.
Re: Turkey hunters.
WARNING: I know this going to be a long story, but this is my daughters first harvest of any kind and I'm grinning from ear to ear.
Raegan is 9yo and weighs 53 lbs. Two weeks ago we began to start talking about what she would use for her first turkey hunt. I thought my Benelli M3 12ga with low brass would be the easiest kicking gun that I have. After 1 shot her braces turned the inside of her cheek into hamburger and she didn't want any more. WV allows rifles so we decided that the 10mm AR15 w/ halosite would be the go to gun since she was already comfortable shooting it.
I'd mentioned to my hunting buddy that I really wanted to use a shotgun and he calls me a few days later saying that he was able to borrow a 28ga 1100 from one of his friends. Raegan was a little hesitant at first, but after shooting it the first time she was excited. I let her shoot 7.5's and 6's and the 7.5 gave a much better pattern in the 1100.
I'd set a camo burlap makeshift blind up around the first of April so the birds would get used to it. We are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule for our spring here in WV so the plots were needing a little grooming. I mowed the food plot last week and set the Ameristep blind up yesterday morning in place of the camo burlap blind. Last night we heard several birds going to roost, but none were even remotely close to the food plot.
We had the 4 decoys placed and were inside the blind (you can see it in the pic) right before the birds started going off this morning. There were several gobbling but they were all pretty far away. I gave a few soft yelps and got nothing. After about 15 minutes I heard something behind us and looked out the window to see 2 birds coming in. We got set up only to have the birds continue walking behind us a few yards away. I realized what was happening and zipped up the right side window and unzipped the left side and got Raegan and the gun turned around. The first tom came into view around 15 yds out and the 2nd bird was only a few steps behind him. I had the barrel on my shoulder and told Rae to shoot. I felt her tighten up and the she asked if I loaded the gun. It was then that I realized the safety was still on. I reached back and took the safety off and got her set up again. The first bird was in full strut and the 2nd tom was just starting to fan when she shot. It was bang/flop and the 1st bird continued to stay in strut until I jumped out of the blind and jumped on the other bird. Nothing but hugs and kisses after that...........
WARNING: I know this going to be a long story, but this is my daughters first harvest of any kind and I'm grinning from ear to ear.
Raegan is 9yo and weighs 53 lbs. Two weeks ago we began to start talking about what she would use for her first turkey hunt. I thought my Benelli M3 12ga with low brass would be the easiest kicking gun that I have. After 1 shot her braces turned the inside of her cheek into hamburger and she didn't want any more. WV allows rifles so we decided that the 10mm AR15 w/ halosite would be the go to gun since she was already comfortable shooting it.
I'd mentioned to my hunting buddy that I really wanted to use a shotgun and he calls me a few days later saying that he was able to borrow a 28ga 1100 from one of his friends. Raegan was a little hesitant at first, but after shooting it the first time she was excited. I let her shoot 7.5's and 6's and the 7.5 gave a much better pattern in the 1100.
I'd set a camo burlap makeshift blind up around the first of April so the birds would get used to it. We are about 3 weeks ahead of schedule for our spring here in WV so the plots were needing a little grooming. I mowed the food plot last week and set the Ameristep blind up yesterday morning in place of the camo burlap blind. Last night we heard several birds going to roost, but none were even remotely close to the food plot.
We had the 4 decoys placed and were inside the blind (you can see it in the pic) right before the birds started going off this morning. There were several gobbling but they were all pretty far away. I gave a few soft yelps and got nothing. After about 15 minutes I heard something behind us and looked out the window to see 2 birds coming in. We got set up only to have the birds continue walking behind us a few yards away. I realized what was happening and zipped up the right side window and unzipped the left side and got Raegan and the gun turned around. The first tom came into view around 15 yds out and the 2nd bird was only a few steps behind him. I had the barrel on my shoulder and told Rae to shoot. I felt her tighten up and the she asked if I loaded the gun. It was then that I realized the safety was still on. I reached back and took the safety off and got her set up again. The first bird was in full strut and the 2nd tom was just starting to fan when she shot. It was bang/flop and the 1st bird continued to stay in strut until I jumped out of the blind and jumped on the other bird. Nothing but hugs and kisses after that...........
