Worked this bird yesterday from 0700-0830 before he left w some hens. He was down the bottom of a steep drop-off and would not move. I could tell he was in a strut zone because he would gobble to the left, then 5 mins later gobble way off to the right. He did this about eight times before leaving. I was on top of the steep drop-off so couldn’t move on him w/o getting busted.

Went back in this morning and set up in his strut zone. I was set up at 0615 about 30 yds from where I thought he was yesterday. Like clockwork he comes through the woods gobbling at 0645. A few soft clucks and he hits it. 15 mins later I got him at 35-40 yds spitting and drumming. I was slightly up hill from him and there was a fair bit of brush between us.
Well, he continued to strut, spit, drum and do some “self-gratifying” maneuvers for the next hour and 15 mins. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth all at 35-40 yds. I’d give some soft purrs and muffled clucks every now and then and he’d gobble back but wouldn’t break strut and come in any closer.
Eventually another bird started gobbling about 150 yds out. He started heading our way and when he got to about 70 yds, he lets out a gobble and my boy finally extends his strut path and moves in his direction just enough to enter a good opening.
That was the break I was looking for and let the 20 gauge eat!
Good bird, 20.45 lbs, 10 1/2” beard, and some pink 1” Spurs.

Time to put on my guide hat and get my nephew onto a bird!




Short version of video on YouTube. Had over an hour of him strutting and drumming.
Turn up volume. You can hear second gobbler coming in at beginning of clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulvUJVrJOL0

Well done. Get in their wheelhouse and take him out of his misery . Nice work in some really thick stuff. Video is cool, and even I can see him this time

Now that's patience. Good job.
V

HAH! Yup, made a mount to hold my iPhone. Worked great. Anybody want to buy a Tactacam 5?

Outstanding! Birds are ripe for the picking right now it seems.

Heck of a season man..

Congrats.

Hey Brwndg I only live about 4 miles from you and I still have two tags left if you want to share Just Joking !!!!Great Job, Great Season!!!!!

OK, he ate a little better then the second one. Congratulations on a great season.

Earl