Post by: Duckbutt on April 29, 2013, 10:05:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/Hisbirdbigger_zpsdf3c961f.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/Hisbirdbigger_zpsdf3c961f.jpg.html)
Post by: joebuck on April 29, 2013, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: Benjy on April 29, 2013, 10:13:00 PM
Great picture anyway! Congrats to both of you!
Benjy
Post by: Duckbutt on April 29, 2013, 10:17:00 PM
Post by: wooddamon1 on April 29, 2013, 10:17:00 PM
Post by: joebuck on April 29, 2013, 10:18:00 PM
Post by: Mike Vines on April 29, 2013, 10:22:00 PM
Post by: Whip on April 29, 2013, 10:29:00 PM
I'll get to my version of what happened eventually, but there are a bunch of stories that lead up to it, so this may take a bit.... ;)
Just back home from Nebraska late last night, then north for a funeral today. I'll get to work on pictures, and will add stories as we go.
First a little background....
This was Julian and my second trip to the Klintworth ranch in Nebraska. We were both there last year with Joebuck and crew. He couldn't make the trip this year, but that didn't stop us. And with no arm twisting needed, Jeff Springer (Tippit) Mike Davenport (wapiti792) and David Gage (SheltonCreeker) joined us for this years assult on the Nebraska turkey population.
Stay tuned - you are not going to believe it!
Post by: Shinken on April 29, 2013, 10:29:00 PM
Most-excellent!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Post by: Whip on April 29, 2013, 10:55:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013004-1.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013004-1.jpg.html)
Post by: Gen273 on April 29, 2013, 11:00:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on April 29, 2013, 11:03:00 PM
All I can say to set this up before I crash is that Nick Klintworth and his great family are some of the nicest folks I have ever met. They never stop on that ranch, and raising respectful, hardworking kids is no accident. It was a pleasure to be part of the group of guys I hunted with, and it was an honor to be invited on a hunt of this magnitude. As for the hunting story, I can't wait to read it start to finish, and I was there for a lot of it! So while I am loading pics and getting my thoughts together, as well as preparing my St. Jude auction items, be patient...this is gonna be crazy good :campfire:
Post by: VictoryHunter on April 29, 2013, 11:03:00 PM
Post by: tracker1 on April 29, 2013, 11:05:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on April 30, 2013, 05:30:00 AM
Post by: Matty on April 30, 2013, 07:06:00 AM
:eek:
Post by: Jayrod on April 30, 2013, 07:09:00 AM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on April 30, 2013, 07:35:00 AM
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 09:56:00 AM
Mike and David had pulled in just moments before us and were standing around with their jaws hanging open at the sight of all the turkeys on the property. This place is paradise to anyone who loves chasing longbeards with a bow!
Gear was unpacked, food stashed, and bows assembled and strung. Plans were laid for the morning to follow.
Post by: elkken on April 30, 2013, 09:57:00 AM
:campfire:
Post by: awbowman on April 30, 2013, 10:03:00 AM
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 10:32:00 AM
The birds on this place are different than any I have ever seen. They have major roosting spots where they congregate nightly. I'm talking upwards of 100 or more birds all within an acre or so of roosting trees. Water is the key ingredient it seems. After morning fly down the birds disperse to the various points of the compass, and then return to the same place to repeat the process daily.
As I walked across the pasture in the dark I could clearly see black silhouettes filling the tree tops across the road. The talking and gobbling was already starting as the sky behind them lightened in the east.
It is hard to describe the sounds that come from that many birds all in one place. The gobbles run together so much it is impossible to distinguish one from another, as if it is just one continuous sound.
The hens start in with yelps and purrs and kee kee runs. These girls are not timid with their language. Rather than the normal sleepy eyed tree calls I am used to, the valleys echo with loud, raucous screams and demands for attention. Like a bunch of schoolgirls gathered in a crowded room, they were literally shouting on top of each other trying to be heard.
I quickly set up my decoys, donned a Bush In A Bag suit, and tucked myself in tightly beneath Joey's favorite tree.
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 10:34:00 AM
I also want to add to what Mike said about the Klintworth family. Nick Mary John and Ryan are good down to earth people. I enjoyed my time on there ranch and appreciate the hard work that family does in not only trying to get you a bird but to make your stay comfortable and convienant.
I'm gonna let this roll out a little before I share all that happened in my blind. But as the other guys know my hunting was pretty short lived hahaha... This is gonna be great.
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 10:42:00 AM
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk001.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk001.jpg.html)
I couldn't contain myself...I owl hooted a couple of times to make 'em gobble just to be sure I wasn't having visual hallucinations. They were strutting everywhere.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk049.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk049.jpg.html)
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 10:50:00 AM
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 11:20:00 AM
It's like a bad joke: so a railroad conductor, an animal doc, a banker, an IT guy and a healthcare provider all walk in a bar...I mean a lodge.
We didn't starve to death either: I made a turkey and sausage gumbo, Dave made a deer roast and Whip threw down on some type of potato and egg brunch dish...it was awesome! Hey Joe Buck...I know you missed the turkey huntin' but I hear this is what you REALLY missed!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk054.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk054.jpg.html)
I managed to get some protien for my little gumbo dish but had to share it with another critter. More about that story in a bit...
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk029.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk029.jpg.html)
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 11:54:00 AM
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk006.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk006.jpg.html)
*This here's turkey country that looks like elk country!
I really wanted to film some and was glad I didn't ask Joe to run the camera for me ;) Methinks I would have gotten stuck running the camera for 'ol Whip! I got some great footage and hope I can extract it from my camera in time for this thread...let's just say money shot :)
I'll never forget the sounds of all the birds that first morning. Thundering gobbles again and again and again at first. So much so that the chorus was almost continuous. I turned on my camera in the predawn soon after Nick dropped me off. I just needed to record those sounds! It was awesome!
Next came the call from all the hens. Louder, louder, louder...building up the giant sound before flydown.
Post by: T-Bowhunter on April 30, 2013, 12:03:00 PM
Post by: joebuck on April 30, 2013, 12:19:00 PM
1.Whip can run the camera and hammer a longbeard at same time?!! multi tasking
2. Whip aint scared to shoot?
3. Whip has perfected the Yankee Breakfast Skillet Jambalaya
4. all of the above
Mike those pictures hurt!!!!
what was total team shot count? dont lie, i'll call Nick
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: awbowman on April 30, 2013, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 12:36:00 PM
Post by: kbetts on April 30, 2013, 12:53:00 PM
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 01:01:00 PM
We didn't make it far from the ranch when we ran into Nick and went back to the house to make a plan for the following morning. With all the turkeys around I had to keep telling myself this isn't going to be easy! We made it back to camp hatched out a plan and had some great stew made by Joe. I had a hard time getting to sleep thinking about the upcoming hunt but it wasn't long and I heard Joe's alarm.... a gobbling turkey. How appropriate.
