Team #20 Cross Country Killers

[coyota]

Let's hear about it:
1) How much experience do you have?
2) Plans/Goals for the season?
3) How cool would it be to win 1st place as a team!?!?!:fine:

[SHMELTON]

Whats up fellas?
I have been chasing turkeys for about 8yrs know. This yr I plan on getting my first public land bird. I got on a few last yr., but I couldn't close the deal. 1st place would be great, I think we have a shot at it. We just need patience and a little bit of luck.

Nick

[coyota]

1 year + 1.5 days experience for me, but I have had some good success on these "easy" Western birds-hope to add a few points to the pile for the team!:banana: Two campout trips (and every other spare day I can get away) are planned for this season that starts April 11. Looks like I will be cheering you on from the sidelines until then.:cry: There are some pretty cool prizes to be had, but I think braggin' rights would be priceless.:cool: Good Luck and keep updating on this thread so we can keep track of each other!

[Coach N]

I have been at it for about 13 years, but I am am still learning. I would like to kill a public land bird as well this year. I will hunt most every weekend and might have a few chances when school is out to go after them. Where do you all hunt? I hunt mostly in the middle GA area, but also hunt a little bit in Macon County AL. If any of you want to try to go togehter PM me and maybe we can work it out. Good luck.

[Slings and Arrows]

Hello gentlemen. I must be the old guy. I've been chasing turkeys since 1978. I will be hunting from the Black Hills to the Florida swamps. In Georgia, my deer camp's in Troup Co., Peidmont National Wildlife Refuge 3rd hunt, Blue Ridge WMA and Cedar Creek WMA. If I can squeeze it all in, Wyoming, S.Dakota, Oklahoma and I will spend some time here in Florida. Sure it would be cool to win but that's a small bonus compaired to taking a big old gobbler.

[coyota]

Hello gentlemen. I must be the old guy. I've been chasing turkeys since 1978. I will be hunting from the Black Hills to the Florida swamps. In Georgia, my deer camp's in Troup Co., Peidmont National Wildlife Refuge 3rd hunt, Blue Ridge WMA and Cedar Creek WMA. If I can squeeze it all in, Wyoming, S.Dakota, Oklahoma and I will spend some time here in Florida. Sure it would be cool to win but that's a small bonus compaired to taking a big old gobbler.

I think we have our team captain! Do we want a name for our team???:huh:

[SHMELTON]

I have a Coweta co. lease I hunt it about 3 times a week during the week. I hunt West point WMA, and Paulding Forest WMA several times during the season also. My brother and I are planning on taking a trip up to the West Fork of the Chattooga to hunt and fish one weekend this yr. Never chased a true mountain bird either so it will be fun. Looks like we have some good diversity in our group, so maybe we have a shot.

[SHMELTON]

Since we have a member from the Dakota's and one from Florida, how bout our team name being the "Cross Country Killers". Any other reccomendations would be appreciated too, cause thats all I got.

[Slings and Arrows]

Cross Country Killers works for me. Advice on mountain birds, start off up high, travel light.

[Coach N]

CCK is good with me. Do we want to check in before we post a kill, or should we just post when we kill?

[Slings and Arrows]

My thoughts are that we should post any mature bird but check in and get a committee vote for a jake. What do y'all think?

[coyota]

Cross Country Killers is fine with me!:cool: Jake vote is OK, too. I think we should each post our kills on this thread, so we know what we've got.
Two rules to remember:
1) We have 7 days from date of kill to enter a bird
2) Even though each of us could enter 3 birds, the team total can only be 12 birds

Man, it sure would be nice if we shoot SO MANY that we have to worry about strategy!!!:bounce:

Who is pretty sure they have 3 mature birds locked up this year?

[Slings and Arrows]

I'm rethinking...a couple of you will not be traveling for birds this spring and you may want to post your 3 (GA limit). If you want to post any bird, go for it. Besides, I'm guessing the top teams will post 12 birds. That's better than two birds a team member. Maybe I'm thinking too much, maybe y'all only shoot monsta gobblers.

[Slings and Arrows]

I am currently licenced to take 11 birds this spring but I am looking for 4 full fans, none of which are "locked up".

[coyota]

I've got 5 tags: 2 in the Black Hills, 2 on the Prairie and 1 Archery. A month ago I would have said count me in for 2-3 mature birds (but no monsters). Just found out I am closing on a new house in late April so I now will have a 3 week season if I am lucky. It will likely be a boom-or-bust season for me.:rolleyes:

[SHMELTON]

I have about 5 nice ones Ive been watchin, but u never know. I'm looking For a bird with a 11 in beard and 1 7/8 in spurs on public land. I have counted about 15 gobblers together on my land round thanksgiving, hopefully they are all there Saturday. Im fine with voting on a jake.

[Slings and Arrows]

SB, I will be blowing through Newnan on Friday. Are you open for lunch?

[Coach N]

I feel pretty confident I can kill 3 mature birds. I have access to somer pretty good land, but we will have to wait and see. I would never say it is locked up. I will post any birds I kill on this forum first, then if you all think they are worth posting I will put them up. Who knows with all this "strategery" I might end up getting skinked. Where are yo all planning to hunt Sat?

