TreeGuy

My kids (and wife) are always trying to do something special for me.... Can't wait to test it out next spring !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Beans are 80% in at the farm... One field left Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

At least it's not a prius Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

What are you feeding them !!! Wow Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

His parents must be so proud Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Water source is always key to holding animals. Far enough away from cabin could allow a huntable situation depending on water available in your area. Bigger seems better... And forget the bluegill, let the ducks bring them. Stick to bass Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Have seen a bunch in Alden area. Following cayuaga creek. On one sighting I saw a mature bird with 3 young. Even the young had a 4' span. Amazing bird to watch. This is a pic of a young one hunting in my spot... Watched it cruise the fields for about 20 min then headed towards the creek. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

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What else was covered ? Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

More than I'd like to admit with only one tag punched...but prob 20+ hunts. Had a roosted Tom that would talk every couple mornings and I watched him fly out of sight 2x, other than that the only bird I had an opportunity at and that actually gobbled, is the one at the taxidermist ! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I have a habit of not giving up. Unfortunately, that theory tends to be tested every season, yet most seasons I am rewarded for my persistence. Not sure if I'd rather have it any other way !? Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I wouldn't shoot a Jake, but as far as "trophy" hunting.... If the beard sticks out, no shoot, if it hangs down - shoot !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Thanks !! Oddly enough my best bird was 25.5#, 11 3/4" beard and 1 5/8 spurs....with the bow !! I have been able to connect on some Dandy's over the years, but they seemed to come "easier". It's been a long drawn out 2 seasons. I could care less about the numbers, just that he's in " long beard" category and I punched a tag !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Thanks and yes. XR's are my new favorite load. Jelly head choke tube. Forget the magnum blend for 5$ a shell. Pattern is rediculous tight but I have a red dot (and a bit of a good eye). Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Well, was counting down my second bird-less and quiet season. Hunted in Alden this am to try and catch the Tom I've been after for weeks. NADA. Had setup near the roosting area and nothing was home. Decided to head to the camp in franklinville. Passed the neighbor coming out the woods and he told me he had a bird gobbling all morning that wouldn't commit. He doesn't allow anyone to hunt his placed but the back side is bordered by state land ( and a mile hike) so I figured I go try and get on him since he was gobbling. Tim Horton was doing work to me so I had to stop at the camp to get that out of my system. Just grabbed the Porto crapper and before I sat down I figured I'd hit the call. NADA. Cranked up the volume and got a gobble. Decided to squeeze cheeks and head for the bird. I went through some crazy uncharted territory of slick and steep ravines. Tom kept gobbling to let me know where he was. I got to where I figured we were within 100yrds and setup hen-rietta. Started soft calling and got him to talk at everything I said. He was further up the steep hill but I was hopeful I could pull him down. Gobble after gobble I realised he was getting further. Grabbed the deke and tried to split the difference. I found an old logging road that lead to a small open area in the hardwoods and was also less steep on an incline. No sooner than me sticking the deke in he gobbled and I knew he was 80-100. Grabbed the first tree I could find and sat down. Hit some more soft talk and he lit up again. So I waited, another gobble and again he was further. I knew if he had a hen we would play this game all day so I grabbed my raspy diaphragm and hit em hard with some aggressive cuts and yelps. When he gobbled I could tell he was now facing me... And gobble and gobble and gobble and double gobble and double gobble he was coming. I shut up and got the gun ready. After about 20 gobbles I saw a big black object coming my way through the undergrowth. It was way too thick to chance a marginal shot yet I didn't forget that may 31 2016 I had one at forty and waited for a closer shot, but he saw the dekes and ran...so I knew I had to take the first opportunity he gave me. As he strutted drummed and gobbled his way closer I saw one small hole through the crotch of a tree and knew it would be my only window. He stepped in to my small window, went full strut and ate some Winchester mid gobble. Paved it off at 56yrds. He never even twitched. So glad I setup the versamax for that specific situation. So thankful for an awesome hunt and perfect ending to a couple of hard seasons. This was prob my 20th hunt of this year. Dropped him off at the taxidermist on the way home too ! I earned it. He's not my biggest but he was the hardest to get,took 2 seasons and in the last inning ! The hike out was rough, but worth every step !! Franklinville ridge chicken down !!!!! 24# 10 1/2" beard 7/8" spurs Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

24#,10.5" beard,7/8" hooks Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Tag punched...finally !!! Awesome hunt !!! LBD. Story soon Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Sounds legit. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

He definitely looks like the man for the job !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

That sure looks like climbing or bucket truck work, rope all the leads and lower slowly. Tedious also means expensive. Also, removal of cut wood and chips if stumps are ground. Your a bit far for me but if I took a stab at guestimates, I'd say 300-400$/tree. Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

So. I've been from barre to ellicotville this season, hunted at least 20x and not a tag punched. Not even an opportunity at a bird. I almost don't believe you guys saying you hear gobbling after they are off the roost !! Seriously, what's the deal with the tight lipped Tom's !?! Been watching birds since April and I have prob heard a total of 10 gobbles all season. Things are not looking good ! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Went to hunt with a friend at his place, said he's been seeing birds.....apparently he slept in or forgot about it cause he never came out of the house ! I said screw it and headed out back at 515 . Unfamiliar ground....thought I heard a Jake gobble bout 615. Other than that, NADA. Everyday seems to have an odd twist, really want to punch a tag and call 17' quits !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Spotted my nemesis in the field this evening. I have an idea where he and his girls roost. Hope he responds to the hoot in the am, then it's get as close as possible and shoot him when he lands. I have to outsmart this bird at some point. If not, I'll take a bit of luck !! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I've had the opposite luck. Always seem to get them talking with the hoot or the crow after dawn. The only Tom that talks around me is on the roost and he will gobble to every hoot Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Hit the local roost at 5am with the owl. NADA. Drove an hour to southerntier. Walked a few miles. NADA. Still hopeful to score a late season bird. Just with they would make some noise at some point !!! Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk