What a great morning! I had my alarm set for 4am..woke up an hour early:) I'm like a kid on Christmas morning when it comes to opening mornings..especially if it involves turkey hunting..and kids. My son and I took the grand daughter, Shantel ,out for the Youth Day Opener.
The first call with the trumpet got several responses from distant gobblers and we were off and running. After we got set up in what I felt was the best position, I called again with the trumpet and got an immediate response, and the birds got fired up. Soon they came into view, and once I could see them, I switched from the trumpet to my hen box, and Aaron hit them with his long box. The first two that came in were Jakes and she let them pass, then a strutter showed up, kept just out of range, finally three long beards came in and she flattened one of them with the 20 gauge
Our next set up..we worked a bird for about an hour that completely circled us, had him within 30 yds but had trees in the way. Apparently I called at just the wrong time, not being able to see him, and the bird swung towards me. It passed behind me and then went out in front. You know how it goes when that happens....
Last set-up of the morning, had a good response with the trumpet..moved in a little and called three nice Toms, biggest of the morning.. within 15 yds...technical difficulties ensued..and Shantel couldn't make the shot.
That's Ok, she certainly had a chance to experience turkey hunting about as magical as it gets, (my head is still ringing from the gobbles) and she harvested a fine gobbler. I couldn't have asked for a better opening morning, (even got to try out my Cocobolo trumpet) and it was a great pleasure to share it with Aaron and Shantel.
18.5 lbs 9 1/2" beard 1" spurs