[Slings and Arrows]

Coyota, congrats on the new house! You know you can push that closing back - you need to keep your priorities strait. I see you hunt yotes. I shot a black coyote this past fall. He's wild looking, like someones house pet. Ever seen any like that up there?

Saturday, I will be at our deer camp in Troup Co. I don't have high hopes because it's only 300 acres and there will be up to 7 people on it. Only one other accomplished turkey hunter and 4-5 wanna-bes . I've taken a bird there the past couple of openers but I have to pull every trick. These guys are my deer hunting buddies for over 20 years so what is lacking in turkey chasing space will be rewarded in comrodery

[coyota]

Anybody hear from duckcrazy yet? Should we get his vote on the name before I put it in the title of this thread?

[coyota]

Coyota, congrats on the new house! You know you can push that closing back - you need to keep your priorities strait. I see you hunt yotes. I shot a black coyote this past fall. He's wild looking, like someones house pet. Ever seen any like that up there?

Saturday, I will be at our deer camp in Troup Co. I don't have high hopes because it's only 300 acres and there will be up to 7 people on it. Only one other accomplished turkey hunter and 4-5 wanna-bes . I've taken a bird there the past couple of openers but I have to pull every trick. These guys are my deer hunting buddies for over 20 years so what is lacking in turkey chasing space will be rewarded in comrodery
Black yotes are a rare commodity here-too much snowcover for that genetic trait to thrive, I think. We do shoot a fair # of coydogs with odd coloration, though. I thought about pushing the date to June but we have been looking for a long time and didn't want to blow the deal. Guess the wife will have to let me hunt more since I am getting her a new house!:D

[Slings and Arrows]

Careful man, it won't stop at just a house. If I pull off a single season slam this year, I will have to send the wife to Hawii. This is a costly sport.

[SHMELTON]

I say majority rules with the name, I pm'd him yesterday with no response as of yet. I do hope he shows up soon though.

[SHMELTON]

Coyota, when does all the snow melt up there?

[coyota]

Coyota, when does all the snow melt up there?
It is still here, but melting.:fine: Spring weather really varies from year to year (and day to day). Last chance for a blizzard is mid-April.:rolleyes: Some winters are all brown, too, and then we wish for snow!:banginghe

[Slings and Arrows]

I was near Rapid City last May when they got 2 ft snow. It wasn't the spring picture I was expecting.

[coyota]

I was near Rapid City last May when they got 2 ft snow. It wasn't the spring picture I was expecting.

High plains (West River) can be bad for snow into May; Camped in June in the Northern Black Hills one time and got 10-12 inches to wake up to! Expect all kinds of weather here and you won't be disappointed.;)

[SHMELTON]

My uncle lives in WY and he says its the same way. Told me that most of the big Ranchers have apartments in town, because when they go in to town they could get snowed in for weeks at a time.

[duckcrazy]

He guys. Been busy with college trying to get a 25 page paper done before season comes in. I'm 28 years old and am self taught when it comes to turkeys. I started hunting them when I was 13. I would jump on the four wheeler and go before school every morning. I guess that gives me around 15 years experience. I plan on hunting some of the local WMA's around school during the week and then going home on the weekends to my honey holes. Good luck to everyone.

[SHMELTON]

I plan on hunting my good ol Coweta Co. honey hole. It was select cut pretty heavily last August. I have a nice little clover patch on a logging deck with some dusting bowls and some good strutt zones around it. Man this is making me twitch just thinking about it. Oh did I say they roost within a hundred yards of this spot, in some nice thick young pines. They have to come through there to access the hardwoods or the pasture, cause the loggers left so much debris laying around that they would have to fly over the debris to get to it. And, we all know turkeys aren't real fond of flying when they don't have too. Man, I got myself all worked up and I still have to wait three days.

[duckcrazy]

I usually have no problem killing 3 birds with 10"plus beards and 1" plus spurs but I lost 400 acres of very good land this year so we will have to see how it goes.

I am fine with the name also.

Posting jakes is a good ideal.

I will also post my birds on here before submitting them so everyone can let me know what to do with them since this is my first year in the competition.

I think that gets me caught up. :banana:

[SHMELTON]

I say we post all of our birds on here before they go to the kill thread, 3 yes votes gets the bird posted. All in favor say I.

[duckcrazy]

I don't see why not. It will not be any more work so.....

"I"

[coyota]

Name has been added!:cheers:

[coyota]

I say we post all of our birds on here before they go to the kill thread, 3 yes votes gets the bird posted. All in favor say I.
Voting could be tough to coordinate, I think we should post any/all birds on this thread as a courtesy to teammates and input, then on the kill thread in time to beat the 7 day window.

1) All those with 3 tags post everything you get!
2) Slings and Arrows will post the good ones out of his 11 tags (trusting those 30+ years of experience)
3) I will post and look for input, but do not want to miss a chance to put points on the board, unless it is the 12th bird and someone has one better!

:)I guess I vote "Nay" on the 3 vote rule::gone: (If I am outvoted I will go along with no complaint:))

[Slings and Arrows]

I would say any bird scoring bonus points is a free post. I will be traveling a bit and may have difficuties going on line a couple of times this season. So y'all can have my vote on any bird you like. It isn't as easy as it seems for 5 guys to get 12 big birds. The top teams "Will" post 12 birds.

[Slings and Arrows]

Duckcrazy, glad to have you with us.

[Coach N]

I say the best idea is to post as a courtesy and if we do not get the votes in say 3 or 4 days then we post to be safe. The limit is 3 per person right. I will have the oppertunity to kill up to 8, but do not expect to get that many

[SHMELTON]

Voting could be tough to coordinate, I think we should post any/all birds on this thread as a courtesy to teammates and input, then on the kill thread in time to beat the 7 day window.

1) All those with 3 tags post everything you get!
2) Slings and Arrows will post the good ones out of his 11 tags (trusting those 30+ years of experience)
3) I will post and look for input, but do not want to miss a chance to put points on the board, unless it is the 12th bird and someone has one better!

:)I guess I vote "Nay" on the 3 vote rule::gone: (If I am outvoted I will go along with no complaint:))

I guess I didn't think that through as clearly as you did, maybe we need to re-think. I do agree however that if your gettin bonus points it should be posted. I can see if you are out in the woods for several days with no pc access you could burn through 3 days or more of your 7 day limit before you get out of the woods. Wanna change it back to Jakes, then.

[Slings and Arrows]

How about this...everyone just shoot adult gobblers and post them all!

[SHMELTON]

Thats my plan! Unless its gettin down to the nitty gritty and we need birds then I'm bushwhacking anything with a bird and a gobble!

[Coach N]

That is fine with me if you all post whatever mature bird you kill. I was just saying I will be glad to post here first and then see. We may be over thinking this. Duckcrazy where are you in school?

[coyota]

How about this...everyone just shoot adult gobblers and post them all!

This has my vote-simple and easy!!

[Slings and Arrows]

Hey! Looking at the kill thread, we are currently tied for first!

[SHMELTON]

My question is who is going to be able to make it through the rest of the week without an anxiety attack? I'm getting so pumped. I woke up the house this morning at 6:00am with a good ol fly down cackle, and that ol hen of mine went to puttin (thats what we will call it anyway). It made her so mad that she still want pick up the phone when I call.

[coyota]

My question is who is going to be able to make it through the rest of the week without an anxiety attack? I'm getting so pumped. I woke up the house this morning at 6:00am with a good ol fly down cackle, and that ol hen of mine went to puttin (thats what we will call it anyway). It made her so mad that she still want pick up the phone when I call.
Restless, confused at times, heart racing, making gobbles and yelps at any and every noise I hear, waiting for the day to come (but sure it will never arrive).........I think I know what a gobbler feels like!!!!!:hair:

[SHMELTON]

Coyota, just think you got a couple of more weeks, time comes to a stand still when you only got 3 days left.

[duckcrazy]

Duckcrazy where are you in school?

Augusta

[duckcrazy]

Im gonna tell you boys.... I have not had time to get excited. This paper is kicking my butt. I have to turn it in next Wednesday and then I am free. All of my classes are in the afternoon so I get to hunt every morning. I am out for spring break from April 4th - 12th so that will give me some good hunting time also. Just checking in... now back to the paper. Catch yall later.

[coyota]

Im gonna tell you boys.... I have not had time to get excited. This paper is kicking my butt. I have to turn it in next Wednesday and then I am free. All of my classes are in the afternoon so I get to hunt every morning. I am out for spring break from April 4th - 12th so that will give me some good hunting time also. Just checking in... now back to the paper. Catch yall later.
Keep at it-you will be able to buy more turkey "stuff" if you get that degree and a good job!!

[Slings and Arrows]

My son's spring break is April 4-12 as well. We should be setting up camp on the 8th up in Blue Ridge WMA. He has a blast trout fishing and running wild up there. I keep him up late in the evening around the campfire so he and Mommy can sleep in late while Daddy runs up high to talk to the animals. Any of you gents in that area at that time should drop by. We will feed you well just let me know. Mmmmmmm, mountain surf and turf.

[Slings and Arrows]

I'm gonnabe off line till Tuesday. Good luck boys! Hit em where it hurts!

[SHMELTON]

I'm gonnabe off line till Tuesday. Good luck boys! Hit em where it hurts!

Since your just down the road from my hunting land, if you get one this weekend and need help with the pictures give me a shout. I'll come by and help you out.

