Osage Roost
All Hunting => The Ol' Skinnin' Shack => Topic started by: Blackfalcon on May 20, 2010, 01:37:37 PM
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Wrote the story, but lost it. Will tell it later but this old dog needs a nap
(http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp66/dhodgkins/davesnybird2010008-1.jpg)
I arrived at Ray's house Wednesday night and and was treated to a fabulous spaghetti dinner, Ray loaded my plate with more than I could possibly eat. I did my best though, if you know Ray, you know he is a great cook and host. After dinner, of course a few turkey calls came out, we were stuffed so full we could hardly cluck let alone yelp,lol. Ray was admiring the Desert Ironwood trumpet I had brought, he had already been trying to claim it, and I told him if I got a gobbler the following morning, it would be his.
3:00 am came way to fast, and soon after a cup of coffee we were headed out. I had slept very little, which I took as a good sign, good hunts always seem to be preceded by a restless night. I was a little disappointed we weren't going after "Shredder" this morning, but Ray had a plan. We set up on a couple of islands surrounded by rolling farmland, fields and hedgerows. As daylight increased, so did the fog, and soon visibility was reduced to about 30 yds. Ray was about forty yards from me and the gobblers began sounding off all around us, and Rays soft yelps were answered, so I had a good feeling. As soon as the birds flew down they shut up, and the morning dragged on. By nine I was stiff,lame and sore, so I went over to where Ray was sitting, talked our situation over and I decided to go up to the top of the hill and try to get onto one of the birds we had heard. I got up on top and hit the long box, heard a gobble. I worked my way in his direction and got set up near an old stonewall where I could see well. Ray was about five hundred yards below me and for some reason decided to crank it up with his Whitt long box. I could hear his calling plainly and so could the gobbler. By now he had come into view about 75 yards off, and had two hens with him. Every time Ray would call, I could see the tom puff up and display, and it was a glorious sight indeed, backlit by the sunlight he seemed to glow with an amazing luminescence, as did the hens. The hens didn't want the tom to come in my direction,, kept trying to lead him the other way, but he was quite intrigued by Ray's calling and kept coming closer and closer. Strategically, I was in a great spot, and I knew if I tried any more calling, the hens would have no part of it, and lead the gobbler off, so I just waited and got my gun positioned and enjoyed the view. Eventually, he made the fatal error of approaching well within range, and the Old Lefever spoke. He was a fine gobbler and I felt sorrow for a moment it was the end for him, and I spent a few moments of quiet reflection and thanksgiving, and then the exultation kicked in as I realized I had harvested a nice NY gobbler, my first in this state. His stats were 19lbs, 9 inch beard, 5/8ths and 3/4 spurs, not a limb hanger but a nice tom.
By the time I got everything gathered up and the bird shouldered, began the hike back down to Ray, he had already come most of the way up the hill. He was so pumped when he saw my turkey, face lit up with a big grin, and then got all the details of the hunt. He couldn't believe his calling had helped my hunt, but that is just the way it goes sometimes when you have a connection with your hunting partner, psychic or whatever, some would call it luck,lol.
The hawk showed up as it always does when I have had a successful hunt, announcing it's presence with shrill and approving cries. I told Ray the story of the Hawk, and now he knows part of the story,,
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Nice bird Dave!
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Way to go Dave!! Great looking bird.
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Nice Bird Dave! Congratulations!!1 Did you use the Lefever??
Mike
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Looks like a real beauty. A big congrats to you!!! *up* *up*
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Congrats Dave!! *up*
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Congrats on a mighty fine gobbler. Looking forward to hearing the story. *up*
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That's a great looking bird Dave. I am envious. Our season closed Sunday. *cry*
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Great looking bird there Dave, can't wait for the story to follow *up*
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... congrats Dave - mighty fine lookin' gobbler ya' got right there ... 8) 8) 8)
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There ya go Dave!!! That's a beautiful bird. Congrats on a fine harvest. Can't wait to hear the story.
Rick
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Congrats Dave. *up*
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Way to go Grasshopper!!! *up*
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Thanks guys, I added a story and some pictures here, going after "Shredder" tomorrow
(http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp66/dhodgkins/davesnybird2010006-1.jpg)
Couple calls we were using, Irving Whit's long box, my trumpet
(http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp66/dhodgkins/davesnybird2010010.jpg)
(http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp66/dhodgkins/davesnybird2010009.jpg)
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Very good story of the hunt and great pics. Hate you had to give up that trumpet! I know how much you loved it! Congrats Dave!
Mike
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congrats buddy! that ironwood is deadly
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Way to go! Great story and definitely a great hunt!!!
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Congrats
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Fine bird and story Dave...congrats to you and bling.
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Great story Dave. Sounds like a great mornings hunt!
Bob
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well Dave it was a great hunt and had a great time having u up here to hunt with lots of good food and memories of a great hunt and not to mention 1 super fine ironwood trumpet i received from u again thanks for that beautiful call Dave
if u guys r looking for a fine trumpet or call u should contact Dave he does make some killers. *up* *up* *up*