Haley got it done!

[WNYBuckHunter]

We got out to the blind at about 5:30 and got setup and settled in. We heard the first couple of gobbles around 6 and they kept going for about a half hour and then died down. I did some calling here and there and about 7 we had a big coyote come in to the set. After he left we sat and listened and heard a couple of gobbles coming from both sides of us. Right at 7:30 I saw a fan in the brush about 85 yards away so I got my binos and whispered to Haley "there's a turkey". I saw that it was a good tom and gave a few soft calls and he stepped out at full strut. Haley got the gun up on the shooting stick and we waited. She kept whispering about she couldn't believe how big he was. The tom stepped back in the brush and we lost sight of him behind a big fall down. I gave a few more soft calls and a minute later he stepped back out. Haley was shaking bad at this point and I whispered for her to relax and breathe. Just then a gen stepped out and started angling toward us. The tom caught sight of our decoys and started side stepping and doing circles. I ranged him at 63 yards, he did one more circle, side stepped and then started marching right toward the decoys. I ranged him again at 45 yards, let him take 2 more steps and told Haley to shoot as soon as she had a good shot at his head. He turned right toward us, and Haley waited. He turned to his left and stuck his head out and Haley pulled the trigger. He flopped right down and I said "you got him!"  Haley couldn't contain herself and started smiling and crying. She said she couldn't believe she had done it! Hugs, smiles and pictures ensued. I am so proud of her! She did great! It was one of the most perfect hunts I've ever been on. 

I haven't measured the beard or spurs yet, we will do that after breakfast. 

[sodfather]

Awesome congrats 

[growalot]

Wow she hammered his head what a great shot,Bird,and smile! Congrats to you both!

[Cabin Fever]

Great job to you and Haley!! Man, that smile says it all! I remember when my daughter shot her first bird... Very proud moment!

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Edited April 22, 2017 by Cabin Fever

[WNYBuckHunter]

She sure did! Thanks!

[letinmfly]

Well deserved congrats Haley!!  Don't forget to enter her in the youth hunt contest. 

[Lawdwaz]

There ya go, she's hooked!!

Well done!!!!!

[WNYBuckHunter]

9 3/4" beard with 7/8" spurs

[moog5050]

That's awesome John.  Huge congrats to her and dad!

[The_Real_TCIII]

Great! Awesome story too!


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[NFA-ADK]

Epic, very cool, congrats!!!

[turkeyfeathers]

Way to go Haley ! And nice job dad. A day neither of you will forget   Love the smile. That made my day. 

[doebuck1234]

Congrats to you both!the smile and story say it all.great job

Edited April 22, 2017 by doebuck1234

[Steuben Jerry]

Congrats to Haley, and you too!

[mowin]

That's fantastic.  Her smile is ear to ear.

I bet Dads breathing was a little ragged when he was coming in. 

I know I get more excited and nervous when im sitting next to a youngster and the critter is in the zone.  Lol

[Gencountyzeek]

Congrats to u guys! Can't wait for my kids to be old enough to enjoy such a moment.

[WNY Bowhunter]

She certainly did. Congrats on an awesome first bird!!!

[Buckmaster7600]

That's awesome! Congrats to you both!


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[Pygmy]

Great job done by both you and Haley !!

The bird looks damn near as big as SHE is !!

[ATbuckhunter]

What a great hunt and great shot! Glad you guys were able to get it done and make a memory for a life time. She'll be talking about it at school for weeks! 

[GreeneHunter]

And thats what its all about .... Congrats !

[grampy]

Congratulations Haley! And her proud Dad! Great bird and story too! Way to go! Awesome!

[Rebel Darling]

Reads like a great day for you two!  Congrats!

[Trad bow]

Awesome congratulations!

[Buckstopshere]

Congrats! Way to go on the Youth Hunt! And nice story and photos!