[coyota]

Good luck this weekend, guys! :yeah:

I'm expecting pics, points, and LOTS of bragging on Monday!:bounce:

[SHMELTON]

He was down by 8:10am. 9" beard (actually he's double bearded), 1" spurs. Not the biggest but it puts points on the board and gets the monkey off the back. I'm pretty sure it was because of my new lucky hat. I had 2 others come running in with him, he was the biggest. I would have shot 1 more, but I knew there was a Jake in the pair, and when they flew up after I shot I couldn't figure out which one he was until he was out of range. Now I just have to figure out what is wrong with y computer becasue its not letting me upload the pics.:huh::banginghe:banginghe

[coyota]

He was down by 8:10am. 9" beard (actually he's double bearded), 1" spurs. Not the biggest but it puts points on the board and gets the monkey off the back. I'm pretty sure it was because of my new lucky hat. I had 2 others come running in with him, he was the biggest. I would have shot 1 more, but I knew there was a Jake in the pair, and when they flew up after I shot I couldn't figure out which one he was until he was out of range. Now I just have to figure out what is wrong with y computer becasue its not letting me upload the pics.:huh::banginghe:banginghe
Now THAT is the way to start it off!!:banana::banana::banana:

[SHMELTON]

Can't wait to see how everyone else does. I just heard some great news however. My brothers girlfriend just missed a monster he said it had atleast a 12" beard on it. This is the bird I have been watching since deer season, and I know where he is hanging out!!!!! Its on in the am!!! Oh yeah, I got the pics posted on the Kill thread, and the double beard thread.

[Coach N]

Good job. I got skunked.

[SHMELTON]

How did everyone do today? I got on one this morning, had him coming on a sting, and a coyote screwed things up. I could only hunt till 9am cause the wife had somewhere to be by 10am. I got volunteered to babysit. I wish I could take him with me, but there wouldn't be a turkey within 3 miles with 15 min of our arrival.

[Coach N]

I had to drive the bus at church this week, so I had to be at church by 745. We have 5 games this week so I will not be at it until next Sunday, but that starts spring break. Lets get this week over fast.

[coyota]

That's alright, guys-My daughter and I both have the flu so you can be sure that almost getting a turkey and driving the church bus sound pretty good right now!!:)

[Slings and Arrows]

Nick, nice bird! And nice hat! I'm glad it's working for you. Keep them birds flopping. My weekend was about what I expected with one added bonus. They are clearing the next property so I got to listen to chainsaws and skid steer all weekend. I couldn't stand to stay another day. Only heared one gobble opening morning about 1000 yards off the property. Now I'm back in Osceola country looking for long spurs. No more Mr. Nice guy.

[coyota]

Nick, nice bird! And nice hat! I'm glad it's working for you. Keep them birds flopping. My weekend was about what I expected with one added bonus. They are clearing the next property so I got to listen to chainsaws and skid steer all weekend. I couldn't stand to stay another day. Only heared one gobble opening morning about 1000 yards off the property. Now I'm back in Osceola country looking for long spurs. No more Mr. Nice guy.
Get MEAN on 'em!!!:D

[SHMELTON]

I think I am going in the am, gonna hunt till about 9 then head to work. I wish I was out there today, but I have entirely too much work to do. I seem to be the only person in the construction business busy these days, which is a blessing! Coyota, get you and your daughter well soon. If the flu you got is anything like what hit my house then I feel for ya. I never got it, but my wife and little boy did. The wife has asthma and wound up in the hospital, and the boy looked like he was gonna die to. Just go to sleep and wake up next week.

[coyota]

I think I am going in the am, gonna hunt till about 9 then head to work. I wish I was out there today, but I have entirely too much work to do. I seem to be the only person in the construction business busy these days, which is a blessing! Coyota, get you and your daughter well soon. If the flu you got is anything like what hit my house then I feel for ya. I never got it, but my wife and little boy did. The wife has asthma and wound up in the hospital, and the boy looked like he was gonna die to. Just go to sleep and wake up next week.
Good Luck, tomorrow! (We are on the tail end of the flu bug and doing better. Got enough energy to pack for the move with the goal of hitting the opener on April 11th!)

[coyota]

Hey, Guys: I think Brandon (Arrow3) is getting discouraged about all the cryin' and moaning going on when people get their bird disqualified because they don't post the required pics!!

1) If you like this contest, you might PM him and show some support or post on the thread that he started: "I hope everyone really enjoys the turkey challenge this year......" and let him know how you feel.

2)Print and carry a copy of the Rules with you, if possible.

3)Let's try to get our pics right! They should look like this (I printed these out for myself, too):

[SHMELTON]

I don't see how its so hard for grown men top follow direections. One word of advise would be to take aroud 10 or so pictures just incase you cant read the date in one lof them.

[Slings and Arrows]

I've got some private land lined up for next week here in Florida. I will be looking for Mr. hooks! April 4-7, I should be camping at Cedar Creek WMA with all the other crazies. If anyone is in the area, drop on by. Then, on the 7th, I'm heading to the mountains till about the 11th. A couple of days in the office and I'm off to the Black Hills. On my return, if I have taken a nice Eastern, Osciola, and Merriums I will go visit my buddies in Oklahoma for a Rio. If I havn't taken all three, I am permitted for the 3rd hunt at the Peidmont National Wildlife Refuge. That will just about burn up April. I am enjoying the anticipation because when I get started on all this, It is giong to fly by.

[SHMELTON]

Good luck with the single season slam!

[coyota]

Good luck with the single season slam!

x2:cool: (and don't get those Hills birds too stirred up for me!:bounce:)

[Slings and Arrows]

Thank you gentlemen. I am optimistic. I gotta get the first one first though.

[ExpressHunter]

Coyota, how many days do you have left till your season opens?

[coyota]

Coyota, how many days do you have left till your season opens?

