Didn't pull the Trigger

Went out hunting yesterday. I was walking the dogs at 7:30 and it was so nice out, I just had to. :)

In my pop-up at 8:03.

Sat till 8:12 then decided to use the box call and get things rolling. As turned to pick it up, I happened to look out the side window and two nice sized Jakes were standing there, less than 10 yds. NOT a sound was made by them, not so much as a cluck.

I slowly pull the gun into my shoulder and put the bead on one of their heads.

I was about to fill the tag and then I stopped and lowered the gun. The realisation that I could end the spring hunt with less than 10 minutes of hunting didn't feel right.

So I let them pass, another small group went by about 30 minutes later. I sat for another hour and decided to scratch out a few calls. After about 45 minutes the 1st two Jakes came by again. I let them wander away, again, packed up and came home.

With 30+ days of hunting still ahead, there really is no need to fill the tag so soon. Lots of beautiful mornings ahead to enjoy the tranquillity of sitting in the bush watching nature. I also have access to a buddy's property, for a change of scenery, so I can head over there some days.

Being retired I can go anytime I want to, without the restriction of work etc. So why not take advantage of that.

So very true Mikepal 3 more years for me. Then i can enjoy the slow time. Enjoy every minute.

After not coming close last year, I didn't pass on anything this year.
I can spend the nice spring weather cutting wood now.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

After not coming close last year, I didn't pass on anything this year.

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I learned that lesson with deer, actually at least 10x by now :)

Always shot the first viable target..it may be your last chance. HaHa.

If I was retired and had access to property anytime I wanted then I would of most likely made the same decision. 30 days of hunting to someone working is a dream. I’m lucky if I get four Saturdays lol

That’s what is great about hunting, you call the shots.
Just sucks to regret it later.....lol

:thumbup:

Good Luck

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Went out hunting yesterday. I was walking the dogs at 7:30 and it was so nice out, I just had to. :)

In my pop-up at 8:03.

Sat till 8:12 then decided to use the box call and get things rolling. As turned to pick it up, I happened to look out the side window and two nice sized Jakes were standing there, less than 10 yds. NOT a sound was made by them, not so much as a cluck.

I slowly pull the gun into my shoulder and put the bead on one of their heads.

I was about to fill the tag and then I stopped and lowered the gun. The realisation that I could end the spring hunt with less than 10 minutes of hunting didn't feel right.

So I let them pass, another small group went by about 30 minutes later. I sat for another hour and decided to scratch out a few calls. After about 45 minutes the 1st two Jakes came by again. I let them wander away, again, packed up and came home.

With 30+ days of hunting still ahead, there really is no need to fill the tag so soon. Lots of beautiful mornings ahead to enjoy the tranquillity of sitting in the bush watching nature. I also have access to a buddy's property, for a change of scenery, so I can head over there some days.

Being retired I can go anytime I want to, without the restriction of work etc. So why not take advantage of that.

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Just buy another tag !!
I usually take a jake first, and let the gobblers pass until the last week or so of season.

https://i.postimg.cc/7hcLDYLP/20210429-112558.jpg
I did the same thing this morning. 2 toms went by at 15 yards, took a picture instead. I'm down to 1 tag as it is.

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Originally Posted by rick_iles

Just buy another tag !!
I usually take a jake first, and let the gobblers pass until the last week or so of season.

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Jakes have been my preferred choice for many years..14-18 pounds is a perfect size for 2 people for a couple of meals. So the guy I had the bead on perfect....just wanted more than 10 minutes out of the season :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Jakes have been my preferred choice for many years..14-18 pounds is a perfect size for 2 people for a couple of meals. So the guy I had the bead on perfect....just wanted more than 10 minutes out of the season :)

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Just buy another tag......or have you filled one already ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikePal

I learned that lesson with deer, actually at least 10x by now :)

Always shot the first viable target..it may be your last chance. HaHa.

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I like Steve Rinnel's (Meateater TV series). "Never pass up on the first day what you'd be happy to have on the last day".

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

I like Steve Rinnel's (Meateater TV series). "Never pass up on the first day what you'd be happy to have on the last day".

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You must know the 5 stages of hunting... I've surpassed those and entered stage 6 a few years back and now it's "all about the hunt".

It doesn't rally matter if I bring home any game after all is said and done...take my chances that I'll fill the tank closer to the end of the season, but it's not a requirement anymore. :)

The five stages of hunter development are:
Shooting Stage.
Limiting-Out Stage.
Trophy Stage.
Method Stage.
Sportsman Stage.

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Originally Posted by Deer Hunter

That’s what is great about hunting, you call the shots.

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So true!

Last year I hunted one particular gobbler all season. I have to admit that it became a bit of an obsession, as evidenced by the bags under my eyes and the poor condition of my yard. Finally got him on May 25. So this this year when a jake appeared on Day 2, I told myself that I don't need that kind of stress! :)

Now I'm focusing on helping my son get his first turkey. If in the process I get to fill another tag, it'll be a bonus.

I get both sides. Retired guys have the option, and good for you, us that spend precious time in the woods do not.
Happy for those that have put the years of working in and now can enjoy a full schedule of hunting time in the woods at your leisure.
No issues with passing on the Jake from me Mike....congrats on quality time spent in your blind, after all that's what hunting is all about.

Glad you are in that position to make that decision...Good luck to you when your ready.. :)

I always try and get my money's worth on a turkey tag. Calling them in is the best part.

Sent from my SM-A505W using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Camoman

I always try and get my money's worth on a turkey tag. Calling them in is the best part.

Sent from my SM-A505W using Tapatalk

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So true. I'll call them back 2 or 3 times if I can just for the conversation if I'm not in the mood to pull the trigger. More enjoyable for me than a 1 minute deer hunt where the deer steps out of the bush and the hunt is over.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

I like Steve Rinnel's (Meateater TV series). "Never pass up on the first day what you'd be happy to have on the last day".

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So true.

I don't blame you Mike, I to have passed on birds and my buddy thinks I'm crazy lol but I only pass on the second never the first. Not because they are jakes but because I want to be able to enjoy the full season of getting out and enjoying the outdoors. One year I filled my first tag opening day and had my bead on the second bird the very next day. I thought to myself I haven't even started hunting yet and I enjoy getting out with my buddies so I lowered the gun and chased turkey for the rest of the season.

Think you forgot one stage.
Help set up your buddy stage