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 01:50:00 PM
My first morning found me in a blind underneath a juniper overlooking the cattle pasture below. As mentioned above the song got louder and louder until flydown. Once the birds hit the ground there wasn't a whole heck of gobbling where I was. I could see a group of birds out to my right, and as I covered as much as I could with my video camera the first group filed past just out of range of my bow but in range of my little Canon camera. The spectacle of that first group was awesome, but nothing to what was coming next...
As I listened to the hens assemble on the ground it dawned on me that I was hunting somewhere special. Dawned on me hell...it hit me like a hook from Joe Frasier! The threads from the last few years did nothing to prepare me for this! Joe Buck...you tried I know you did, but there is nothing that can be written that will be believed. You gotta be there!!!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk003.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk003.jpg.html)
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 01:55:00 PM
I watched wave after wave of birds pitch out of the trees across the road. I really started to wonder if they were all going to just head the other way. It seemed like forever and not one had yet crossed the road in my direction. But as the sun crested the horizon, the parade began. First a couple of strutters walked out to the middle of the pasture in front of me, soon to be followed by hen after hen, and more toms trying to horn in on the morning action.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013002.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013002.jpg.html)
The first main group was probably 20-25 birds. They headed straight up the center of the pasture to the south. Another large group about the same size followed suit, but all completely ignored my decoys. With all the turkey talk going on I didn't even try to call.
As the second wave disappeared to my right one big tom and four hens filed into the pasture. Eventually three of the hens headed on over to the decoys in front of me and checked them out. The fourth hen did the same a few minutes later, the big boy followed her right on in. Perfect!
She took a couple of pecks at one of the decoys, then went to my left, but still close. The tom went sideways to the DSD jake and cirlced it with an evil eye. I put the hen out of my mind and concentrated on the longbeard seven yards away. It was the chance I had dreamed of for the past year.
I had no sooner begun my draw when a sharp series of putts broke out from my left. Both turkeys broke and ran, and in a flash the door slammed on this chance. As he walked away he let out one more thunderous gobble. I can't say for sure, but am almost positive if what he said was translatted I wouldn't be able to post it here.
A short time later another tom entered the field by himself. With no other turkeys in sight, at least from my position, he headed directly my way. This was looking even better, but as he closed to within 15 yards he suddenly dropped strut and putted his way back out to the center of the pasture. I don't think I had moved, but the rising sun had me spotlighted like an actor on the stage, and something obviously caught his attention.
The morning show lasted for about 2 1/2 hours, and then every bird seemed to have headed for the hills to lounge away the day.
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 01:59:00 PM
Around 0615 another group of hens started toward me. Instead of skirting the blind they made a beeline right to me. When the two Rios figured out they were being left by the girls, they broke containment and hustled out in front. The preceded to strut all the way to the red zone.
I did a little filming through the mesh...enough to realize this was about to get serious in a big dang hurry. I moved my camera over to the open window, repositioned myself to shoot around my camera, then began to settle myself down as the first big Rio popped and hissed like a steam engine winding up an incline...
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 02:04:00 PM
No longbeards came close to my blind that afternoon, but that doesn't mean I wasn't well entertained.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013021.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013021.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013018.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013018.jpg.html)
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
I remember finding a spot at the base of his wing as he quartered away and dropping the string...the shot looked PERFECT. I even got it on film! As he ran away with both wings up and staggering, I thought to myself "that bird's a goner!" My video camera said 0629.
Funny thing, no sooner than I got my feces coagulated after the shot ANOTHER longbeard filed past. With 2 tags in my pocket I wasnt going to look a gift bird in the beak...
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 02:39:00 PM
I soon start to hear gobbles behind me. Coming thru the cattle lot. I didn't know which way they may come. I tried peering out the back of the blind but couldn't see due to the brush used to help hide the blind.
It didn't take long for these gobbles to materialize into Gobblers! I saw the birds heading out to the east of my blind. 3 total was what I saw when I snuck a peep out thru a little slit in the blind wall. Words can't describe the beauty of these 3 toms doing there morning ritual with the frost on the ground and the morning rays of light shinning thru their fans in full strutt.
I would sneak a peak every so often and started to notice the hens had started to duck the cattle fence and continue on out into the pasture. Which took them away from my blind. It wasn't long when all the morning seemed to fade to silence and the lone sounds of Nicks John Deere doing its daily "chores" was all I heard in the distance.
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 02:48:00 PM
I peered out the back of the blind and noticed a lone Gobbler in full strutt. But he was on the other side of one of the fences constructed to guide Nicks cows. He was so close I could hear his wing feathers dragging the frost kissed ground.
This went on for a long time. Or at least it seemed like a long time. Maybe 30 min or so. I hadn't been able to get comfortable in my stool I had brought along so I had forgone sitting on it and was just sitting on a pad I had brought on the ground. My leather boots had trapped the cold against my feet so I had taken them off. So... hear I set on this pad... on the ground.. listening to this tom strutt behind me. I had my bow laying next me and could be ready in a quick moment if need be. Well it happened.
The tom decided to duck the fence without letting me know first. I was tucked back in the corner of this blind and this tom came from directly behind me. I caught movement and grabbed my bow. With the angle he came in I didn't see him until he was probably 10 yards. By time I got my bow up and drawn he wasn't happy about something. He was leaving. My arrow flew just right of the bird and he didn't stick around to see what that brightly colored stick was.
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 03:47:00 PM
I decided I needed a little breakfast so I dug into my pack and had myself a cliff bar and a banana. I was washing it down with some water when I looked up and saw a gobbler coming from the direction the three strutting toms. He was walking up a cattle trail that lead him straight to my blind.
My mind was going a hundred miles a second. Before I knew what was going on I had my bow in my hand had repositioned myself in my blind and had started to draw.
I made a little putt sound with a call I had slipped in my mouth just to stop him. It worked perfect. He stopped quarting to slightly. There was one feather out of place just where I wanted to put my arrow. That was the spot I focused on.
I drew anchored and released. My arrow struck the tom just a little above the spot I was looking at. He went down instantly. I had spined him. I hate when I have an arrow in an animal and it hasn't expired yet. I quickly drew a second arrow and sent it on its way. Not sure of the results. I knocked a 3rd and sent it down range as well. Soon the bird had given to ghost when his head up underneath his body.