About 5,000:banginghe(15)

[SHMELTON]

I went yesterday afternoon, bout 4pm, heard the birds fly up at 5pm. That was unusually early, I guess the rain did it. I was supposed to go to a stupid fishing tournament, but the thunderstorms that are coming in have canceled it. I'm hittingPublic land Saturday morning:yeah: If I can't get one there I'm am going to put the sneak on a big one at my land around 1pm.. I would be after him Saturday morning, but he flies down with hens, and I can never get in front of him due to roosting and property line issues. Its on like a chicken bone. Oh, and I may call in sick tomorrow, I have the eastern bird flu.

[Slings and Arrows]

Oh, and I may call in sick tomorrow, I have the eastern bird flu.

You don't look too well dude! You had better find a cure.

[ExpressHunter]

Coyota, Are you anywhere near Fargo? Looks like things are getting bad for the folks that live near there.

[SHMELTON]

I was wondering the same thing when I watched the news this morning. I saw where they were dynimiting ice to try to slow the flooding, thats nuts. I hope you are out of harms way sir.

[coyota]

I was wondering the same thing when I watched the news this morning. I saw where they were dynimiting ice to try to slow the flooding, thats nuts. I hope you are out of harms way sir.

My family is ok, so far! Record setting flood depths on MANY rivers, creeks, waterways this year and it is not pretty in places. Only good thing to say is that it has been very cold which has somewhat moderated the remaining runoff. Thanks for your support!

[Slings and Arrows]

I hope it's all good by the 11th! Maybe you can hunt turks from a boat like with ducks.

[SHMELTON]

Well, boys the Bird Flu has got me yelping and cutting all over the place. The storms will be out of here in an hour. I'm going to get a cure. I'll report back later.

[coyota]

I hope it's all good by the 11th! Maybe you can hunt turks from a boat like with ducks.

Hmmm.....:) "Turducken"

[coyota]

Well, boys the Bird Flu has got me yelping and cutting all over the place. The storms will be out of here in an hour. I'm going to get a cure. I'll report back later.
I bet they will be feeling frisky after the rain:banana:

[SHMELTON]

Thats the plan! I'm gonna talk so kinky to them today, they are gonna come running with 50 gallon bucket of wesson oil and a rubber sheet!

[coyota]

Thats the plan! I'm gonna talk so kinky to them today, they are gonna come running with 50 gallon bucket of wesson oil and a rubber sheet!

:rofl::rofl::rofl:I think we should all just pretend that is your favorite turkey recipe and leave it alone!:D

[Coach N]

got one this morning. It has 11 3/8 beard, and 1 1/8 maybe 1 1/4 spurs. I hope you all are ok with me posting it.

[Coach N]

I am having trouble loading it. Can someone help?

[coyota]

got one this morning. It has 11 3/8 beard, and 1 1/8 maybe 1 1/4 spurs. I hope you all are ok with me posting it.
:DNaw, you better hold out for a BIG one..........:rofl::rofl::rofl: JUST KIDDING (of course)!!!! Post that Bad Boy and congrats on a GREAT Bird!:cheers:

[coyota]

I am having trouble loading it. Can someone help?

Have you posted a pic on a thread before? Do it here 1st so you get it right! What help is needed?

[Coach N]

I am going to try it again. It says invalid file. I will try a different file type.

[coyota]

I am going to try it again. It says invalid file. I will try a different file type.

Hello-Are you posting a jpg as an attachment?

[Coach N]

The rain ruined the pictures. Let me know which ones I should use.

[coyota]

#1 and #2 should work, but the beard pics need to show the whole tape-especially the bird end. Also need better spur pics that are focused. Check out examples I posted above....

Great bird and cute little hunter-in-training, too!

[Coach N]

I hope we don't lose by 2 points because I couldn't get a better shot of the beard. I will submit it and let them DQ it. I have posted a few other pictures of the spurs let me know if they prove the spurs to be 1 1/8.

[coyota]

I hope we don't lose by 2 points because I couldn't get a better shot of the beard. I will submit it and let them DQ it. I have posted a few other pictures of the spurs let me know if they prove the spurs to be 1 1/8.

That top spur pic is great-looks like 1 1/4 inch to me!!! Is the beard still on the bird for a retake?

[Coach N]

No, I think I screwed that up. I apoligize to the team, but this bird was scared by the full strut decoy, so he must have had his butt whipped by a big boy. Maybe I can get him.

[coyota]

No, I think I screwed that up. I apoligize to the team, but this bird was scared by the full strut decoy, so he must have had his butt whipped by a big boy. Maybe I can get him.

??? So the bird is dressed out?

[Coach N]

I cleaned the bird, so the beard is no longer attached. I will just pluck the feathers around the beard next time.

[coyota]

I cleaned the bird, so the beard is no longer attached. I will just pluck the feathers around the beard next time.
Understood. I would say you have a mature bird (5pts) + 1.25" spurs (3 pts) + over 11" beard (2pts)=10 pts

(unless on WMA then add 2pts more)

Submit and see what happens-these are your BEST pics:

[coyota]

Don't forget to post Team# and score along with the pics!!:)

[Coach N]

I posted all of the beard pics will that be a problem? I also like that I killed on the day Coach Davis retired. You are not from here, but he is a HS football legend around here.

