The Turkey Hunt - By Chris Crum

This morning I went to a spot where I had been successful in the past. I started walking in the woods at 5:30. I went too far and as I was trying to find the place I intended to set up, I decided that where I was standing didn’t look too bad. I figured if the birds were too far I would just move. The ground was all charred from a recent burn and it made me question my camouflage, but I was happy to have on my “usually too dark” jacket. There was plenty of time before daylight so I just got comfortable and waited for the break of day. As the little birds began to sound off I opened my eyes to find that it might be getting light enough for a tree call. After I did some light tree yelping a gobbler sounded off. Far enough to call to without being seen, but close enough for me to stay put. After a few gobbles a jake sounded off. The jake was much closer and after it got light I could see him in the tree. I was anxiously waiting for the big bird to pitch down to determine my next move. After my “long” wait the gobbler took flight toward the jake and landed up hill from his tree just out of my sight. I gave some calls to let him know where I was. The jake pitched off in the same location and then a third bird (I didn’t know was even around). After a few more calls I waited for them to show. The jake showed and the gobbler was chasing him. They both came into sight and looked my direction. After a look they both went back from where they came. I was thinking, “What happened?” “Did they see me?” “Did I scare them?” I called a few times out of desperation and debated on going after them. As I sat there contemplating the turkeys started to come back. The gobbler strutted again to be sure the jake knew who was boss and they started my way. There were a lot of saplings and branches near the ground and I was trying to keep an eye on them and the bird. That way, if he stopped I would know if I had a shot or not. He didn’t seem like he intended to stop. He was closing ground in a half strut walking position. At about 22 yards I didn’t see any saplings between us and he had come close enough. At the shot he dropped like a sac of potatoes. I ran over to claim my prize and thanked God for providing me with another great turkey this season. The other birds just stood there, looking. I had to run after them to chase them away. Dang, my heart was pounding. -Chris Crum 4/15/2009