opener in Tenn found Steve,Kenny,Matt,myself and two turkey dogs-Danny and Radio in a spot Steve and I hunt. 4 pranksters trying to be serious and get some birds down for the dogs---there was one MAJOR catch to this hunt---a NO BEARDED bird rule was set by Steve

. Daybreak came and Kenny slipped a few yards off and softly teased em with his trumpet---yep-one answered....it was on

. We waited for flydown then slipped into the wood and turned the dogs loose....turkeys went everywhere!!! In no time---two were flopping. We gathered and planned to remain at the same spot and keep working it. Steves face was priceless--his first fall turkey dog hunt. The look on his face was priceless---he was in disbelief in what just happened, AND we were going to try it again from the same spot

. One began coming in gobbling---yep---a jake and Matt almost ended Steves life on the tree---Steve said no

---but a hen walked in after the jake left--this helped Matts demeanor a little

.
The calls used were Cox trumpets,Watkins trumpet,Lumma trumpet,Buice trumpet,Kennys turpin,Marlins Snakewood butternut/snakewood fiddle and my butternut/bloodwood longbox. I believe Matt also had a Kenny turpin he was playing---
We left that spot for another --but the heat had hit 80 and it was just too hard on the dogs so we called the day. Kenny and Matt---Steve and I thank you for a great time introducing Steve to turkey dogging. the laughs and new nicknames earned that day will always be remembered. In fact---Steve was the brunt of a collaboration joke from us today---we played him really nasty, but it was hallarious!!!
Here are two proud -great turkey dogs --our hunting saviors of the day
Danny:

Radio:
