Could not resist Opening Spring Turkey Day here. Problem: conditions were almost absolutely contrary to turkey hunting lore and of course, common sense. However, those meaningless items did not affect me and a truly fine outdoorsman pal from church. He and I set up on favorite hot spots about ½ mile apart on another friend’s farm where each of us had had multiple successes busting ol’ Mr. Tom, where each of us had during scouting, seen multiple turkeys on what we call the “turkey highway.” Side note: my friend had the better looking location. I was at the farm dump—still a hot spot where I had killed two previously—note the nice blue mattress and other debris. Yesterday (Sunday) it was gorgeous here by the Big Lake, nearing 70 degrees, but we knew that tomorrow (today) would be very different.
We had a forecast of “intermittent showers to rain,” 45 degrees, and—and 16 mph winds. Totally wrong. Though the morning was relatively calm an hour or so after sunrise, the winds were gusting to 25-30 with horizontal rain at points. In contrast there was one 30-minute period of absolute calm which teased us. Absolutely no gobbles back in response to my calling. One of the worst earlier gusts came at 0945 and at that point a hen appeared from the right. She walked in front of my blind, feathers fluffing in the wind, within 25-30' With little else to do, I entertained her with calls as she was a tad nervous with my doghouse blind shaking a bit in the wind. She stayed about 4-5 minutes, pecked around and exited in the same direction, disappearing into the wood line. I hung around in the horizontal rain and wind until Noon, knowing a tom or two would come wandering by on the Turkey Interstate in search of that hen. Nope. Though, my partner had two toms feeding about 70 yards off. They simply weren’t interesting in his hen “music,” only calories.
Conclusions: (1)Turkey Lust does odd things to men. (2)Most of the advice about hunting spring turkeys in cold, windy, crappy weather is correct—though you might still score. (3)We had a good opportunity to check out the gear and wet weather gear (yes, I brought it). (4)It is always good to be thankful that one is healthy and able to do crazy stuff like this—be grateful, many other people can’t and even more (like some of you) were probably sleeping at 0400 when Larry and I got up this morning. And (5) Oh yes, as my son the Infantryman was known to say, “If it ain’t raining, then you ain’t training!”
Blood shot eyes , sleep deprivation , running marathons to get in front of one equals Turkey Lust! Enjoyed the post and keep them coming, just be careful them gobblers have been known to drive a man crazy!
Thursday/Friday/Saturday look to be pretty nice for Turkey Lust'n.
BH
Yeah, but probably in the afternoons is when they'll be active. Darn wind! After rolling the dice on the "early season" for several years, finally got caught with a cold one (normally that's a good thing on a hot summer day...but I digress). The guys who hunt hunt from 4 May on, will will likely get much more action. That's the breaks. If we (I'm taking another friend's son out for his first turkey hunting) get a shot, I'll have some good photos.
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"Arms are the only true badges of liberty. The possession of arms is the distinction of a free man from a slave." -- Andrew Fletcher 1698
These critters roam through my front yard almost every day!
There is a flock (rafter?) like that about 600 yards from me that has been fed by the homeowners for the past 20+ years. I drive past them several times per day. Drives me nuts, just like the town crows. However, they are useful to a degree to predict what their cousins out in the woods are doing.
From your photos, you have the same problem--can't shoot them in the built-up area. Well, I wouldn't shoot these, they're even more brainless than the wild ones. Wouldn't be sporting/ethical. Now the town crows on the other hand....if I could get away with it....no problemo.
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"Arms are the only true badges of liberty. The possession of arms is the distinction of a free man from a slave." -- Andrew Fletcher 1698
OA---looks like you finally got some weather you can work with today. Hope you get out and have some fun
Nope . Had to go to school and another appointment in Grand Rapids. However, on the way back home and scouted two places including the place we were on opening day. One bird on "Larry's side," and one big beautiful tom strutting on "my side." Taking a young man with me tomorrow p.m. to hopefully get his first turkey. If so, a report with photos will certainly follow.
Thanks.
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"Arms are the only true badges of liberty. The possession of arms is the distinction of a free man from a slave." -- Andrew Fletcher 1698
Enjoyed the post and keep them coming, just be careful them gobblers have been known to drive a man crazy!
However, they are useful to a degree to predict what their cousins out in the woods are doing.
and one big beautiful tom strutting on "my side."