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Had to exit the blind to try getting closer to this big boy and his large harem, which would not budge from their remote strutting spot.
It took me quite a bit of work, including belly crawling 300+ yards through swampy mud and puddles, and then holding still in very uncomfortable positions for what felt like ages, while the birds were checking me out.
Good thing I had the idea to grab a decoy with me, and planted it 25 yards from my final location; it distracted the hens while I was sitting down there on the ground.
Had to hold my legs with the opposite hand to relive some unbearable pain, was able to move very slowly and re-position a bit without totally spooking the birds; was not sure I could stay contorted like that much longer.
Finally, the local patriarch Tom made a move to check me-out, and my shotgun barked once.
