Zach and I got a late start this morning. I sat the clock for 4:00. But it was pm not am. Some how I woke up at 5:00 and was going crazy. After a little excitment of running out the door and maybe breaking the speed limit ....just a little, we got to the farm. At 6:05 we were headed for the woodline. Half way there I made an Owl hoot and got three bird to gobble.
All three bird were a good ways off. We put a hen and jake decoy out got sat up and waited about 10 minutes later and I started to call a little. Right away the bird that was behind us to my right sounded off. a few more calls and a other bird right behind about 100-200 yrds gobble. all together three birds were interested. I started using my Cane Creek Slate call doing clucks and purrs. The birds were not gobbleing as much and the last time one did it still sounded pretty far off. I went quite on the calls and about 5 minutes went by and I heard something coming in right behind me and Zach. We were backed up against an up rooted tree so we had good cover. All of a suudden I hear this bird and it only about 4 feet to my right. I'm trying not to shake to death. Zach on my left.The bird stop and I thinking it has seen me or something. At this point I had no idea if it was a hen ,jake ,or Tom. The bird started moving off to my right and I was able to turn my head just enough to see it was a Jake. I told Zach to get ready . The bird eased his way around a tree and made his way to the field. He went right for the decoys. Zach eased the safety off the 20 gauge when the bird came in site. I told him to shoot. 17 yrds and the young bird went down for the count. We looked like a couple of crazy fools in that field jumping around, giving each other high five's, hugging each other, tears , you name it.
Zach said this was the happiest day of his life.
The bird weighted 14lbs 4oz had a 4" beard and 1/4 " spurs
If I never take another bird thats okay. This was a great day.
God Bless you all
Tim