I had one arrow left in my quiver and radioed to Nick to let him know I had a bird down. He soon arrived on his tractor and told me to go ahead and get out of the blind and get my bird. This is what I walked up on.
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j324/dbgage82/NebRio2.jpg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/dbgage82/media/NebRio2.jpg.html)
I was all smiles! I had traveled all the way from Illinois and had just killed my first turkey with a traditional bow. I had always thought my first bird would have been an eastern but turns out it was a Rio. I don't have the words to tell you how excited to have put my first bird down.
Nick was more than happy to snap a few photos of me and my first turkey.
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j324/dbgage82/NebRio.jpg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/dbgage82/media/NebRio.jpg.html)
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 04:07:00 PM
OK so I have an arrow through one bird on video and had another cruise into my setup. It was walking even faster than the first bird...so I passed him up. After a brief talk with Nick via tractor to blind (so the birds won't know what's up) I decided to stay. I had another tag and I thought I had a dead bird, so I just chilled.
Wasn't long before a big ol tom started my way with about 8 hens in tow. I mean he was so purty with the sunlight hitting his feathers. A jake was tagging along as well and would strutt when the ol boy wasn't looking. With the camera rolling the bird strutted right into my wheelhouse at about 20 yards...and I mmmmissed. On camera there might be a bad word said. I hope to add the video and delete the sound, but my apologies if I don't. Off camera he strutts AFTER the miss and gives me another go. 22 paces and mmmmmissed again. Let's just say I was outa ammo and he was outa there!
So finally Nick and David show up, as I had easedropped on David telling Nick dead bird in sight on the radio. I had good blood but he wasn't where I thought he piled up. It looked like he made it just far enough to make it down in the coulee. Still confident, Nick went down ahead of me and said "I found him!" and then the worst thing: "He's still alive!" Tried as I might to get another arrow in that bird I just couldn't. Too much junk in the way. He was hurt bad and later when I looked at the wound I couldn't believe he was still was alive! Thankfully Nick picked up a stick and ended the drama and I had my bird. My only regret was not getting to him earlier, but I truly thought he was stone dead! Maybe he just needed more time? After all of that I was spent...so much adrenaline, so little time. It was great to have my pal Sheltoncreeker from home there to celebrate my second ever Rio (first with a trad bow) and his first turkey ever with a longbow. In the old days we might have knocked back a few...as it is now-adays we'll just toast some sweet tea...or that awful green tea that Dave drinks ;)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk008.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk008.jpg.html)
*My Rio...I am a happy dude!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk013.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk013.jpg.html)
*My buddy Sheltoncreeker and I
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk012.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk012.jpg.html)
*Nick and I...this man knows his ranch and his birds!
Post by: Don Batten on April 30, 2013, 04:10:00 PM
Julian, you make it out to the draw with the water tank this year?
Congrats to all. great hunt.
Post by: DamselflyFarm on April 30, 2013, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on April 30, 2013, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 04:18:00 PM
We got back and took a count of the morning...I will leave it at that as there are some tales to tell between here and there. This was the first morning...I thought "My God what's next 2 days gonna be like?"
Here's a pic of the IL boys and their birds. I am the goodlookin' one without all the fur :)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk023.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk023.jpg.html)
Post by: wooddamon1 on April 30, 2013, 04:29:00 PM
Post by: awbowman on April 30, 2013, 04:36:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on April 30, 2013, 04:41:00 PM
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: TURKEY DYNASTY
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 04:56:00 PM
I hadn't met David before. But I'm pretty sure that in reality he was really a Robertson traveling under an assumed name. Maybe he was worried about turkeys ruinning his reputation as a duck hunter.
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 05:09:00 PM
I think this is my buddy. I petted him on the way out of town to show no hard feelings. He is ugly...maybe that's why I like him. We got something in common. We are not easy on the eyes and we like to eat turkey :)
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk055.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk055.jpg.html)
Well that's all of my tale until the second half of the show. I got some birds here in IL to roost after work, and I have my pal Kip Manual on the way to find out how a cajun kills an IL turkey. I am assuming with some scattered french words and a sharp arra, fo' sho'!
Post by: Dirtybird on April 30, 2013, 05:12:00 PM
Post by: joebuck on April 30, 2013, 05:23:00 PM
Post by: SheltonCreeker on April 30, 2013, 05:35:00 PM
Post by: Kip on April 30, 2013, 05:53:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on April 30, 2013, 06:04:00 PM
Post by: RC on April 30, 2013, 09:08:00 PM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on April 30, 2013, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on April 30, 2013, 10:12:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Don Batten:I spent most of my hunt in Don's draw. Hopefully, I can get to some stories tomorrow.
Julian, you make it out to the draw with the water tank this year?
Post by: Whip on April 30, 2013, 10:55:00 PM
Still catching up on things on the home front - will be back in the morning.
Post by: jonsimoneau on April 30, 2013, 10:57:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on April 30, 2013, 11:02:00 PM
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 06:59:00 AM
We walked out to take a look and found a great little set up where I could tuck into a small cedar tree for background cover. Another cedar blocked the front from approaching birds and would give me a chance to bring my bow into position as they got close. Another plus was that it would put the rising morning sun at my back and keep me in the shadows. A little trimming and reconstruction made a perfect hideout. I liked it.
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 07:11:00 AM
After fly down and a morning drink birds started filtering into the pasture a few hundred yards away from me. Multiple toms danced continously in vain attempts to catch the eye of one of the girls.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013033.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013033.jpg.html)
Some headed west up into little finger draws, but a good bunch of them meandered in my direction.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013034.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013034.jpg.html)
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 07:17:00 AM
I have turkey hunted for a lot of years, and I know this is not an uncommon occurence to see a breeding take place, but it was a first for me.
Not the greatest pic - guess I'm not much of a turkey pornographer.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013038.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013038.jpg.html)
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 07:37:00 AM
Hens had me completely surrounded, with some right over my back shoulder. They were talking in my ear and as the toms strutted and drummed their way past me I was afraid to even move. My breathing was coming in gasps and I shook with uncontrolable tremors from head to foot. I panicked and froze up like a statue of stone, and before I knew it they were past me and out of range. I was left wondering if I am cut out for this blindless stuff. My nerves were a jumbled mess!
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on May 01, 2013, 01:16:00 PM
Post by: Steve Jr on May 01, 2013, 03:54:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 08:51:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wapiti792:That's mandatory Big Mike. That footage is the best trophy you could ask for. :readit:
I got some great footage and hope I can extract it from my camera in time for this thread...let's just say money shot :)
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 08:56:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by joebuck:
So what i am gathering is ......