[coyota]

I posted all of the beard pics will that be a problem? I also like that I killed on the day Coach Davis retired. You are not from here, but he is a HS football legend around here.

That beard just might make it!! If it's not OK I'm sure they will let you know, and if it doesn't count that's OK-you will just have to get a bigger one!:cheers: You are a football coach then?

[coyota]

A bird to remember,for sure! I gotta go pack-going offline.

[Arrow3]

Thats a great bird for sure...I can't speak for the judges but I would be willing to bet your not gonna get credit for the beard....Can't see the first couple of inches of the tape....The judges rep will be in touch im sure to let you know everything.

[Coach N]

I know it was a screw up on my part.

[SHMELTON]

Congrats coach! If they dq it, no biggie. We all still have plenty of birds to shoot. I screwed up and missed a 10 pt (probably) in the terential downpours this morning. I rushed the shot for no reason. Glad to see us moving the points in an upward direction. Again, congrats on a nice bird.

[SHMELTON]

:banginghe:banginghe:banginghe:whip::whip:Have I told you boys what a non shooting idiot I am? I get a gobbler with a rope you could swing from coming at me on a string this morning. He popped off the roost at 9, I was 75 80 yds from him set up on the other side the hill. I been calling all morning, but it was raining so hard you couldn't hear anything at all. Figured it was the same for the birds. I hear a faint gobble inbetween rain drops bouncing off the hat brim. I cut hard, and loud he fires off 3 times and is 40yds and closing. At 20 yds I rush the shot. I might has well have closed my eyes and shot. It was that bad. I knew it was a bad shot when I jerked the trigger. Needless to sa he is still there, and I am going to lay awake all night tonite knowing I have to go after him again in the am. I am an idiot, for doing what I did. I sat in a monsoon all morning to miss the bird. That is something you just don't do especially one that big! :crazy:

[coyota]

Don't sweat it guys-all part of the game!:)

[K80]

Glad to see that yall boys are going to take it in stride and not moan and groan like others if the beard length doesn't count!

Very nice bird!

[SHMELTON]

I got a call from a buddy about 9 oclock last night,who has a place outside of Roanoke, AL. He was telling me the birds were thundering over there all day yesterday, and that I needed to have my rearend there in the am, so I decided to go since its only 45 min from the house. I met him at his cabin, to eat breakfast, and he proceeds to tell me where he had been hearing the birds. So we decide to set up on a logging rd, that he has seen birds using to get to a large field. We set up, and they start thundering way. The wind picked up, so I switch to my box call, and about 30 min later hear comes 2 birds right up the road. My buddy was facing the other direction so he couldn't see them. I whispered to him that the were coming, and I was going to take the big one. There was a huge Tom and a Jake together. They get to 10yds. I pull the trigger and all I hear is TINK! The shell that was in my gun apparently got wet yesterday.:banginghe They perked there heads up, and move off the road behind a blow down. I thought to myself, the Tom's head is white, Jake's is red. I slowly shucked my shell out, and about that time I see the white head coming aroud the other side of the blow down. I squeezed off the round, and all I hear is flapping. I run over there to see the freaking Jake laying on the ground! He did have a blonde triple beard though, which kinda makes me even more upset cause that would have been a nice trophy next yr. Do you boys want me to submit this bird? I can still shoot 2 more in GA, I haven't taken pics yet I just walked in the door, and figured I would ask before I went through all the trouble.

[SHMELTON]

I decided against posting it on my own. Hope yall think the same since I already cleaned it. I have to many good birds on my own property to post a jake.

[coyota]

I decided against posting it on my own. Hope yall think the same since I already cleaned it. I have to many good birds on my own property to post a jake.

You used your best judgement and that is ok with me-still have 2 birds to go in GA anyway! BUT, I think we should take the pics even if we don't plan to submit the bird, that way if some unforeseen event happens in the next 7 days (like I fall in a badger hole and break both legs or something:eek:) then we can still submit a bird.

[coyota]

Glad to see that yall boys are going to take it in stride and not moan and groan like others if the beard length doesn't count!

Very nice bird!

We will do our crying like men-after the TAVERN,in the PICKUP, while listening to HANK WILLIAMS SR.!!:bounce:

[SHMELTON]

Cant beat a cold beer and old Han!

[Slings and Arrows]

Coach, congrats on a great bird! Pics or not, you're adding good points. Go get the big one now.
Nick, Nick, Nick. What can I say. Where you whearing your lucky hat? You know it doubles as a thinking cap. Stay hungry man.
I'm off to put one to bed. Talk to y'all Wednessday.

[SHMELTON]

Yes, I was wearing what I am about to start calling the unlucky hat. I had two huge birds infront of me in a little over 24 hrs, and I screwed them both up. I mean both gobblers go behind the root part of a blow down, at 10yds away. It took no more then 10 seconds. The Jakes head was not supposed to change color that fast. I should have waited till I saw the beards, but I wouldn't have been able to shoot them because I would have had to turn 90 degrees. With 2 birds at 10yds I don't think I could have pulled it off. Stinking rain ruins everything. I have to go buy another box of shells now and throw 5 unfired ones away. You know that shell had a hard time going in the mag this morning. I should have known there was water in it. I am not thinking at all. I need to start drinking again. I didn't have these problems when I stayed up till 2 am, and then went hunting in the am. I am going to have to drink every day till the seasons out now. OH DARN!