Re: Turkey hunters.
That is outstanding. Man nothing is better than helping your kids be successful in the field. My daughter that loves to hunt is now 16 and will be grown soon....enjoy every one of these minutes with Raegan. You will be amazed how fast it goes. It makes my rough tail go soft every time I look at the pictures of our hunts over the years. Remembering those moments rolling around hootin and hollerrin after a kill is priceless. Nothing builds a bond like that kind of mentoring and the smiles like the ones in the pictures we have posted here tell it all. After her 9 yr old brother grows up I will have to learn how to hunt alone again. Congrats to her and you for doing it the right way. She is a real cutie and bound to look like her mother
That is outstanding. Man nothing is better than helping your kids be successful in the field. My daughter that loves to hunt is now 16 and will be grown soon....enjoy every one of these minutes with Raegan. You will be amazed how fast it goes. It makes my rough tail go soft every time I look at the pictures of our hunts over the years. Remembering those moments rolling around hootin and hollerrin after a kill is priceless. Nothing builds a bond like that kind of mentoring and the smiles like the ones in the pictures we have posted here tell it all. After her 9 yr old brother grows up I will have to learn how to hunt alone again. Congrats to her and you for doing it the right way. She is a real cutie and bound to look like her mother
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Turkey hunters.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Last Monday's bird. First longbeard that my son has taken on his own (the monster last year I had to shoulder the big 12 ga while he lined it up and shot). Bought him a little Mossberg 510 in 20ga and he has no problems shooting it. This one was taken at 10 paces in one of our fields here at the house. 21.6 pounds, 10 inch beard, 1.2 inch spurs.
Fun stuff!
Last Monday's bird. First longbeard that my son has taken on his own (the monster last year I had to shoulder the big 12 ga while he lined it up and shot). Bought him a little Mossberg 510 in 20ga and he has no problems shooting it. This one was taken at 10 paces in one of our fields here at the house. 21.6 pounds, 10 inch beard, 1.2 inch spurs.
Fun stuff!
Re: Turkey hunters.
Thanks tucker, she'll get a big kick out of that!
Thanks tucker, she'll get a big kick out of that!
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Turkey hunters.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ogs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks tucker, she'll get a big kick out of that! </div></div>
I enjoyed doing it. I love to see the kids taking part in our sport.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ogs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks tucker, she'll get a big kick out of that! </div></div>
I enjoyed doing it. I love to see the kids taking part in our sport.
Re: Turkey hunters.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drmarc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail. </div></div>
Yes sir, they are Avian-X decoys. The above Tom bypassed the two hens I had out with it and went straight to the 1/4 strut Jake and gave him a chest bump.... very realistic decoys. </div></div>
The avian-x decoys are unreal that jake decoy seems to get any tom ticked off and they just come running in. Been on two hunts this year and we have three birds down all three came straight for the jake.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: drmarc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are those Avian-X dekes? Those things are the chit. They work on even the the most call and decoy shy birds I hunt. Very realistic. I hope my Jake makes it through the season because every bird with spurs wants to whip his tail. </div></div>
Yes sir, they are Avian-X decoys. The above Tom bypassed the two hens I had out with it and went straight to the 1/4 strut Jake and gave him a chest bump.... very realistic decoys.
The avian-x decoys are unreal that jake decoy seems to get any tom ticked off and they just come running in. Been on two hunts this year and we have three birds down all three came straight for the jake.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Two and a half weeks left in the season and it's not looking like I'm gonna be able to get out there again. I went out with a friend a few weeks ago but we didn't have much luck. It was our first time calling on our own and I got a couple talking but I've still got A LOT to learn about calling in a bird.
Since I doubt I'll have anything to post from this year, how about a couple shots of the one I bagged last year. Nice big bird, 10" beard with spurs just over an inch long.
This is my first and only turkey, but after the experience of hearing this guy come in to about 15 yds, drumming and gobbling his brains out... I can say for certain that he won't be the last. It was hands down, one of the coolest moments I've ever had in the woods. My dad was doing the calling and was getting some solid response, but he hung up about 300 yards out and just wouldn't bite. After about 15 minutes of talking smack with the him, pops decided to change it up. He grabbed a blade of grass, stretched it between his thumbs, and started squealing like a hen getting worked over by another bird and within seconds the Tom came running to us, full steam.