1.Whip can run the camera and hammer a longbeard at same time?!! multi tasking
Whip can't run a camera worth a crap. He CAN hammer a longbeard!
2. Whip aint scared to shoot?
True. He might even push you out of the way if a he thinks a jake is gonna offer one and you ain't gonna shoot.
3. Whip has perfected the Yankee Breakfast Skillet Jambalaya. Very True!
what was total team shot count? dont lie, i'll call Nick
You need to call Nick anyway
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 09:24:00 PM
I bought plane tix for me and Jeff Springer to fly together out of SC. Now, Jeff has a small piece of my heart because of our St. Judes shenanigans over the years but I was really looking forward to getting to know him well. We plowed some ground I tell you, from loved ones lost to Alzheimers to planning our next flyfishing adventure together. He's a true gem in my book and I can't wait for some of our future adventures to unfold.
Our buddy Buffalo Joe picks us up in Omaha and it's off to the ranch we go. I've been planning my attack on the Klintworth flocks since I left last year. I'd had my butt handed to me to the point of feeling 9 feet tall and bullet proof upon my return...kind of like a boy that goes to Paris Island as a slobbish kid and comes out a steele hardened man. I'n my head, I'd have two birds on the meat pole by the end of the first day. Knew where and how I was going to do it.
We get to the ranch and meet Mike and Dave. I'm in a bit of a hurry to get gear ready as I think I'm going hunting that afternoon but big Nick said "Naaaaaaawwwwwww", we'll go in the mornin. Mike, Dave and Jeff are drooling all over everything due to all the birds coming close to the cattle yard to roost and Joe and I laugh as we recall the Joebuck sitting on the tailgate laughing when our GPS said "arriving at destination" last year.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 09:30:00 PM
"Uh Oh" I tell myself. Half the knowledge I'd built up for blindless set ups was based on the roost a few miles South. OK, I've got my hide right out in front of camp. Then, I figure out that my best spot last year close the house now has one of the most productive blinds less about 50 yards from it. Joe was going to hunt Joebuck's roost to the North of camp, so Don's draw was the last card I had to play. Lesson learned....things change.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 09:38:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 09:47:00 PM
When I went to check on Joe, he waved me to stop and let him jump in the truck. We shared our reports and then he asked if I'd go with him to check a another spot. He'd picked a spot and an approach for the next day that proved to be brilliant. He shared a bit about that with you already. Watching Joe work on his blindless approach and seeing his progress and tweaks as he kept piecing the puzzle together has been a joy for me to witness over the last couple of years. While watching this latest strategy unfold, I knew he was getting close to fulfilling his quest.
Post by: wapiti792 on May 01, 2013, 10:02:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 10:07:00 PM
Dave "Dirtnap" has assumed his favorite position.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/DirtNap_zpsc5a7aaef.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/DirtNap_zpsc5a7aaef.jpg.html)
I've decided to call him Dirtnap because he doesn't take a shower for days, he kills anything that comes within bow range, and once he tagged out, we often found him in this position. ;)
While Dave slept, Jeff decided to attack his share of the poundcake loot Delaney sent when she heard he'd be on the hunt.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/TippitCake_zpsd934ec11.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/TippitCake_zpsd934ec11.jpg.html)
Post by: Duckbutt on May 01, 2013, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on May 01, 2013, 10:33:00 PM
Post by: tippit on May 01, 2013, 10:51:00 PM
My trip started about 3 am with my journey to Columbia airport to meet up with Julian. We met last year after Joe & Julian had been to Nebraska. I had Joe down to the farm to hog hunt & invited Julian. They both said even I would get into birds so the trip was booked. Back to the plane ride to Nebraska. Julian & I talked the entire way. I hadn't realised what a fanatic fly fisherman Julian was until then. I felt like I had found a long lost younger brother...maybe more like a son :) Anyway the time flew by as I was trying to learn everything I could about Southern Saltwater and Redfish.
Meeting up with Joe in Omaha was like putting on a pair of well worn slippers...we'd had numerous airport meetings before. Off to turkey time. I was certainly enjoy the trip but still very dubious of really being able to arrow a bird let alone even see one.
As we got closer I started seeing a few turkeys, then more and more. Upon arrival, we met up with Mike & Dave. Instantly I knew this was going to be fun. Then Nick arrived and everyone was talking about previous turkey adventures...I sheepishly said I had not hunted turkeys before and had NO idea what to do. Expecting an OMG look from Nick...Instead I got a "I have the Blind for you!" More on that tomorrow...tippit
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 10:59:00 PM
Oh yeah - the main flock of the morning had strutted on up the hill and left me to quiver in my chair.
Back out in the far end of the pasture a group of four toms danced a waltz around a lone hen. She must have been really pretty in the eyes of a gobbler to attract so many suiters. Or as Mike suggested, maybe they just figured she was easy. The morning rush had dwindled, and she was like the last girl left in the bar at closing time.
The group ever so slowly worked their way in my direction. I don't think there were any other birds in sight at this point other than the two good looking ones that were a part of my decoy spread. ;)
One of the toms seemed to calculate his odds of success. One hen with three other mature birds to fight with, or two seductive beauties up the hill being tended by my jake decoy. He headed my way. 75 yards below me he stopped to strut his stuff for a good 10 minutes trying to convince the girls to come on down.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013042.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013042.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013044.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013044.jpg.html)
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 11:13:00 PM
My set up worked perfectly. With no other live birds to worry about I was able to get my bow up and in position as he walked behind the cedar to my front. When he stepped out in full strut at seven yards all I needed to do was bring the bow to full draw and pick a spot. The bow blind did its job in hiding my draw.
The arrow was away so fast I wasn't even sure of the hit. But the bird didn't seem to be acting quite right as he trotted away and headed back down the hill into a grove of cedars.
I gave him some time, and then upon inspecting the arrow found good blood and feathers covering it. Following in the direction he had gone reveled no blood trail, and as I went further and further in the search doubts were creeping into my mind. I had gone probably 150 yards and had actually turned back toward the blind to search the area again when I came upon this.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013048.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013048.jpg.html)
It wasn't my first turkey with a stickbow, but it had been a long time in between, and the relief was overwhelming. He was a beautiful bird, and I couldn't have been happier.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013058.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013058.jpg.html)
Post by: Whip on May 01, 2013, 11:16:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013052.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013052.jpg.html)
This shows the Bush In The Bag a little better.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013055.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013055.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013064.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013064.jpg.html)
Post by: Dirtybird on May 01, 2013, 11:25:00 PM
Post by: Greg Szalewski on May 02, 2013, 06:28:00 AM
Post by: zipper bowss on May 02, 2013, 07:46:00 AM
Way to go Joe! Congrat on your first blindless bird. :notworthy:
Bill
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on May 02, 2013, 11:32:00 AM
Congrats Joe!
