Upstate New York experienced a relatively mild winter this year.
Sportsmen were speculating that the wild turkey population would have a
high survival rate, which would lead to a good spring hunting season.
This speculation was really bolstered during the extra warm April Days.
I saw several large spring flocks with many toms, during the first
three weeks. So it was with great expectations that I showed up at my
Amish friend’s house at 4:30 a.m., Saturday, April 22, for our second
Spring Youth Hunt.
Chester was right there and anxious to add to his success from our
hunt last year. The predicted rain hadn’t materialized yet, for which
we were thankful. Chester had been doing some scouting, so with
flashlight in hand, we headed out across the pasture to the selected
setup spot.
Chester carried his trusty single-shot shotgun and one decoy, and I
had a second decoy. I guess we were a little anxious because we were
ready a half-hour before sunrise. The song birds were the first to show
signs of life with their soft chirping. In sharp contrast, at 6:15, we
heard our first gobble and from our calculations, it was a good quarter
mile away.
Hearing nothing close by, we decided to move closer to the noisy
toms, as there now were several gobbles to lead us to their location.
We arrived at the big woods, picked out a likely spot to set up our
ambush, and settled down.
The rain was just beginning, with large drops bouncing off the dry
leaves. It wasn’t long before the chorus began again. The outbursts
from the toms and jakes started the adrenaline flowing. They sounded
like several auctioneers all testing their voices at once and trying to
outdo each other.
I confirmed that Chester was ready for action, and I started
calling. I had immediate responses and finally I saw their dark
silhouettes moving furtively through the woods. I teased them for a
while with some soft calls and finally one left the others and headed
our way.
He was heading directly toward Chester, and that bird was really
hot. I had given Chester one of my 3 1⁄2 inch shells and warned him
that it would kick. The gun sounded like a cannon, and the bird was
down at 6:40 a.m. On the way to retrieve the bird he said, “boy did
that kick!”
Those thoughts were soon gone when he proudly picked his bird. We
exchanged congratulations. He retrieved his spent shell for a trophy,
and we packed up for the trek back to the Miller farm. I carried the
decoys, and he took the bird.
Back home, he showed off the turkey to his father and sisters, who
were helping with the milking. This tom weighed in at 20.5 pounds and
had a 7.5 inch beard.
The Spring Youth Hunt is a great asset for the sport. I think
Chester is hooked. The rest of the day was a complete washout with
heavy, cold rain. We were really blessed.
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