[Coach N]

NO beard points fellas. Sorry. I will try to get them the next time. I went back this morning to the same place, but it sits where a creek runs into a river, and the bottom where we always have our luck was a big lake. I hope the water goes down before the am. I am on Spring break this week, so I will be going most every day if any of you are in Mid GA let me know. I cannot stay all morning though I have ball games mon thru thurs, but Fri and sat they better watch out.

[coyota]

NO beard points fellas. Sorry. I will try to get them the next time. I went back this morning to the same place, but it sits where a creek runs into a river, and the bottom where we always have our luck was a big lake. I hope the water goes down before the am. I am on Spring break this week, so I will be going most every day if any of you are in Mid GA let me know. I cannot stay all morning though I have ball games mon thru thurs, but Fri and sat they better watch out.

Did you get the extra pts for spurs?

[Coach N]

yea we got 8 points.

[coyota]

yea we got 8 points.

:fine:

[SHMELTON]

Cool, thats 13. I should have us atleast 20 pts. I just need to get it together. Im taking off thurs and Friday to go get a wma bird or 2. Redemption is near!

[SHMELTON]

Coach, give us a spring break report, are you hearing any birds. Since you are the only one lucky enough to be hunting we need to be entertained. I know Ken is out as well, and he want report till tomorrow. We need some good news boys!

[Coach N]

I got some bad directions to a place to hunt this morning, so we did not get there until after 8. I went up to a hill and cut. A bird gobbled. we set up on the road and he came in on a string. I was doing the calling for a buddy who has been hunting hard for a few years, but has not killed one. When he came around the corner I told him to be patient, but he shot early and missed. I can't go in the morning, but I should be back at it thursday. The only problem is all of my spots are on rivers. One on the flint, one on the Ocmulgee, and one on the Oconee. I hope they are all not under water. I know one is.

[SHMELTON]

Good luck, out there. Im heading to West Point to hunt thursday, Friday, and Sat. My bro and I will be camping out all weekend. Maybe I can post us a wma bird. We got a spot thats 45 min walk off the rd. where Ive never seen another hunter. So we should hopefully get in them good.

[Slings and Arrows]

Well I havn't pulled the trigger yet. Monday, hunted a rye field all day. Called up 21 jakes total. At one time, I had 8 jakes 10 yards behind me, 3 jakes harrassing my decoys and one about 2 feet from the end of the gun. It was like a great jake migration. they came in the field from dawn til 4. I hunted with the landowner who is not a fanatic but likes to eat a bird now and then. One jake came running from approx 600 yards and stopped in front of him at 15 yards...BANG-Flop. He is happy and I am invited back. The next couple of years will be good over there. I never saw or heared the daddy gobbler there. Tuesday, I went to a freinds club. It is the opposite of a field. Had a bird going at first light and trudged the swamp to get to a good flydown spot. I ended up between him and hens. I was pumped and confident. Saw him sail down about 80 yards out front. Never saw him again. Must have headed to his harem. I wish I coulda stayed and waited for him to finish servicing - dang. He was a good one. I'm hitting a big ranch of a customer Tomorrow that nobody turkey hunts on. I wish I could hunt there more than one day. Then I'm will do my week long tour of the GA WMA system. Stay hungry boys!

[SHMELTON]

Even though you didn't pull the trigger it looks like you had a good time. Good luck tomorrow.

[coyota]

Well I havn't pulled the trigger yet. Monday, hunted a rye field all day. Called up 21 jakes total. At one time, I had 8 jakes 10 yards behind me, 3 jakes harrassing my decoys and one about 2 feet from the end of the gun. It was like a great jake migration. they came in the field from dawn til 4. I hunted with the landowner who is not a fanatic but likes to eat a bird now and then. One jake came running from approx 600 yards and stopped in front of him at 15 yards...BANG-Flop. He is happy and I am invited back. The next couple of years will be good over there. I never saw or heared the daddy gobbler there. Tuesday, I went to a freinds club. It is the opposite of a field. Had a bird going at first light and trudged the swamp to get to a good flydown spot. I ended up between him and hens. I was pumped and confident. Saw him sail down about 80 yards out front. Never saw him again. Must have headed to his harem. I wish I coulda stayed and waited for him to finish servicing - dang. He was a good one. I'm hitting a big ranch of a customer Tomorrow that nobody turkey hunts on. I wish I could hunt there more than one day. Then I'm will do my week long tour of the GA WMA system. Stay hungry boys!

21 Jakes!?! I don't blame the daddy of that bunch for not showing up-he didn't want to get mobbed! Another foot of snow on Mon & Tues.:cry: If it ever hits 40F I might go pattern some Hevishot this wknd. Good Luck, guys!!!!

[Coach N]

I am headed out to try to get one before the rain gets too heavy. Hope someone else slays one today. I will report back.