Post by: wapiti792 on May 02, 2013, 12:00:00 PM
I wanna go back now...these Easterns are hurting the team real bad :knothead:
Looks like my footage is on the internal memory of my camera. I am having trouble getting it to load. Darn it!!!
Post by: tippit on May 02, 2013, 01:53:00 PM
Post by: joebuck on May 02, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
i think you should post the Yankee Breakfast Skillet please.
Post by: SheltonCreeker on May 02, 2013, 04:23:00 PM
Post by: tippit on May 02, 2013, 08:26:00 PM
I had brought my ghillie suit, a couple of turkey calls that had no idea what sound to make, my Waldrop chair, Hidden Draw bow blind (more on that later) and of course my bow. What I didn't realise was I needed Black clothes vs my regular camo :confused: Having a white beard & bald head isn't exactly camo inside a black blind. OK I'm at least starting to learn.
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54375%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A57%3B49732%3Cnu0mrj)
A little better...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3B3%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A57%3B49932%3Cnu0mrj)
Nick got me in the blind at dark so I could get used to the confines of a small tent. As dawn approached I could see at least 20 dark black blobs in the trees about 150 yards out one of the blind windows. Then it happened...toms gobbling & hens squawking like being in a stadium for the opening kick off. I could actually hear it!!!
At first light, the fly down with 3-4 toms strutting & hens all over the place...I was mesmerized. My blind was between round bales of hay and the birds were filter in. At one point I had 3-6 bearded toms around me and numerous hens & jakes within five feet...what a show. I decided right then that I would Not shoot a jake on the first day. The morning went on like that in waves of birds. I felt like I was becoming a Turkey Hunter for the first time in 40 years of traditional bowhunting.
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp7347%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A56%3A%3A%3A332%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: tippit on May 02, 2013, 10:12:00 PM
This is Stubby. I have numerous video of him. Plus he will come up time and again over the course of the next few days.
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3C9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58%3A%3B3732%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: tippit on May 02, 2013, 10:31:00 PM
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A57%3B49%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3A4%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A57%3B49%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54393%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58%3B24432%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: Benjy on May 02, 2013, 10:46:00 PM
Benjy
Post by: tippit on May 02, 2013, 11:09:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on May 02, 2013, 11:12:00 PM
I couldn't see Tippit's blind but I could see the birds come and go...some of them real scared. One of them left with an arrow ;) My only regret was not having my camera rolling...a man only kills his first turkey once. I even got to high-five brother Jeff at the conclusion.
Believe it or not, Nick suggested that I sit in Jeff's blind the last hour of daylight. I nearly passed out when about 20 turkeys: jakes, hens, and one longbeard out of range barreled in coming to the roost. I have killed every subspecies of turkey now but a merriam. The first bird I got a chance for was a jake with all the right white on his butt and fan not 20 minutes after Jeff and Nick drove off to celebrate numeral uno...and I hit the blind with my top limb and mmmmissed. Dejected I toasted the gobbling birds on their way to the roost trees and couldn't wait for the pickup to celebrate agiain with Tippit and to hear the crazy stories I knew where brewing...I also caught a last glimpse of Stubby, a full fan dominant bird with a small beard on his way to the sleep tree. Tippit had told me about him from before, and I wanted to kill that bird so bad...
Post by: Hud on May 02, 2013, 11:19:00 PM
Post by: Whip on May 02, 2013, 11:30:00 PM
Before I forget, I need to thank Joebuck and Ed Schlief. I put my Wooden Hen scratch box to good use, although it's hard to say that my calling truly made a difference with so many birds around. Didn't hurt though - I love that call!
And those big Silver Flame XXL's that Ed left behind last year sure do put a slice in a bird!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013072.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013072.jpg.html)
Post by: tracker1 on May 02, 2013, 11:35:00 PM
:campfire: :campfire: :campfire:
Post by: wapiti792 on May 02, 2013, 11:36:00 PM
The next morning I was given a chance to hunt Jeff's blind. He wanted a different look he said...I think that he was making the cow a widow. I think he knew there was something crazy going to happen and just wanted one of his camp mates a chance to experience the hay bale effect...it is a stress test and roller coaster all rolled into one. It is a prom date with a super model with no curfew....it is a oh well you got it.
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk046.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk046.jpg.html)
I do not have much photo support, nor a dead turkey. I passed 3 different rio longbeards and have videos of them for the deposition should I later be committed to the rubber room. In a moment of certified lunacy I passed a Mariam jake I could have gigged with a cane pole and frog trident. In addition to video of Stubby at 30 yards with his buddy, the non bearded, full fan rio, I got memories and a free cardiology workup. When Nick came to get me he saw that look...like I just been picked up by aliens and violated. I think he and Tippit had it planned...
Post by: SheltonCreeker on May 03, 2013, 03:28:00 AM
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 08:29:00 AM
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54396%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A5682%3B232%3Cnu0mrj)
First wave matching up...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73488%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A5872%3A932%3Cnu0mrj)
The cool thing was I got to see a Tom breeding a hen. Plus another Tom that appeared to be constipated as he was hunched up straining real hard. I was about to run out and give him some Miralax when I realised he was just practicing for that right moment with a hen :biglaugh:
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 09:02:00 AM
Now I was ready to try it without a blind...even put some camo makeup on :) Although I didn't have any turkeys go by me, I really enjoyed trying to find an ambush spot and sit outside of the confines of a blind. Maybe next year but I still had one more day to hunt.
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3A2%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58%3B46332%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: Dirtybird on May 03, 2013, 11:19:00 AM
Post by: joebuck on May 03, 2013, 11:30:00 AM
Jeff, one question? What in the heck is strapped on your bow? a soup bone?
Post by: wapiti792 on May 03, 2013, 12:00:00 PM
After eating leftover gumbo and hearing all the stories from the day, I woke up "Dirtnap" Dave and asked if he'd acompany me to the bale blind after offering it to others. He needed to do something besides do dishes and sleep...it was getting embarassing. Premature launch does him in again :)
I had no idea what was in store. If I had I might have stayed back eating gumbo and listening to Dave snore. Instead we got dropped off in some real heat at 1230...7 hours with your best bud in a blind tests your friendship and your tolerance for the gumbo digestion process. Ask Dave...sorry killa. I got issues. Thanks for filming and hanging tough...
