First Turkey! Crazy Story!

[anfield21]

Well I finally got it done this morning after hunting hard all season. Arrived to the farm just before 5am and heard several toms gobbling in the bush. Walked in along field edge to where I was parallel to roosted tom and setup a lone hen decoy about 15 yards into the field. Sat tight for about 20 minutes before I let out my first passive call, tom responded immediately. Repeated the same process until about 6:30 when I realized the tom sounded further and further away. Decided to walk along field edge and let out a few calls along the way. I got maybe 150 yards when I heard the tom about 100 yards into the bush so I walked in about 15 yards and setup against a big tree. Called him into 40 yards(thick brush) when he decided to circle and pass by me. It was now 7:30 and I needed to leave for work, so I packed it in and walked out to the field. To my surprise the tom was walking past my decoy where I was originally setup! I didn't really know what to do, I had a meeting for 9am so I needed to get out of there. I figured I would get as close to the tom as possible and if I spook him then so be it, I'll let him rest for a few days and be back for more action. He proceeded to walk away from me at a very slow leisurely pace about 30 yards into the field from the bush. I stopped, grabbed my bag, chair and decoy and proceeded to follow the tom. He still wasn't spooked, so I figured I would just follow him for as long as possible and make my way to the car when he decides to run off. For some reason, unknown to me, he decided to stop and sit down and try to hide(?) in the wheat. I walked to within 30 yards of him, his redhead peaking out of the wheat the entire time presenting a PERFECT target. I let fly and dropped him where he laid. I still have no idea why he didn't spook, I didn't even really make an attempt to be quiet while stalking him. One of the weirdest and equally most satisfying hunts I have ever had. I got him out of the field, measured and weighed him and then cleaned him up. Needless to say I didn't make it to my meeting for 9am but the boss was understanding!

Final stats:
Beard- 11inches
Spurs- 1 1/4 inch
Weight- 23lbs
turkey1.jpgturkey3.jpgturkey2.jpgturkey4.jpg

[FISH-ON]

Congrats!

[fratri]

Great story, I guess they think they are hiding and we cant see them in the wheat.... I have had that happen, where they run ahead of me only to lay down (hide) in the wheat.... Sometimes, their behaviour is just weird...
Congrats on the nice bird..

[marky.mark]

That’s amazing. When you cleaned him did you notice any sign of ill health or sickness?

[anfield21]

That’s amazing. When you cleaned him did you notice any sign of ill health or sickness?

I didn't think to check...the breast and leg meat looks great. Should I be concerned?

[jlmorgan]

Nice bird, congrats

[sabmgb]

I won't think so, this happens more often than you know. Buddy had this happen a couple years ago.

[fratri]

I didn't think to check...the breast and leg meat looks great. Should I be concerned?

I wouldn't worry about it too much as I have had that happen to me a few times.....where they tried to hide on me..... I would not consider it's actions uncommon for this time of year (tall wheat)....

[GW11]

Nice job, nice Tom! Congratulations!

That's a big bird for your first!

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[tom gobble]

Screw the meeting lol nice bird