19 May 2006, 21:06
RedlanderThis year's bird
Thought I'd share a photo of the turkey I got this year. Guided by my buddy near Leiper's Fork, TN (just outside of Franklin). All the birds were henned up and after failing to call this one, and other with it, we snuck area the field, crawled about 100 yards through a privet thicket and ambushed him from behind a 130 year old, dry-stacked, rock wall.

He was probably just a 2 yo bird, 18 lbs., very short spurs, but had and 11.5-inch beard. It was fun - and he ate good too.

Congratulations! Nice bird. Can you shoot any more?
20 May 2006, 00:26
RedlanderYes, I could have, but the few days I was there we just never could get right with another gobbler. Lots and lots of hens, even as late at the last of April. We just plain got out-foxed a time or two or had the wrong set-up a couple of others. I think I could have killed 5.
20 May 2006, 02:25
Hot CoreHey Redlander, Congratulations on a fine kill. Good story too.
Good hunting and clean 1-shot kills.
Stick to a shotgun ! In my neighborhood recently a man hit a turkey with his car .Turkey dead , man ticketed [excessive speed, no license ] car totaled !!!... Have never eaten a spring turkey, do they taste much different from the fall turkeys ??
20 May 2006, 04:49
onefunzr2They are good eating, aren't they?
I think it only fitting that they are classed as big game.
Congrats!
22 May 2006, 18:03
ReloaderNice Rope on that one. Impressive on a 2 year old bird. I've taken one 2 year old that had an 11" beard, they usually are 8-10 on the 2 year olds around here. Seems like some just grow like weeds.
Good Luck
Reloader