Post by: wapiti792 on May 03, 2013, 01:04:00 PM
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk034.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk034.jpg.html)
Finally we had 3 big toms working our way after filming and watching a group of hens dusting themselves. The second bird in line was a hoss. He looked like he had swallowed a basketball. We started calling him basketball among other names because he tormented us all afternoon. At about 5 they finally made their way to the blind, and I had a perfectly good neck shot. I love that shot. It's air or dead bird...this time it was air. My top limb of my 64" bow smacked it pretty good. My 12 yard chippy turned into a poop sandwhich real quick. Basketball moved to the other side of the field and started gobbling and strutting...I needed a therapist. All I got was Dave telling me I should have shot that jake. No seriously, he did his best to talk me off the ledge. Only a good friend sees you at your worst and then laughs with you at your stupidity. It wasnt the blinds fault or Nicks...it is a 68" blind. I am a 6'3" human whose light bulb doesn't always turn on.
Post by: wapiti792 on May 03, 2013, 03:13:00 PM
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk031-1.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk031-1.jpg.html)
Spot picked. Draw. Thump. Blind again. Another arrow missing in the hay.
Near self disembowelment with a dirty broadhead, I managed to laugh about it a few seconds later. I only learn the hard way it seems and Dave was there to encourage me...he didn't even mention the jakes again. Good friend that Dave.
Finally with ONE arrow left I think it is over. I look up the road and proclaim to Dave "we got biddness" ANOTHER longbeard is strutting up the road with 8 hens. All the way to our lap at 5 yards...this time when I hit the blind he was close enough to run the 600 grain arrow through him. He ran off wings up and hurting. A quick call to Nick on the radio and we were done....except when I got out of the blind my Lazarus bird flew across the field and crashed into the coulee. Nick allowed me to give chase and I put another arrow in the bird. Finally the long day was over...I needed some serious reassurance of my first arrow. I was a little higher than where I was looking but was lethal enough. I just didnt give him enough time with one lung/liver I think. Again Dave was there to back me up and laughed at me when I told him I think Nick's birds are part zombie...they don't know they are dead!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk039.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk039.jpg.html)
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 05:23:00 PM
That's my quiver a GN strap-on...but it is strapped to a Spike Elk Horn instead of my bow. I use it as a side quiver but I can either strap it to the horn or bow. You can also rotate the curved horn to fit your side bulge from skinny to roly-poly :rolleyes:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/GNPrimativeSideQuiver003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/GNPrimativeSideQuiver001.jpg)
Post by: joebuck on May 03, 2013, 05:36:00 PM
mike ..." disembowel on dirty BH" that is hilarious.. We will hit it off next year..
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 06:12:00 PM
Jumping ahead...
When we arrived and started getting our gear set for the first morning, I pulled out my two knives for the trip to show everyone. One was a small caper with Springbok horn handle that had seen plenty of duty with bears & deer and my bare bone/no handles Hog pack set knife/stripper.
Springbok caper...
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B2%3Enu%3D37%3B%3B%3E292%3E933%3E28%3A%3C292%3A2423%3Bot1lsi)
Hog Pack...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73499%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A8593%3B532%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3A6%3Enu%3D38%3A%3A%3E748%3E995%3E299%3B748%3A8623%3Bot1lsi)
Nick said he'd like to talk about something for Ryan using one of the shed antlers Ryan finds.
Well after I got my First Turkey, I was walking on a cloud. A Big part of my success was due to Nick...he really wanted me to connect and put me in the Hot Seat. Now it was my turn to return the favor.
Here's what I've been doing today. Only quenched and just trying the fit before temper, finish grind, and pin/glue up. When I was trying to come up with a style, I kept thinking about what a blacksmith traveling through Nebraska in the mid 1800's would do...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54377%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A87%3A64432%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3C4%3Enu%3D38%3A%3A%3E75%3A%3E334%3E299%3B75%3A42523%3Bot1lsi)
Post by: Shinken on May 03, 2013, 06:15:00 PM
Of course, I am partial to antler work - especially elk antler!
Those blades are attractive as well - I be likin' that Springbok scale action!
Keep the wind in your face!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Post by: Yellow Dog on May 03, 2013, 06:52:00 PM
:archer2:
Post by: Don Batten on May 03, 2013, 08:08:00 PM
Great stories so far fellas. It's got me kinda missing the place.
One of my favorite days when I was there was sitting a whole afternoon in a blind with Marty. Not in no way wanting to steal yalls thunder but I think you guys that were there will appreciate this clip. Now Marty is down to his last arrow and not bird yet. I'm sore from laughing and then this happened.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ukWBGJg8W8
sorry for the language but I was excited.
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 09:08:00 PM
I went back to the honey hole blind but there were only a couple of birds in the roost. Very slow morning and I still had a tag burning a hole in my pocket.
After lunch, I went to the blind near the barn yard where Dave shot his gobbler the first morning. I got to set out "My Girl" new name for my decoy :) I wasn't in there more than a 1/2 hour before a hen walked by between My Girl & me in the blind. Then I noticed 1-2-3 gobblers off to my right. The hen was so hot she laid down at the feet of one of the gobblers...but the boys were so intent on seeing who was the most macho she didn't receive much attention. The strutting continued for 1 hour. I got most of it on video. My Girl seemed very lonely and couldn't catch the boys attention...until a little calf started playing with her. It was the coolest video as he would come up to her, sniff, and jump away. He finally tired of that game but went after the hen & three gobbler breaking up the party. The hen ran off and one gobbler started strutting at My Girl. Two ran off but the one came buy at 20 yards where I placed a log earlier. My shot touched his front legs and chest feathers. He shot straight up in the air...again just 50% air :knothead:
Right at dark I hit a long beard broadside going into the barn yard. He walked slowly right under my blind @ 5 yards where I shot again hitting him in the wing going away. Nick & I searched but no luck. Now down to a very short early morning hunt as we needed to leave by 10am.
My Girl 10 yards in front...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54354%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A594%3B6932%3Cnu0mrj)
First Tom off to the right 50+ yards...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp5438%3B%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A59%3B8%3C332%3Cnu0mrj)
Second Tom with hen just off to to the left...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54394%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A59664832%3Cnu0mrj)
Little calf that almost saved the day. The video is hilarious (if I could just figure how to do You Tube)...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3B9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A59664932%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 09:42:00 PM
He went about 10 yards and expired...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54354%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A57%3B88%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
I was using my Hidden Draw bow blind for the first time and it worked like a charm...
