Finally found some time to post this. Shot my first longbow turkey last week. Second trip out and decided to stay put in blind. Prior trip had me running and gunning and got caught by a huge Tom at 30yds. These birds are just too smart sometimes.
Set up an avian x jake and hen at about 10 yds. Heard gobbling all morning on neighboring properties. Had a load of geese land in front of me at around 6:30. I was daydreaming and looked out and saw a goose with a red head at about 100yds. I tucked into the shadows of the blind and got my facemask on and let out a few yelps. Looked back out and there were 5 redheads now. They fed and fought their way towards me and I could tell they were all jakes. Once they got to about 60 yds I cut and yelped and they came running! Started beating up my decoy and I was scared to draw. Finally I had a bird strutting quartering towards me and it was time. I slowly drew and picked a spot right next to his beard. Arrow hit its mark and he went about 50 yds and flopped. The other birds put on a show still slamming my decoy and then decided to slam my dead bird. I had to run out and chase them away. Like a bunch of punk teenagers they just wanted to fight. After a few pics, a cup of coffee, and a check in at "Bottle Barn" I was home by 9:30. Finally a check in station where I do not have to drive 45 minutes. No awesome breakfast like the old place but you can get beer if you want? Lady told me it was the first traditional turkey she ever checked in and tried to sell me a 6 pack to celebrate.
I couldn't be happier. Perfect shot on my first trad turkey. It was only my second time out and I haven't had time since with work and my son. Hoping to try again but if not I am a happy how this season turned out. If I get another I will make jerkey with both but if not he will be ground and stuffed into garden peppers come late
July.
Wings will be headed to Magnus soon for some fine natural feathers.