5-12-23 I slipped out to some public land close to home this morning. My usual spots have been tough around here, and birds are tight lipped or gobbling off the property. I wager to say that most of the private that I hunt gets as much or more pressure than any public land does, just because every spot I have I share with others. This spot I have always got on birds even late in the year, but never killed one before today. I went to my usual spot to listen, and bumped a hen walking in. I stopped where I bumped her and heard this bird way off to my right not where I thought I would hear one. I listened to him for a while hoping another would be closer, but eventually started his way. I was worried someone else would come in from another road on him as he was much closer to it, but I got lucky I guess. I setup on him twice and couldn't do anything with him. We wasn't really answering me at all. But he kept gobbling enough for me to stay interested. I eventually realized by looking at a mapping app that there was a small branch creek in between him and my setup, I made a move and looped around and got in the branch and used it to hide my approach.. I finally got to about 100 yds or so from him and made my final stand. It took about 15 minutes for him to come looking for me. I only made two calls once I was in his bubble.
Nice Bird.. 19.3 lbs .. 11.25 inch beard.. 1 1/8 sharp pearl hooks
Video
https://youtu.be/8pW6ffsiYac
Pics
