BrewCrew
Active Member
I'm curious what you guys actually think about fanning longbeards? I've heard it called the fan trick, T3 Tactical, the Security Blanket. But I know there are skeptics and non-believers out there. I know others may think it's dumb and unsafe. I'm just curious what you guys honestly believe.
My opinion is that it has added a lot of success and excitement to spring turkey hunting. I have learned a lot about turkeys up close and personal through fanning. The other thing is I don't think I've harvested a 2 year old bird since I learned the trick from sureshot. They've all been big, old, agressive birds. I love it.
Last night was no different. 651 and I were out scouting and found a big group of turks feeding in a field. After gaining permission the chase was on. After about an hour of crawling around, backing out, and cutting these birds off we popped over a terrace to find one tom in the tall grass about 10 yards away. He started working towards the fan to check out his competition and 651 thought his beard was too small so he let me take him. I didn't hesistate, pulled the gun up beside the fan, trying not to drop it in the wind, settled the bead and BOOM. Up close and personal, I think this was one of the most gruesome head shots I've seen from a shotgun. It look like a guillotine shot. Ended up being a damn nice bird with a 10 1/4 beard. :grin:
Over the last ~5 years - some of our other successful fan hunts.
I'd argue over it not being effective, but I do think there are still great things about sitting next to a big cottonwood and calling them in off the roost. I still do that with my younger siblings. I really just love taking people out and running and gunning though. If I had limited access to spots I might think differently, but I still doubt it.
Has the fan worked for any of you guys? Are you hesistant to try it? Do you think it's stupid? Be honest.
My opinion is that it has added a lot of success and excitement to spring turkey hunting. I have learned a lot about turkeys up close and personal through fanning. The other thing is I don't think I've harvested a 2 year old bird since I learned the trick from sureshot. They've all been big, old, agressive birds. I love it.
Last night was no different. 651 and I were out scouting and found a big group of turks feeding in a field. After gaining permission the chase was on. After about an hour of crawling around, backing out, and cutting these birds off we popped over a terrace to find one tom in the tall grass about 10 yards away. He started working towards the fan to check out his competition and 651 thought his beard was too small so he let me take him. I didn't hesistate, pulled the gun up beside the fan, trying not to drop it in the wind, settled the bead and BOOM. Up close and personal, I think this was one of the most gruesome head shots I've seen from a shotgun. It look like a guillotine shot. Ended up being a damn nice bird with a 10 1/4 beard. :grin:
Over the last ~5 years - some of our other successful fan hunts.
I'd argue over it not being effective, but I do think there are still great things about sitting next to a big cottonwood and calling them in off the roost. I still do that with my younger siblings. I really just love taking people out and running and gunning though. If I had limited access to spots I might think differently, but I still doubt it.
Has the fan worked for any of you guys? Are you hesistant to try it? Do you think it's stupid? Be honest.
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