Hunt for turkey so far

[finsfurfeathers]

So its been a tough one so far. Birds don't seem to be that active yet. Weather hasn't helped. Ended one hunt the temp was 25'C and severe thunderstorms and started the next morning -2'C and graupel.
Have two toms pinned however can't get to them due to all the fallen branches from the ice storm in the bush trying to lure them out but not much luck. Hoping with some calmer stable eather should have thing going hot and heavy. In the mean time happy to see a pair of Jacks hopping around managed to snap a pic of the buck (ya I'm no photographer)

[Its About Time]

It has been a very hard hunt so far this year.

At least you have put eyes on some birds.

I can hear them but they keep going the opposite way this year. Eventually they will come my way. They always do. Patience is a virtue.

[overtheir]

Seen a few hens at 2 different locations ,heard gobbling at 2 different locations but haven't put eyes on the toms yet ,but when they sing it get the blood pressure rocken

[sabmgb]

this has been my best year in probably 5 years. I have seen birds every time out and gobbling for hours each time. Last 2 years I didn't even hear a gobble. I saw 1 bird last year and shot him. Year before I saw a hen and a Tom that I shot. both at end of season. So don't give up there still lots of time left.

[DanE]

Bird population around me took it pretty hard over the winter in my area with above average snow fall.
hunting has been horrible so far

[finsfurfeathers]

So still slow going. Usually would be seeing toms out in the fields strutting like crazy. Had one pass by didn't realize it was a tom till it was to late. Crept by dark and quiet. Really haven't seen one in all his glory with the vibrant coloured head.

[overtheir]

Seen hens but Tom's no got one guy that refuse to come out of the bush ,I m hunting a clover field , adjustant to a plowed field hens walk by and go to the plowed field but he won't join them for dinner

[finsfurfeathers]

Seen hens but Tom's no got one guy that refuse to come out of the bush ,I m hunting a clover field , adjustant to a plowed field hens walk by and go to the plowed field but he won't join them for dinner

Game time. Played with 4 jakes friday that were jousting and one trying to strut. Today had a tom hot to play can read the story in the contest thread.

[rf2]

I saw your post in the contest thread. Nice bird. Can you describe the method you use to pluck your turkeys? That is one clean plucking job!

[finsfurfeathers]

That is one clean plucking job!

same method for everthing from woodcock to turkey save for one addition. Start with appropriate size a pot of water set to boil. Don't have an exact temp as go by eye. Just before it hits a simmer dunk head first under the water and jig until feathers are wet but not to long to scald the skin. For turkey pull out grab by neck and soak feet can go a little longer on them. I use nitrile gloves and pluck against the grain pulling a few feathers at a time wing and tail feathers do one at a time. Peel the feet with a twisting motion and pull the toe nails with pliers. Cut skull off at the neck, remove the tail gland, and cut around the anus. Now break down the bird. Breast gets process into chicken fingers. Thighs and wing drum sticks go into the slow cooker. Heart, stomach, and liver goes into the rizzotto. Neck, skin, bell, carcass, wings and feet goes into the soup pot.