Gundog
PMA Member
Well a couple firsts for me. I heard some birds gobbling up on a ridge in deep timber. Decided I would try to get in as close as I could. When I figured I was within 100 yards of them I crawled out as far as I dared to put up the hen decoy. It took at least 45 minutes of calling and going silent to even get them in sight. They hammered every time I called but did not want to commit. There was a little rise they needed to come over to be in full view and they didn't want to do that.
I knew there were two birds gobbling and I had two tags so if the opportunity presented itself I was going to try to get them both. Well finally one stepped up on the rise and when he did instantly got nervous and began walking away, I was ready and took the shot not knowing the second tom was basically attached to his hip. When I walked up to him, I thought man this was a big bird, then I rolled him over to see the beard and he was laying on top of the other tom. I was amazed to say the least.
The first bird ended up having 4 beards total; 11 1/4", 7 5/8", 4" and 2 1/2" with a 1" and a 7/8" spur. He only weighed 20 lbs. 2 oz. The second bird had an 11" beard and 1" spurs on both legs and only weighed 19 lbs. 9 oz.
I was surprised how light in weight they were with beards like they had but am very happy none the less to be tagged out. Good luck to anyone still hunting.
I knew there were two birds gobbling and I had two tags so if the opportunity presented itself I was going to try to get them both. Well finally one stepped up on the rise and when he did instantly got nervous and began walking away, I was ready and took the shot not knowing the second tom was basically attached to his hip. When I walked up to him, I thought man this was a big bird, then I rolled him over to see the beard and he was laying on top of the other tom. I was amazed to say the least.
The first bird ended up having 4 beards total; 11 1/4", 7 5/8", 4" and 2 1/2" with a 1" and a 7/8" spur. He only weighed 20 lbs. 2 oz. The second bird had an 11" beard and 1" spurs on both legs and only weighed 19 lbs. 9 oz.
I was surprised how light in weight they were with beards like they had but am very happy none the less to be tagged out. Good luck to anyone still hunting.
