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I went out yesterday morning for my first morning hunt. I got set up and watched the woods come alive for the first time since December. Man I hate getting out of bed but that makes it all worth it. I sat and took it all in until about sun rise. Then I started with a few light clucks and purrs. Yesterday was pretty windy and I never once heard a bird gobble. I have one fly right over my blind and land about 75 yards out but the bird never came my way. Because of the wind and the lack of responses from birds I would call for 5-10 mins and then sit for 30 and repeat. About 7:30 I was looking across the creek that I was set up on and I glanced back to the west and had 3 jakes coming in about 40 yards away. One was strutting which I have never seen before. I called softly tring to keep them interested but they didn't seem interested at all after that. I watched them walk around to my south and vanish into some thick tangle behind my blind. I waited 5 minuets or so and started to call again. I was looking across the creek again hoping the jakes would circle around and come in from that direction. I happened to glance back to the west and there they were standing about 3 yards out the window of my blind and my bow sitting on my pack on the ground!! They walk slowly towards my decoy and out in front of my blind. I put the call down and pick up my bow. As I am picking up my bow the arrow falls off the string and hits the riser making a small noise but enough for the jakes to turn away from the decoy and start to walk strait away from me. I recompose and bring the bow up. One of them is walking right down my shooting lane. I decide to take the shot and bring the bow up. I pick the V on his back where his wings come together as my spot. I judge the yardage at this time at about 25 yards and next thing I know the arrow is on its way. The arrow looks perfect and I thought the bird was mine. Then at the last moment it falls short and skids right between his legs sending him off flying through the woods. My first shot at a turkey with a bow and I blew it!! But I will be out there again, a little more educated this time!!
-------------------- Dreams can not be bought; they are free to those who have lived. -Mike Mitten
We must go beyond the textbooks, go out into the untrodden depths of the wilderness & travel & explore & tell the world the glories of our journey
TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 4746 | From: Holland Michigan | Registered: Oct 2006
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-------------------- "Before you get down on yourself because you don't have the things you want, think of all the things you DON'T want that you don't have."
You'll notice the "luckiest" elk hunters have worn out boots. Posts: 670 | From: Rangely, Colorado | Registered: Jun 2006
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I had a similar experience last season, I have been a member in good standing of the traditional archer's turkey conservation corps for five seasons I hope that changes this year!
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At least you were out there and called 'em in. It will all come together eventually.
-------------------- "Our outdoor heritage owes more to the countless Lords who questioned and explored than to Lord Ripon, who simply chose to shoot and tally." E.D.Thomas Jr. Posts: 3197 | From: Waldoboro, Maine | Registered: Mar 2008
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Great hunt Tim, love the story! My freind harvested his first traditional turkey after 3 years trying. He said it was worth the wait. I have never seen him happier, and we've hunted/fished together for 25 years. The best of luck to you.
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Tim, At least you got a shot away. I have Thursday and Friday of this week off to try and get my bird with a bow up Newaygo way. I missed one about 5 years ago, and just have not had the time to try it again until this year. Your experience gives me hope.
Posts: 176 | From: Sparta, MI | Registered: Aug 2007
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Thanks for the words of encouragement guys!! I went out today and got skunked!! I have 1 week left so hopefully I can put it together.
Monty, Good luck up there. Get a hold of Whitebuffalo on this site. He lives in Stanton and he might be able to line you up on some birds next weekend. I have hunted with his a lot and he is a good guy and knows his turkey hunting.
-------------------- Dreams can not be bought; they are free to those who have lived. -Mike Mitten
We must go beyond the textbooks, go out into the untrodden depths of the wilderness & travel & explore & tell the world the glories of our journey
TGMM Family of the Bow Posts: 4746 | From: Holland Michigan | Registered: Oct 2006
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