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73478%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58976232%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54346%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58976432%3Cnu0mrj)
I think I accomplished about 10 years experience in 3 1/2 days with the number of birds & chances. One more cool thing...My Jake had a Double Beard oops I mean double stub :goldtooth:
I can't thank the Klintworths enough for such a wonderful time. Also a Big thanks to Joe, Julian, Mike, and Dave for putting up with me.
Last morning...
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp5435%3A%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A58976632%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: tippit on May 03, 2013, 09:47:00 PM
Looking forward to my Sophomore year under to tutelage of joebuck :D I might even get my diploma early...tippit
Post by: Whip on May 03, 2013, 11:32:00 PM
It's not like these birds are pushovers - they are just as wise as you find anywhere else and will react to movement or anything little thing a bit out of place as fast as any. It's just that the shear number of birds increases your opportunity rate exponentially.
I have a little more to add to the tales, but am waiting on Julian to pick it up. It really is his story to tell. I just have to make sure he gets all the facts straight. ;)
Post by: Whip on May 03, 2013, 11:41:00 PM
Saturday morning found me back at my little cedar tree hide out on the south end of the pasture. But that morning almost all of the birds that came out on my side of the road stayed on the north end of the pasture and filtered up into the hills down there. I did have a few hens come up my way, but no toms close by that morning.
Here is one of three hens checking out my DSD's and wondering why they won't follow her and her two girlfriends up the hill. The Avian decoy is out of the picture here.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013097.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013097.jpg.html)
Post by: tippit on May 04, 2013, 08:23:00 AM
I brought my Waldrop chair with me. It is really comfortable especially for my old back (back surgery last July)...but sitting for hours on end literally & sliding to look out windows actually wore a saddle sore on my butt! The cushions that Dave & Joe lent me helped but the problem was the kept slipping off and didn't pad me well...perhaps cause I already had a sore butt.
Upon returning home, I found a great cushion that won't slide on the mesh Waldrop seat because the bottom is a rubbery surface. Plus it has a very comfortable gel layer and is thin (1 inch) enough to keep you low in the saddle. Hunt Comfort Topper a little more pricey than just foam @ $30. They also started making one to fit my Lone Wolf hand climber which I picked up too. Now the old Butt is happy. Creature comforts are more precious with age :bigsmyl:
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54382%3Enu%3D38%3A%3A%3E542%3E233%3E299%3B54232423%3Bot1lsi)
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3C6%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A%3A626%3B3%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on May 04, 2013, 11:30:00 AM
Post by: akaboomer on May 04, 2013, 12:30:00 PM
Chris
Post by: wapiti792 on May 04, 2013, 05:14:00 PM
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk026.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk026.jpg.html)
*Pretty good group of guys to hunt with!
Post by: Whip on May 04, 2013, 05:26:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013106.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Nebraska%20Turkeys%20-%202013/Turkeys-2013106.jpg.html)
I think that brings up almost up to date. The scorecard reads:
Jeff - 2
Mike - 2
Dave - 1
Joe - 2
That's a pile of turkey feathers already.
Julian ???
Post by: SheltonCreeker on May 04, 2013, 05:32:00 PM
Post by: Bernie B. on May 04, 2013, 09:38:00 PM
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Post by: wapiti792 on May 06, 2013, 10:28:00 AM
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 12:45:00 PM
Post by: elkken on May 06, 2013, 01:16:00 PM
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: maineac on May 06, 2013, 02:42:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 07:53:00 PM
So day two rolls around and I'm in no hurry. Since I think it's going to take hours for the birds to get from the roost to the tank, I sit in the truck and finish my coffee after dropping Joe off at his spot. I lollygag down the draw as it's breaking light and my plan is to spend lots of time perfecting my setup. Think about the sun, the wind, cosider all the directions they could come from etc etc. There's really no cover close the tank so I know I'll have to use the decoys and calls to coax a bird over to the cedar choked canyon walls. I got this.
GOBBLE, GOBbble, Gobble, gobble... Uh, OH!
There's a bird roosted real close to the tank and I'm standing out in the wide open. I look quick for cover and the only option is a cedar tree that wasn't made for a bowhunter to hide in. The sun will be shining right on me too. Crap! I'm pruning limbs with my Gerber saw to create some limb clearance so I can tuck into this tree a bit. Put the decoys out and hit the call. I'm out of breathe and my mind is racing...knowing deep down this is going to be impossible. When the bird rounds the bin, he's strutting and drumming like he's auditioning for a primos video. I'll end this story quick just like that bird ended that hunt. At 25 yards.....putt, putt. Busted. He's gone.
I then move across the draw to the spot I'd intended to set up all along. Thinking I'll still get a flock to roll in later in the morning...but they never show.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 08:00:00 PM
When I heard Joe had killed a bird, I felt more pride than if it had been me. I'd been fortunate enough to share in Joe's quest over the last couple of years and had seen him continue to go back to class and bust his hump to make this happen. Nobody deserved it more and you could just feel the satisfaction on the wind. At that moment, the trip status was upgraded to success.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 08:07:00 PM
Those birds got to about 50 yards and that was it. Stayed out there till it was time to go to roost. Not sure if it was the gobbler that had busted me that morning or not, but I'd given this draw everything I had and came up short. This ranch is loaded with turkey's but you can get all the "hunt" you want, that's for sure.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 08:21:00 PM
I sat in the blind that yielded Mike his first bird and after seeing his footage from that kill, I was really excited about the possibilities. A few gobblers crested the rise and with that early morning sun shining through tail feathers to create that heavenly halo glow effect, I was feeling confident. One of the birds never moved my way, one got pulled by some hens in a different direction, but the last one looked like his hens would bring him by me. As they closed the distance, though, they started jogging like they were late for something west of me. As the gap grew between gobbler and hens since they were moving quick and he kept stopping to strut, he finally realized he would get left and decided to trot by my shooting lane. And this, my fellow tradgangers, is the recipe for a mmmmmmiiiissss.
http://vimeo.com/65190159
Post by: JJB on May 06, 2013, 08:22:00 PM
-Jay
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 08:32:00 PM
Dave, what a stealthy surprise he turned out to be. He slow cooks on you until you realize he's one of the humblest, funniest guys you've ever shared camp with. Hated to see those guys go. Sure enjoyed watching their enjoyment of this hunt and camp, though.
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 09:20:00 PM
We snuck in an set up on two gobblers at one spot and weren't able to call them up. Then, we saw a strutter on a steep hill that looked stalkable. After taking off my shoes and closing to a good distance, the hen we didn't see busted me. Oh well.
