2013 Florida hunt

[jmck]

Well---Florida came and went way to fast this year for me. Saturday morn found me sharing a rattlesnake spot with what has been described as a 6-7' rattlesnake. On my way in an hour before light sat morn...I was easing down a 2 tract, when a rabbit shot out from under my feet----I knew it was that $#@# snake and I was bit---I lost 5 years off my life then and there. Daylight fell and I had 4 actors come in I did not take, but not after a solid double beard showed and I couldnt resist the first bird of the 2013 season. Scouted and roosted some birds sat evening and settled in with the video stuff for the next days hunt. Started off with some tree yelps from a trumpet and got answered close and by different birds. I carried a new box from a very dear friend and mentor that I wanted to get in the game. Marlins one sider had them stirred up let me say. the first few arrived and passed, but when ole Dr Hooks showed, it was time to end the hunt. I kept video'ing the hunt with his hen after she circled her boyfriend laying there, and then it happened. Two more longbeards were drug in by another sultry lady, and they had great hooks too....had to sit there and watch them parade at 15 yds with hooks a shining. I about died. They will be there next year hopefully, and bigger. I called Marlin and he said the bird was the first one sider victim to fall to a spring hunter...guess I get the prize of another free one right Marlin  . The last pic is the gang I hunt with down there---we have become very close friends over that last years.
the first victim on opening day:


the second victim on Sunday-ole Dr Hooks

[Gobbler Commander]

wow nice bird congrats!!!!!

[Silverspur]

Great pictures and great hunts.  Remember turkey season is not over for you and it is the year of the snake according to the chinese calendar.  Keep them new boots high and tight!!!  Bring plenty of clean under shorts in case you yourself with them snakes this year LOL.  Nitros still will be flying.....Booyah! Congrats again on a great trip! That one gobbler has real dark wing feathers, darker than I have ever seen before!

[West Augusta]

Man what hooks on that bird.  Looks like ya had some fun Jeff.  Sure is beautiful country.
2 down and how many yet to go?

[3CB]

 

[B-Ready]

Gotta love Dr, Hooks !! Awesome birds my friend. That's the way to start a season off!!! Congrats 

[AlabamaDave]

Way to go man!...Beautiful place down there!...Loved the pics...You are A gobbler's nightmare!
Have you laid A tape on dem sweet hooks yet?

[Shadowturkeycaller]

thats great man..    

Those are some great birds!!!!

[trb136]

Wow... Thats awesome man   what a hunt!

[RW Mackey]

  Well done my friend, nice birds, that is some wild country down there.  If I was walking through there at night I'd be looking for more than Rattlesnakes, looks like the home of Marie LaVoe.... Yikes...   .   

Roy

[Shadetree Callers]

 Way to go sensei !!! Those are some awesome birds and you got us on the board in a big way !! Congrats bud on some nice sunshine state birds !!!

[fargobox]

I had heard about this bird, but man, the pics say it all--WOW   Great hunts Jeff and thanks for sharing, sure is painful living vicariously through you every dang season!

[jobugg]

Way to go Jeff!

[hunter22]

What a start Jeff. Awesome birds for sure. I see why you went to Florida instead of Alabama for your opener. Congrats and I know there will be many more to come. If you ever need someone to tote your gun and Nitros or beat you a path before light I know an old guy up in Arkansas that is retired and might be willing to take on that job. 

[gbblr-killer]

 

AWESOME DUDE! I am sorry but i had to laugh about the rabbit (thinkin it was a rattler) because i have been there....