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Finally got him

Pygmy

By Pygmy,
in Turkey Hunting

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Pygmy Experienced

Pygmy

Posted
Posted

I've been hunting the same gobbler for about two weeks..

He's been roosting in the same area and has been "somewhat" responsive to calls, but not to the point of being suicidal.

I called in a bird there last Sunday that MAY have been him, but I only got to see his head and neck, and he spotted me before I could get a shot.

Three days ago I called him into a field about 75 yards away from me and I got a good look at him, but a hen intervened and led him away.

I could see he was a BIG bird, with a huge fan and a nice beard.

This morning, things fell together...he gobbled early, and responded to (hot) calling, but eventually moved away, probably because he hooked up with a hen.

Then about 10:00 AM he started gobbling again.

He was across a road and a creek, and I never really thought he would come, but I started calling anyway.

When I heard him gobble on MY side of the creek, I knew he had committed.

I killed him at 10:45 am.

At 22 1/4 pounds, he's the 2nd heaviest gobbler I have ever shot in NY.

Spurs were 1 1/4" and sharp, making him at least a 3 year old.

His beard was heavy, thick, and 10 ". I can count the 10" beards I have killed on one hand.

I have pictures on my digital camera. If The Mermaid can figure out how to get them on email, I'll send them to someone to be posted.

Meanwhile, I am a satisfied old turkey hunter.. Hunting a nice bird for a couple of weeks and finally killing him.

Just don't GET no better than that.

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Lawdwaz Grand Master

Lawdwaz

Posted
Posted

I've been hunting the same gobbler for about two weeks..

He's been roosting in the same area and has been "somewhat" responsive to calls, but not to the point of being suicidal.

I called in a bird there last Sunday that MAY have been him, but I only got to see his head and neck, and he spotted me before I could get a shot.

Three days ago I called him into a field about 75 yards away from me and I got a good look at him, but a hen intervened and led him away.

I could see he was a BIG bird, with a huge fan and a nice beard.

This morning, things fell together...he gobbled early, and responded to (hot) calling, but eventually moved away, probably because he hooked up with a hen.

Then about 10:00 AM he started gobbling again.

He was across a road and a creek, and I never really thought he would come, but I started calling anyway.

When I heard him gobble on MY side of the creek, I knew he had committed.

I killed him at 10:45 am.

At 22 1/4 pounds, he's the 2nd heaviest gobbler I have ever shot in NY.

Spurs were 1 1/4" and sharp, making him at least a 3 year old.

His beard was heavy, thick, and 10 ". I can count the 10" beards I have killed on one hand.

I have pictures on my digital camera. If The Mermaid can figure out how to get them on email, I'll send them to someone to be posted.

Meanwhile, I am a satisfied old turkey hunter.. Hunting a nice bird for a couple of weeks and finally killing him.

Just don't GET no better than that.

Well done! Patience and experience sure paid off. Looking forward to pics!

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WNY Bowhunter Experienced

WNY Bowhunter

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Posted

Congrats. Let's see those pics!!!

 

I'm rather surprised at the number of 10" beards you've taken over your gobbler killing career.  I've seen numerous Steuben County birds that have hit or exceeded that mark.  I don't ever recall seeing an 11" beard though...

 

 

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Pygmy Experienced

Pygmy

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Congrats. Let's see those pics!!!

 

I'm rather surprised at the number of 10" beards you've taken over your gobbler killing career.  I've seen numerous Steuben County birds that have hit or exceeded that mark.  I don't ever recall seeing an 11" beard though...

 

I've SEEN quite a few 10" beards killed by other guys, but  I haven't killed many myself...

 

Lots of 8" to 9 1/2" beards...I don't normally trophy hunt, but will take any adult bird (two year old or older)...

 

My area of Steuben County is VERY heavily hunted....Birds are tough here and seem to get tougher every year.   I used to be able to sit against a tree and call up and kill a gobbler, as long as I was camoflaged and did not move.  The last few years this does not work for me. The SOBs spot me, like the one did last Sunday.

 

In order to kill one, I have to be in a blind or buried in a brushpile so thick that it is hard to shoot out of it.

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WNY Bowhunter Experienced

WNY Bowhunter

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I've SEEN quite a few 10" beards killed by other guys, but  I haven't killed many myself...

 

Lots of 8" to 9 1/2" beards...I don't normally trophy hunt, but will take any adult bird (two year old or older)...

 

My area of Steuben County is VERY heavily hunted....Birds are tough here and seem to get tougher every year.   I used to be able to sit against a tree and call up and kill a gobbler, as long as I was camoflaged and did not move.  The last few years this does not work for me. The SOBs spot me, like the one did last Sunday.

 

In order to kill one, I have to be in a blind or buried in a brushpile so thick that it is hard to shoot out of it.

 

Most beards that are 10"+ are basically just 9 -9.5" with a few longer strands in the middle. I'm with you on the trophy hunting...he's got a full fan and he's going down!!!

 

The turkeys get a TON of hunting pressure here too. Killing one is no easy task like it is portrayed on those hunting shows on TV, that's for sure...

 

I've been hearing lots of reports of getting busted by birds this year with the late arrival of the foilage.

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Lawdwaz Grand Master

Lawdwaz

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Posted (edited)

I'm using my imagination to try to paint a picture of this gobbler, but it's just not the same as a real field photo...

Congrats on the kill and a great story, but we want more!

 

:lol::bye:

Edited by Lawdwaz
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Pygmy Experienced

Pygmy

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Okay, Guys...The Mermaid is off with her female friends to watch chick flicks.

 

I told her to have fun and don't eat too much popcorn.

 

When she gets back, I'll ask her if she can get the picture off my camera and onto the computer.

 

I have faith in her. She's done  it before.  <<grin>>

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