Hey guys-
A little background on this hunt. We sat up yesterday in the same field and had turkeys gobbling everywhere but no one wanted to play. Today was a rainy cold day and I almost did not want to go out. Though I have had a lucky charm in my pocket on rainy days.
I ended up having four jakes come into the cornfield and I gave them some soft clucks with no response. They fed off and never came into range. They walked all the way across the field and left in the opposite corner. A half hour later a long beard came into view but then propmtly went back into the woods. I couldn't quite figure out why he didn't want to play but shortly later a hen walked out and past my blind at five steps or so. I figured there was other hens in the area and the longbeard hooked up with one of them.
At around 0815 hours the jakes came back into the cornfield in about the same spot they left earlier. I watched them for some time and then looked at my watch. It was close to nine and I had to be hitting the road to get to work on time. I gave an aggressive calling sequence to either see if they would come in or I would scare them and they would leave the field. Right after I called the four troops started marching in. I would call, they would stop, I go quite they start marching. This went on as they closed the distance from about 300 yards to 18 yards. They cautiously approached my two hen deeks. I drew back my Bezaleel recurve at 55#. Said a quick prayer and let the arrow go.... WHAPP!!! I see my bird jump into the air and start doing flips. My friend that was with me ended up sticking his head out the blind and touched off his shotgun.
A DOUBLE!!!! I couldn't believe what had justed happened. I have been trying for the last three years to get a spring bird with traditional gear and it finally happened. The bird was 15 lbs, 5 1/2 inch beard and 1/4 inch spurrs. This was an aboslute blast and I don't think I have jumped and hooted as much as I did when I reliezed I had accomplished my dream hunt. This bird was definately a trophy in my eyes!!!
Good luck to eveyone else this spring