MI Spring Turkey Success

[JD338]

The late season opened up here in MI on Monday 5/2. Due to my recent ankle surgery, I wasn't feeling up to going out so I passed the opener. I set up my decoys Monday night and went out Tuesday 5/3. I called in 5 Jakes together and then 2 more for a total of 7. I passed them up knowing that there are some long beards hanging out out back.

I put out the decoys Tuesday night and heard a turkey fly up about 125 yds away. I was out Wednesday at 6:00 AM and there were 4 toms gobbling from that spot to the west starting at 6:10 AM. Then I had 3 toms gobbling to the north about 200 yds away. I started calling at 6:15 AM and got them fired up big time. The toms to the north flew down and came in on a string. I saw them at about 100 yds and through the binos could see that they were mature fans. I yelped a few times and they came right in, gobbling all the way. I shot the biggest one at 20 yds with my 11-87 Super Mag 12 ga 3.5" Hevi Shot Mag Blend and poleaxed him. I checked my watch and it was 6:30 AM.
He had a 10" beard with 1" spurs.

JD338

 

[257 Ackley]

After seeing how hard it was for you to get around Thursday, it is impressive to know that you made it out there :grin:!! We never did get around to looking at the pictures, guess you will have to post them here so we all can see it.

 

[FOTIS]

Congrats Jim.....

Do not get hurt we gots goats to keel!

 

[SJB358]

Awesome hunting Jim! I can imagine how much thought it took to get your set up correct. Pretty cool how you found both of the shotshells a foot from one another. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Great account. You make it seem as if we were each there watching. Congratulations.

 

[JD338]

Thank you fellas.

Just to clue you in to Scotty's comments about finding the 2 shells...

I sat against the same tree last year. After shooting a Tom, I looked for the empty shell and never found it. This year after I shot my Tom, I sat there for a few minutes and enjoyed my cup of coffee. I noticed a empty hull in the leaves about 10" away. When I got up, I went to pick up the case. It was last years shell. Abvout a foot away was this years shell.

Another note, I do not use a pop up blind when I turkey hunt. I guess I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to Turkey hunting. I love to "Run and Gun".

I will post a picture when I can figure out how. Something won't allow me to down load the camera. Man, I hate computers......somrtimes. :twisted:

JD338

 

[Ridge_Runner]

good on ya JD, been hunting 2 weeks and gobbleing is very scarce
RR

 

[JD338]

Thanks fellas. I added the picture. The camo tape job on my shotgun was done by my daughter. She used vet tape.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Great picture, Jim. Good composition; it tells the story. Your daughter did a good job. I may have to hire her to tape a few of my rifles!

 

[SJB358]

Very cool tape job! Scotty

 

[Elkman]

JD

Loved the narrative, pictures and a beatful bird. Congratulations !

 

[Scott Spencer]

Excellent work, Jim! That is a great turkey.

 

[Guy Miner]

Congrats! I'm also glad you're feeling sturdy enough to be up and about.

 

[nodak7mm]

Way to go JD. Nice bird & nice story..

Did you leave the hulls where they lay? I think it would make for a neat pic for your office/gun room/man cave that would trigger some schweet memories...

Rod

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

Congrats on the very nice tom there Jim!!

 

[jmad_81]

Nice shooting bud! One of these days I need to try turkey hunting.