After the shot, Dad and I jumped up, high-fiving and stoaked. I took about 3 steps and looked down just in time to see Mr. no-shoulders coiled up right where my foot was about to land. A nice young 3.5-4' canebreak rattler. Needless to say, he came home with us too and with a little batter and hot oil, made a damn fine snack.
Couple that with the fact that earlier in the morning, when we were trying to call one down off the roost, a bobcat snuck in on us trying to find what was doing the calling. We spotted it at about 40 yards out and watched as it crept up to 8 FEET away from me. It was flehmening the whole way in and when it got to 8' away, just froze as it locked eyes with me. After what felt like a 5 minute stare down, the cat just turned and bounded off. It was unreal.
A couple more "glamor shots".
With a face only a mother could love.
Good luck y'all.
Two and a half weeks left in the season and it's not looking like I'm gonna be able to get out there again. I went out with a friend a few weeks ago but we didn't have much luck. It was our first time calling on our own and I got a couple talking but I've still got A LOT to learn about calling in a bird.
Since I doubt I'll have anything to post from this year, how about a couple shots of the one I bagged last year. Nice big bird, 10" beard with spurs just over an inch long.
This is my first and only turkey, but after the experience of hearing this guy come in to about 15 yds, drumming and gobbling his brains out... I can say for certain that he won't be the last. It was hands down, one of the coolest moments I've ever had in the woods. My dad was doing the calling and was getting some solid response, but he hung up about 300 yards out and just wouldn't bite. After about 15 minutes of talking smack with the him, pops decided to change it up. He grabbed a blade of grass, stretched it between his thumbs, and started squealing like a hen getting worked over by another bird and within seconds the Tom came running to us, full steam.
After the shot, Dad and I jumped up, high-fiving and stoaked. I took about 3 steps and looked down just in time to see Mr. no-shoulders coiled up right where my foot was about to land. A nice young 3.5-4' canebreak rattler. Needless to say, he came home with us too and with a little batter and hot oil, made a damn fine snack.
Couple that with the fact that earlier in the morning, when we were trying to call one down off the roost, a bobcat snuck in on us trying to find what was doing the calling. We spotted it at about 40 yards out and watched as it crept up to 8 FEET away from me. It was flehmening the whole way in and when it got to 8' away, just froze as it locked eyes with me. After what felt like a 5 minute stare down, the cat just turned and bounded off. It was unreal.
A couple more "glamor shots".
With a face only a mother could love.
Good luck y'all.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Mossberg 835 3 1/2 #5's
Was my turn today.
22lbs 11" beard
I was trying to get him with my Freedom Arms pistol in 32-20 cal but he hung about 60 yds out.
Mossberg 835 3 1/2 #5's
Was my turn today.
22lbs 11" beard
I was trying to get him with my Freedom Arms pistol in 32-20 cal but he hung about 60 yds out.
Re: Turkey hunters.
Well, the season's over and we had another blast of a year. I wasn't able to get behind the bow as much as in years past but was fortunate enough to take 3. I've got family and friends that aren't the most seasoned turkey hunters so I get to take them out and help them get their birds, I have more fun doing that than I do hunting for myself. I took a bunch of good video and I'll post some of that later but til then here's a pic of the double I took a few weeks ago. Hope everyone had a good year.
Well, the season's over and we had another blast of a year. I wasn't able to get behind the bow as much as in years past but was fortunate enough to take 3. I've got family and friends that aren't the most seasoned turkey hunters so I get to take them out and help them get their birds, I have more fun doing that than I do hunting for myself. I took a bunch of good video and I'll post some of that later but til then here's a pic of the double I took a few weeks ago. Hope everyone had a good year.
Re: Turkey hunters.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> </div></div>
Best pic in this thread!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tucker301</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Best pic in this thread!
Re: Turkey hunters.
Nice double bbear. Let's see some of that footage.
Nice double bbear. Let's see some of that footage.
