Northern Va turkey hunting

[SJB358]

Well, I called in a big Tom this morning and had a misfire. I had to use my old stand by H&R 12ga Single shot this morning, it has killed alot of turkeys, it has the 32" full choke barrel, and always did pretty well with WW Double X 3" mags, #5's, but this morning when the Tom stepped up to my decoy at about 22 yards, the hammer fell and nothing happened! I was a little mad to say the least. The turkey was gone faster than I could tell, and the shell had a pretty seriously dented primer. I imagine I just got a bad shell. Either way, hoping my parts for my 11-87 get here soon. I can't wait to get it out after some birds. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

What a bummer! Hopefully you will get the 11-87 working shortly.

 

[SJB358]

Still waiting on parts Mike. First turkey of the year to come gobbling in the entire time. It was worth the botched shot. Hopefully I will get after him again in the morning. Might not have smartened him up too awfully much! Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I've never hunted turkey (didn't have them in Kansas when I was growing up, and they are only in the southern interior of BC and on a draw). However, I've heard that those who hunt them get almost as excited as I do when I see a big bear. I can only imagine the rush. Maybe he hasn't been educated that much, or maybe he is a slow learner, in which case he'll be back tomorrow.

 

[1Shot]

I would shoot that gun just to make sure it was the shell and not the gun for some reason. Man that is a bummer. When I was a kid I was squirrel hunting with a 22 rifle and had this big old red fox that had been killing some of my Grandfathers chickens come strolling by. I put the cross hair of the scope just behind his ear and squeezed the trigger and CLICK. It was a bad shell. Never did get a shot at the fox again. Grand-pa set a trap for him and got him.

 

[SJB358]

I am going to use my son's 20 gauge turkey gun tomorrow. Should have been using it all along. I have a 10 gauge also, I was too cheap to buy shells for hunting with it though, I had already spent alot on HEVI SHOT turkey loads for my 11-87. Either way, the 20 gauge will work fine for tomorrow. Hopefully the parts for the 11-87 come in tomorrow! Scotty

 

[JD338]

Good luck Scotty.

Remember, the less calling you do, the better the results for those big wise Toms.
I put this big Tom in my nephews lap last year. He gobbled and I gave him 3-4 yelps and shut up. He couldn't stand it and came in looking for love.
He has a 10.5" beard and 1.25" spurs.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

That turkey hunting sure does look fun. I may just have to take a trip down to visit my brother in Nebraska. Two summers past I listened to gobblers in the forest behind his house each morning. I may just have to go down there just to say I've done it.

 

[SJB358]

Called another Tom in this morning, never actually saw him closer than 55-60 yards in a clearing, through some brush. I could ID his beard and full fan, and bright head, but that was about it. He skulked to my right and I never saw or heard him again. I do have the 11-87 back up and operational thanks to MIDWAY, so hopefully I get one more chance. Getting close to the weekend and the State lands get inundated with hunters come Saturday. Scotty

 

[JD338]

Mike,

Turkey hunting is very addictive. One hunt and you will be hooked, visiting your brother every year! :wink:


Scotty,

Close the deal tomorrow and you will be ahead of the crowd. :grin:
Good luck tomorrow.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Thanks Jim. I am going to give it my best!

Mike, Jim is right, if you started hunting Spring Gobblers it would get into your blood. It is almost like calling Bull Elk during the rut! Just the Bulls are Toms and about 700lbs smaller. But they sure taste good! Scotty

 

[Ridge_Runner]

my season comes in the 26th, since I changed carreers I don't hunt va anymore but boy did I use to rock them, then the coyotes showed up, or maybe just too many hens but I'm stuck. I killed my 140th turkey 10 years ago and still haven't broke 150 yet, maybe this year!!!
RR

 

[DrMike]

I'll have to give this a go.