Gobble, google, splash!

Thank you O2B!!!  If not for you, I'd still be turkeyless.....

Chuck, my daughter Sydney and I visited Allen’s house, but he was up at GS4.

We parked in the dark and waited for daylight.  Since we didn’t know where or how the birds would act, the plan was to wait for daylight, locate the birds, establish a blind/ambush spot, then call them in.  But while we were BS’ing in the van, they suddenly appeared in the middle of the road and closing in on us FAST.  CRAP! We stuck in the van, with birds about 15 yards away.  Too make a long story short, I made the call to exit the van and try to get a shot, but they ran away quickly and neither of us were able to get a shot.

Time for plan B. Chuck and I decided to split up.  I walked the levee with Sydney, looking for a good ambush spot.  After waiting a while, with no sign of the birds, Syd and I decided to walk back.

As we were walking back on top of the levee, I spotted a bird next to the creek, hunkered down.  I kept walking until I hit some cover, then told me daughter to freeze as I nocked an arrow.  I walked backwards, looking away from the bird.  Then I stopped, drew and guessed 25 yards before releasing. 
Feathers flew and the bird started flopping around. It seemed like a good hit.

But then it dropped into the creek so I nocked another arrow and got a solid hit, which looked like it anchored it down.  So I backed away and waited about 3 minutes for the thrashing to stop.  My heart was pounding.  So far it was a surreal experience. 

Too many emotions were running through my mind.

After what felt like a long time, it was done, so I charged down to the creek and grabbed it by the neck.  The arrow penetrated the chest and pinned it down.  I pulled the bird through the arrow, then pulled the arrow out of the water/mud.

Woohooo!!!

Sent a pic to a good friend who’s first words were “Roadkill??”  Thanks Fuzz!

Definitely not the prettiest picture, but a proud moment nonetheless.

I brined the breast fillets for 24 hrs and grilled it to perfection.  Tender, moist and delicious!!

Stuart

Big congrats on the turkey Stuart.

Jedmo

Great report, Stuart.  That sounds like a cool experience.  Thanks for sharing it.   

Nice going, Stuart...and what happened to Chuck?

Great report! and the headline caught my attention. Sounded little weird - shoulda known it would have somethin' to do with O2B.   

Let us know how the turkey tastes.

Congrats Stu!  That's such an awesome experience to share with your kiddo.  She'll definitely remember that adventure for the rest of her life.   

EK

Thanks guys!!

Howard,
Chuck was holding out for a big one.  Similar to his first sturgeon or a fine wine......it just takes time.  Next season, I know he'll get a nice one like Erik's.

Wild turkey (breasts) is REALLY good.  I'm a fan.

Stuart

Congrats on the bird!  I've blanked out for the year, glad to see a brother represent!

Arrows aren't just for fish anymore eh?

Nice goin' Stuart, glad you could enjoy some fowl breasts

Good for you Stuart!
I blanked out too. I last hunted Saturday and missed two birds! That makes it 6 arrows I lost this season on these birds!
It's funny you mentioned the emotions you felt. I think I can relate, as I felt a flurry of stuff as well when I hit, and unfortunately lost one. Tom fever?

That is so cool!  Awesome that you all got out, and got some!

 

Congratulations on the bird Stuart. Persistence paid off. Wished I was there to join in on the celebration. A few years back my first local bird ended up in the water with Red Dog going in after it. By the time he drug it out let's just say it wasn't a Kodak moment. They still taste just as great!

The neighbors are really disappointed in us (especially Chuck ) for not even putting a dent in their turkey troubles.


ps Your buddies are brutal...but funny....

Great pic!

Congratulations on the bird Stuart. Persistence paid off. Wished I was there to join in on the celebration. A few years back my first local bird ended up in the water with Red Dog going in after it. By the time he drug it out let's just say it wasn't a Kodak moment. They still taste just as great!

The neighbors are really disappointed in us (especially Chuck ) for not even putting a dent in their turkey troubles.


ps Your buddies are brutal...but funny....

Stu agonized for a bit if he should post the pic... but eventually did.

I still think the pic would be more apropos if Syd was holing a shovel instead.