This morning we set up at the high side of a pasture overlooking 2 valleys. The local had hardwoods to the north & east of us. The thunder chickens got right after it at first light. We were surrounded by gobbles. We had a group of 10 to 12 fly down within 50 yards of us however the were all hens and jakes. Around 8 AM we had 3 toms enter our decoys. We let them do their thing as they were all identical in size and 6" / 7" beards at best. By 11 AM all the birds had headed for shade as it was really starting to heat up. We decided to pack it and get some chow. Around 2 PM we arrived at hit the field again. This time splitting up to increase out odds. The wind was really starting to blow with gusts over 30 mph. I would have not been there if it hadn't been opening day for certain. I setup on the edge of a field access road that separate two lush wheat fields with timber on the east edge. I manage to get everything setup without losing the blind. It was so hot and windy I felt as if I should be sitting over a water hole trying to poke a antelope. About 15 minutes of pounding on the slate as hard as I could I had a nice tom in full strut walking the field access road. For over 50 minutes he taunted me to take a shot. I was really fighting it. Running the calls, literally holding the blind down, and attempting to get a shot off. He hung up just outside my comfort zone and he disappeared after some time back into the hardwoods. For the next two hours I had a series of hens blow through my decoys and make their way up the field edge. Finally at 5 till 5PM a really nice tom along with a single hen stepped out of the hardwoods at full strut. He barreled right into my decoys. It all happened so fast. I smoked him at 20 yards, his feet gave way, he made a few kicks, and it was all over. NWTF SCORE = 25.5 + 12.5 + 13.75 + 22.5 = 74.25
That's awesome! Congrats! We are driving across Kansas right now it's windy as sh!t. Seen over two dozens this morning off of I70.
Nice gobbler!!! I think I just realized Kansas has an early archery only season....would be there now, but thought it all started on the 11! Oh well, I will get em next wednesday...But great job man! and congrats!!!
Not if I can kill another that scores more then this one! I saw a really nice beared hen last night. We should get extra points for taking a one!
Congrats. I hope to join you on the 25th in taking my first turkey with a bow! Great pics! Mike --- I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?rqppv0 Sent from my iPhone
