Gotta love them Florida birds... Osceola #1

[wiltznucs]

Well opening morning went off with a bang here in Central Florida.  Caught this fella lurking about where he shouldn't be around 8:45.  He responded to a Quilted Sapele and Ebony box caller from Mike Lapp.  A 3" load of Hevi-13 #6's did the rest.  7/8" spurs and a 9" beard...

[terminator]

Congratulations on a great bird.Looks like you win for the first bird killed this year.That is sure a long looking box call you have.I have heard that you call reall sparingly for the Oscelas, is that correct?I think in a previous post that you maybe going for a Goulds,us that this year and where?
Roger

[wiltznucs]

I cant figure out why the photo looks stretched as it does, but the box is actually a traditional short box.  Maybe the site doesnt like vertically oriented images?

I find that hunting the Osceola is really no different than the Eastern.  The biggest obstacle hunting FL birds is the heat, bugs, and the forests are simply dense or wet.  There are times where you can be 20 yds from your gobbler and never see him! 

A nice thing is that generally the terrain is flat, I'd much rather hunt good flat pastureland than hill country any day.  I have a lot of respect for those guys who consistently successful hunting mountain birds..

I am making the Gould's run this year.  I'll be hunting the first week of May, I cant wait!

[Philip]

I find that hunting the Osceola is really no different than the Eastern. 
A nice thing is that generally the terrain is flat, I'd much rather hunt good flat pastureland than hill country any day.  I have a lot of respect for those guys who consistently successful hunting mountain birds..

First of all, congratulations on a fantastic bird!  I love those Osceolas--they're my favorite turkey (and maybe my favorite game animals of all time). 

I, too, don't see any real difference between these turkeys and other turkeys when it comes to hunting tactics, generally speaking.   

And AMEN about those mountain hunts.  I hunted with a buddy in Western North Carolina a few years ago.  We were up and down and up and down and up and down all day long.  I felt like I was back in Army Ranger school!  He's the best turkey hunter I've ever known, probably because he grew up hunting those mountain birds.   

[terminator]

Will you hunt the Gould in Mexico?I think we have a few in the US.Definetely keep us posted.
Roger