My 1st Turkey Hunt - Lessons Learned

[galamb]

So it's opening day in Ontario Canada for Wild Turkey.

They were re-introduced in the early 1980's with the first (limited) season in 1987.

Now they are everywhere, including my deer hunting property (since last fall), so I decided it was time to hunt some Turkey.

Well, never having done it before and having no mentor, myself and my hunting buddy read everything we could - of course no two "experts" can agree. So sifted through the chafe and came up with our own plan.

We got out there at zero dark thirty, set up a couple of decoys (hens, hopped across the border when Gander Mountain had the deke's on for 8 bucks), set-up the "Jake blind" (ok, just a three sided camo hoops) and sat in my "turkey chair" (camo pattern beach chair).

Waited for shooting light, heard the Turks "gobble" when they came down from their roost (land across the road), and laid into my Primos Bombshell call (for those, like myself, too challenged to figure out the reed calls)

And of course, have in hand my "first time hunting" Weatherby PA-08 20 gauge, recently patterned with #5 3" Turkey load.

I was "pumped"

So what did I learn?

Well you get stiff sitting for 5 solid hours in that "turkey chair".

The decoys do "move" when a breeze blows (as advertised)

I figured out how to conceal myself to prevent detection,

And the call actually works, even for an amateur such as myself because with 15 minutes of shooting time left (13 hours after I started hunting - but did take a lunch stretch), I got a HUGE Tom to come in chirping his was towards my decoy.

Now things are perfect, especially for a first time hunter. He comes in to 32 yards, I put the fiber optic front pipe (replaced the factory bead) right on Old Tom's neck, just like all the articles suggest and I pull the trigger - boom....

Last thing I learned....

Weatherby shotguns shoot high "after" they have been patterned 

Because it couldn't have been my poor aim or Turkey Fever or the mosquito's that were buzzing around - musta been the shotgun...

On a positive note, I didn't "use up" my Turkey Tag on opening day....

What an awesome day - have to wait to get a pic with Tom and the new shotgun

[PARA45]

LMAO!!!!  Good story galamb, and way better than mine.

I'm also hunting turkeys for the first time, and self taught since I don't know anyone who has time to teach how to call them in.  Well, I venture out just like you at O-Dark Thirty, looking for Mr. Tom.  Well, I heard him, and he was getting close to me, until I think I said run like hell, because he never showed up to my date, and he kept getting farther, and farther away.  It was exciting, but I need to learn to sound sexy with those turkey calling how u doings boxes.....LMAO!!!!!

[griz247]

I am hearing ya. We started last season. There is definitely a learning curve involved. Last weekend we took our first turkey, my son shot a real nice tom. I would post a pic but I am having trouble getting a photo posted. Anyway, be patient and understand that you are still learning.

[PARA45]

Thanks griz!  I've been watching some you-tube videos from the call manufacturer and I hope I'm learning to sound sexy.....LOL!!!!!