New spot that I have never been to...... walked in blind. Heard a bird gobble a good ways off. Started after him and hear another that was closer. Followed the logging road until it opened up into a beautiful green field that bordered a creek. The bird was gobbling at the other end. We tried to get as close as we could without spooking him by walking around a blown down tree....i was holding my breath. Got set up with one hen decoy in the field. Dad was towards the bird and I was behind him about 30 yards. Tree yelped with my Cody slate call and he gobbles back. Waited 15 min. (he was still gobbling) and beat my hat up against my leg and then hit a series of yelps and cutts and he goes bananas! Pretty soon I see him on the opposite side of the field in full strut and he had gotten around Dad (which we later found out it was 40yds) but he thought it was too far and he was headed my way. I saw him about 60 yds. out and I had my gun laying across my lap (I didn't think I was going to get a shot). Luckily the field had a litte rise to it and the other side sloped downward, so everytime he put his head down I would move my gun. Finally I got it into position and he had gotten around me and was coming from left to right. He was in full strut and I could see him drumming....my heart was pounding! He slips out from behind some branches in front of me and I lowered the boom. I didn't see what happened (later dad told me I rolled him over) I jumped up to one knee only to see him running. I shot again and he rolled over. I must have run about a 4.2/40 to catch him and the game was over. The monkey from my back was sighted fleeing the scene. 17.5 lbs. 9 inch beard and 1/2 inch spurs. Nothing like a 2 year old that hasn't been hunted all season!!!!!!!!

Congrats on what sounds like an exciting hunt. Way to stay with the bird on the follow-up shot. Me thinks that monkey is having some difficulty finding a home this year!

Congrads!!!!..... That monkey is sure ugly aint he!!

You have definetly arrived! Great job man.

Great job!!

Doug

Congrats Birdman!!