Back at camp in time to get in a blind for the afternoon. That's when Joe informs me that he wants to join me in the blind and run the video camera. At first I thought, how in the world can I shoot a turkey out of a blind with Big'Ol Joe in there too, but he said...."Mike and Dave did it." Since that was a fact, I couldn't argue, and started to warm up to the idea of some good film of me and Mr. Longbeard.
Since I was the only guy left in camp without a bird, everyone was warm to the idea of me getting what had been the hottest blind for the week. Ironically, it was 50 yards from my favorite blindless spot from last year...not bitter but needed to throw a bit of foreshadowing out there.
When it was time to head out, Joe had his bow. Noticing my attention to it, he said it would be a good idea if we had to finish one off. Again, couldn't argue with that statement as there had been some of that required through out the week.
We sat in that tiny hot sweatbox of a blind for hours and nothing but hens came close. After seeing a few big boys head to the roost via far off routes, the outlook was starting to look pretty grim. Joe even said at one point...."uh, Julian, don't look like its gonna happen, buddy." Then we see three Toms come walking towards us FROM the roost...kind of backwards behavior here. Then, one can't figure out how to get through the fence and they hang up at 50 yards. This would be a 5 yard shot from my old favorite spot....just sayin. Our hopes are up but they change their mind after the fence struggler gives up and they all head back in the other direction. A few minutes later some jakes show up and Joe whispers THE question. "Are you interested in shooting a jake?" Instinctively, I say no. I don't have any problems with anybody shooting a jake but I've never had the desire with bow or gun....don't know why, it's just me. I could tell you some funny stories related to that policy over the years but that will have to wait for another campfire. As the jakes hang close and more show up, Joe finally says something about wanting to kill a Merriam and not really minding if it's a jake. I don't say anything, but think back to his explanation about bringing the bow to the blind. Hmmmmmmmm....
As Joe was looking out of the back window and was turned away from me, I raised my bow and shot a jake. He spun back around barking "what happened what happened?" He was tickled pink when we saw the bird crashing down and we realized no follow up should be needed.
Now, settled into the satisfaction of a punched tag, Joe starts getting his bow ready. I don't mind, really, jakes are all over us at this point. Well, he makes what looks to be a great shot on one that we think is a Merriam. The bird looks plenty hurt and though he disappears from sight into the cedars, we think the recovery will be a cake walk.
After the action subsided we called Nick on the radio and started looking for Joe's bird. We saw plenty of blood and figured we'd see the bird quickly. After a couple hundred yards of blood, Nick and Jeff showed up to help. We were starting to worry when we tracked it all the way to the next canyon. Nick then hollered..."got the bird but he's alive. Everybody get ready." I went to the bottom of the canyon and we played ping pong with this upright bird until he finally flew over my head and as he was losing altitude, lit on the face of the opposite wall of the canyon. I could tell he couldn't move to fast so I sprinted to him and put an arrow in him. Jeff was able to climb above him and sent one down hill that was the final nail. The sun was setting on the perfect hunt.
Jeff after sending the final arrow into the bird
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/TippitSiloette_zpsbadc0b91.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/TippitSiloette_zpsbadc0b91.jpg.html)
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 09:35:00 PM
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/2013-04-27_20-20-09_1_zpsd5547340.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/Dutch4duck/media/2013-04-27_20-20-09_1_zpsd5547340.jpg.html)
Post by: Duckbutt on May 06, 2013, 09:44:00 PM
Although Joe did get in my blind and shoot my bird, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I've got something to razz him about forever, now!....and the dirty little secret is I only razz people I really like. So, Dirtnap, Mike, Jeff, Had a blast, fellas. Can't wait to share a camp again some day.
Post by: wapiti792 on May 06, 2013, 10:23:00 PM
We gotta do another hunt together some time...I got some ideas ;) and the offer still stands bud.
I got one thing to say to Joe...you shot Stubby. I waited 7 hours in 85 degrees with Dirttnap Dave suffering from Gumboenteritis to kill that bird and you confuse him with a jake
No respect, I tell ya. Birds with short beards get no respect...
Post by: Shinken on May 06, 2013, 10:50:00 PM
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Thanks for sharin' with us Trad Gangers!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on May 07, 2013, 07:40:00 AM
Joe, its kinda hard to film wen you are not even looking :readit: congrats on your bird as well. :clapper:
Post by: Jeff D. Holchin on May 07, 2013, 09:19:00 AM
Post by: zipper bowss on May 08, 2013, 08:06:00 AM
Bill
Post by: DEATHMASTER on May 08, 2013, 11:46:00 AM
Congratulations guys.
Post by: Doug Campbell on May 11, 2013, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: Steve O on May 11, 2013, 09:00:00 PM
I had to wait for this one to slow down so i could read it all at once. Lots of fun there boys. Really enjoyed it.
Post by: SheltonCreeker on May 11, 2013, 09:16:00 PM
Post by: Guru on May 12, 2013, 08:39:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on December 09, 2013, 02:10:00 PM
Post by: joebuck on January 28, 2014, 11:40:00 AM
Quick Announcement. Nick has opening for 4-5 bowhunters March 25 29......
Post by: wapiti792 on March 05, 2014, 09:58:00 PM
Goin' on a diet so I can eat some good food!
Post by: SheltonCreeker on March 05, 2014, 10:31:00 PM
Post by: Whip on March 06, 2014, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: wapiti792 on March 06, 2014, 10:49:00 AM
Post by: Steve O on April 13, 2014, 03:24:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wapiti792:Joe, how come you never cook breakfast like this when I am around?
That first evening we all got situated and shared some stories. Hunting with quality folks is a good thang :thumbsup:
It's like a bad joke: so a railroad conductor, an animal doc, a banker, an IT guy and a healthcare provider all walk in a bar...I mean a lodge.
We didn't starve to death either: I made a turkey and sausage gumbo, Dave made a deer roast and Whip threw down on some type of potato and egg brunch dish...it was awesome! Hey Joe Buck...I know you missed the turkey huntin' but I hear this is what you REALLY missed!
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk054.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk054.jpg.html)
I managed to get some protien for my little gumbo dish but had to share it with another critter. More about that story in a bit...
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/wapiti792/NebTurk029.jpg) (http://s147.photobucket.com/user/wapiti792/media/NebTurk029.jpg.html)
I was just digging around looking to improve my turkey hunting knowledge and THIS definitely has my attention. Looks like it would be a good Dutch Oven item...