I've been hunting every morning this week before I go to work. Having to be at my job at 8am requires each hunt to be short, with little room for error. It's kind of frustrating having to leave the field early with birds still gobbling and strutting... but after all, it is hunting
and there's not much I'd rather be doing
I had a several close calls earlier in the week, in fact Tuesday morning I had one at arms length away. He zigged when I expected a zag and I did'nt get my bow drawn on him. I had to let him walk and called him back only to shoot over his back at what I thought was thirty yards.
Today I went out and set up basically in the same spot but on the opposite hedgerow in the field corner. Right at legal shooting light I let out some soft yelps and clucks and got an immediate response.
To my surprise he was only about 80 yards away and I could see him fanning out on the limb. I waited about 5 minutes and called again, this time no gobble, he came out of strut and flew right to me 15 yards away and strutting. I let him walk behind a tree and drew my bow, when he stepped out he turned away to face a hen that hit the ground behind him. I thought that was as good a shot as any, so I took it. He went about 20 yards half flopping and trying to fly and that was about it.
He weighed 22.5 lbs., 11inch beard, 1.5 inch limbhanger spurs.
Nothing quite like taking one with a bow... yee haw.
