So who else messed up big time today

[Bowjob]

just a fyi, these cameras were left at these spots for a while didnt get to change or pull the cards until today

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

Thanks for sharing. I have had a few turkey blunders myself... lol

Going to try an afternoon hunt this week. Getting up at 3am on opening day didn't happen... lol

[js4fn]

White wolf cool picture.
Wow cold sit this morning. Walking out two toms in front of a different raised box blind. I hate chasing spots

[punkrockerpj]

failures is how you learn in all areas. cherish them or be doomed to repeat them. if you experience hurt from the experience, thats a good thing. it'll stick in your memory for next time.

[longpointer]

I'm no newbie to turkey hunting but got busted all the same. Decided on a time to pull decoys and head home, allowed an extra 15-20 minutes on top of that time because of course had I picked up at the decided time the birds would spot me... ok , so I have a good look around ( just in case ) and finally sneak out into the field to retrieve my dekes and yes I am totally in cammo/ghillie suit. As I am picking up I see a bird jump up and fly off over the bluffs as I am on Lake Erie. He would be at 100 yards plus from me. That was my Opener. Day Two; I sat in my other blind way over on the West side of the field figuring I would "rest" the East blind and didn't see a thing. Oh well.... season just started !

[GW11]

Yesterday afternoon was my turn to screw up. Had a good feeling about a blind we have set up for afternoon hunts on the ridge they travel to go to the roost. I got in and called off and on for an hour or so and didn't see or hear anything. Impatience got the best of me and I decided to move downhill close to the swamp where there's a cut corn field on the adjacent property. On my way there I spooked 2 hens from the field below the blind ( but not visible from the blind), mistake number one.

I got down in the bush between the swamp and cut corn field and gave a few yelps. While sitting there listening for a response, I saw a spot 20 yards ahead that would be a better shooting position so I figured I still had time to move quickly and quietly. As soon as I stood up I heard "putt, putt" from my right and there was a bird with a nice beard running up the fence line of the cut corn field heading away from me. He must have been right there when I started calling, and he was making for the gap in the fence to come over to the property. He wouldn't have been 50 yards away when I stood up.

I tried a few other tricks before heading home but then the storms rolled in. That's happened so many times (not knowing a gobbler was close until I stood) I'm surprised I haven't learned to be more patient with turkeys, but it sure keeps you coming back.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[GW11]

I'd like to add that this would be a great thread to continue throughout the season to highlight our blunders.

Success stories are great, but stories that end with the hunter on the losing end are great confidence boosters for those having bad luck or looking to tag their first one. Great entertainment too!

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[G.S.]

Turkey hunting involves mistakes, failures, and a "learning curve" that take years. There is absolutely no way around this.
Yes, good tutoring, reading books/articles, watching youtube vids, and forums like this help gaining knowledge to a certain degree; but time in the field, learning "live", and having the patience to develop your own skills is a must.
And, Lady Luck may strike any well seasoned & savvy hunter, at any time!

[grumpygeezer]

I got up at 4am..went turkey hunting in my freezer..got a bagged one..and went back to bed..and had a few beers the next day watching it on the rotissierie..