Got my first turkey

Nice

Best be careful about advertising your 20. tenfoe gonna find it if you give him an inch.

West Fel just east of Bayou Sara. Gobbled at sunrise, did so off and on for an hour. Thought I had no chance as he was at least 200 yds N of me. Have been practicing the not-yet acquired patience of less-calling. Would hit the box call about every 20 min, though it seemed like an hour between call. Around 0715, his gobble, not at all a reaction to my call, seemed closer. Waited a few minutes and hit the box call a full eight count and, surprisingly, he interrupted me. Took all my hunting discipline to sit quietly while waiting his next beckon. About 15 min later he gobbled again and was clearly closing the gap. Another 15 min passed (I still hadn’t called back), he gobbled again, this time he was much closer. I turned away and bent over the call to muzzle a quiet 5-stroke Yelp. He banged at 30 yds...clearly closing on my deeks. Approach was from blind side, thus he emerged at 7 yards. Not sure who was more surprised, him or me. Easy shot at that distance. Lessons learned today was the value of patience when turkey calling.

Grateful for the opportunity to hunt such gorgeous and wiley creatures. Not surprisingly, this fresh, tender bird was absolutely delicious tonight, as my wife (no pics) son and his family shared fitting end to a great day at the camp. Oh how I love being at the camp. Of course, Enjoyed this fine dinner with a one-cube glass of old charter.

Today was a good day fellas.

Thanks for the reminder...fully appreciate the value of flock maturity...also relish the tender meat of a young ‘un. In between lies balance.

BTW, I’ve killed toms with my grandfather, the best memories. But indelible is the voice of grandma who would say, knowing we live by the axiom of everything you kill or catch is eatin, “kill the damn Jake, he is far better on a platter!” Hence an occasional Jake is not only fair game, but the prize.

Congrats on the bird! There’s nothing like it!