| Author | Message | ||
| Big Bird |
Well it finally happened. After several unsuccessful Spring hunts, it took a fall trip to close the deal with my nephew along. This year was dangerously close to a repeat with the wind blowing so hard. With 45 minutes left before we had to leave for lunch, we moved into the next to last hollow on the property to look things over. There they were, three longbeards doing their thing. We decided to put the sneak on. Long story short, they moved just around the bottom of the ridge, with the aid of the wind we closed the distance to the lip and I made the shot at about 32 yards. I could not tell who was more excited! He has not wanted to pull the trigger on anything to date, but now he thinks maybe he does. My sister tells me he went squirrel hunting the next day with the pellet gun I let him "borrow". Being a relatively late comer to hunting myself, this is my first experience at introducing the sport to a young person. I got to say it is one of the more rewarding feelings I have had. Watching him recount the hunt to the family over Thanksgiving dinner was pretty darn good too. Bird stats - 9 in beard, 3/4 in spurs, 18 lbs. Unique copper triangles on tips of tail feathers.  | ||
| gn |
congratultions...those are interesting markings on the tail, for sure...looks like the youngster is in to it pretty good too | ||
| TScottW99
|
Congrat's Dave!!! Dale and I hunted for turkeys in Montgomery County that morning. We saw five but had to eat turkey out that day  | ||
| Freddy McGuire (Vaturkey)
Username: Vaturkey Registered: 8-2000 |
Congrats to you and your nephew! I think fall longbeards are tougher than spring birds and that's a nice one! Great job in getting the youngster out there! | ||
| WVBOY |
Good job .. nothing like a Fall Longbeard.. RB | ||
| Diablo |
As GN said to me last spring... "Yeah and the kid looks happy too...." Thanks for sharing the experience - great stuff. JD | ||
| Bird Dog |
What a great Thanksgiving memory you started! | ||
| HODY |
Great Job. I like those markings on the tail too. | ||
| Dale
|
Way to go, Big Bird. I'm sure the nephew is hooked now. I agree with Freddy on Fall longbeards being more difficult than the spring. As TScott stated, he and I have spent a few days this fall afield for a bird and have not connected. Seen birds but simply couldn't close the deal. Very nice tailfan and very unique markings. Congrats on a great Thanksgiving tradition started! | ||
| hennedup |
Congrats Big Bird on a fine gobbler! I cant wait to get into some fall hunting. | ||
| Stranger |
congrats Big Bird nice gobbler.By the look on that picture with the green grass it reminds me of spring. Doug | ||
| knight_va
|
Congrads!!...........Aint anythng more rewarding than taking young folk!!..Good job!! Max | ||
| browtine |
I remember being in that young man's shoes long ago. I guarantee he'll appreciate it more the older he gets. Congrats to you both!! browtine |