[SHMELTON]

Of course my brother is running late. Like 11/2 hrs late. We are heading out now to set up camp before the rain hits to hard. After we set up, we will be going after them . I will send a report from thr black berry tonite.

[Coach N]

Too much rain

[Slings and Arrows]

I got my Osceola! :fine: Should be good for 8 points. Too bad Florida allows only one a day because his twin wanted to get shot too.

[coyota]

I got my Osceola! :fine: Should be good for 8 points. Too bad Florida allows only one a day because his twin wanted to get shot too.

Great job, Captain!!!:yeah:
Nice spurs on that beauty??

[Coach N]

Great job. I tried this morning. I saw them fly down, heard one gobble one time way off, but only saw hens up close.

[coyota]

Good news, fellow Killers: there is a strong chance I will be hunting BEFORE I move to the new house on the 20th!! April 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th are on the calendar.:yeah:

[coyota]

HEY GUYS-after you post your birds on the kill sheet, do NOT go back and edit (after the 1 hr. window is up). THIS INCLUDES TEXT EDITS!!! I have noticed other people have had their birds disqualified for this-thought you should know.:shoot:

[SHMELTON]

Good job Ken! Beautiful Bird! I had no luck onth wma. We hunted hard, but could never close the deal. I probably hunted 20 hrs in 3 days. Im sitting in a pop up blind next to Atlanta motor speed way right now. I have not heard a gobble yet, but we are gonna get him this morning. Good luck boys we will talk to you later.

[Slings and Arrows]

coyota, I know you have got to be close to ready to hunt. If I lived up there I would have to go south to get started earlier. Hang in there dude, your time is near.

[coyota]

coyota, I know you have got to be close to ready to hunt. If I lived up there I would have to go south to get started earlier. Hang in there dude, your time is near.

That's the plan!

1) This year: max out my SD tags! (DONE)
2) Next year: visit my relations in Nebraska (Uncle has a hunt club on the Platte)
3) Third year: visit wife's relatives in Missouri (Uncle has a cattle ranch with turkeys and bass)
4) 4th Year: Practically in Florida by now anyway-why not take my (by now 5 yr old) daughter to Disney before she starts school? I'll drag some of the in-laws along and they will never know if I am gone for a few days!!
5) Year 5: I am now so far along in my addiction that my wife will be happy to get rid of me for a few weeks and won't care where I go, as long as I am not home practicing my mouth calls!

The Perfect Plan!?!?:huh:

[yoteaholic]

That's the plan!

1) This year: max out my SD tags! (DONE)
2) Next year: visit my relations in Nebraska (Uncle has a hunt club on the Platte)
3) Third year: visit wife's relatives in Missouri (Uncle has a cattle ranch with turkeys and bass)
4) 4th Year: Practically in Florida by now anyway-why not take my (by now 5 yr old) daughter to Disney before she starts school? I'll drag some of the in-laws along and they will never know if I am gone for a few days!!
5) Year 5: I am now so far along in my addiction that my wife will be happy to get rid of me for a few weeks and won't care where I go, as long as I am not home practicing my mouth calls!

The Perfect Plan!?!?:huh:

yea right 'scrote! Realistically...
1) year one-buy too many tags than needed-guess its for a good cause.
2) drive all the way to Nebraska just too drive around my unckle's club..couldn't hunt...as I left my gun and gear at home-Must need a bigger truck.
3)in Missouri-if I could ever get out of babysitting/shopping MAYBE I could hit up Cabellas and watch the bass swim around in the aquarium--counted fourteen turkeys on the way home.
4)holy crap Disney is expensive! picked up a new Turkey magazine at the truckstop on the way home-couldn't read it my daughter got car sick and puked all over it.
5)were are all of my mouth calls-and how did the toilet get plugged?:cheers:
April 11 is near!!!:banana:

[coyota]

yea right 'scrote! Realistically...
1) year one-buy too many tags than needed-guess its for a good cause.
2) drive all the way to Nebraska just too drive around my unckle's club..couldn't hunt...as I left my gun and gear at home-Must need a bigger truck.
3)in Missouri-if I could ever get out of babysitting/shopping MAYBE I could hit up Cabellas and watch the bass swim around in the aquarium--counted fourteen turkeys on the way home.
4)holy crap Disney is expensive! picked up a new Turkey magazine at the truckstop on the way home-couldn't read it my daughter got car sick and puked all over it.
5)were are all of my mouth calls-and how did the toilet get plugged?:cheers:
April 11 is near!!!:banana:

:rofl::rofl::rofl:Oops, did I forget to include my best hunting buddy? If we go South you GOTTA take that snow camo OFF.............:bounce:

[yoteaholic]

:bounce:

[Coach N]

Any Idea where we stand? I am going to AL this weekend. I hope to lay a couple out there.

[SHMELTON]

Any Idea where we stand? I am going to AL this weekend. I hope to lay a couple out there.

I don't know. We are not in the lead, but we are definately in the running. 21 pts ain't bad when Coyota hasn't even been able to get in the woods yet. I would say 3rd or 4th just by looking at what info is given.:yeah:

[SHMELTON]

Coyota, looks like you have 8 days left, not counting today. Its about time to start loosing sleep, getting cold sweats, anxiety, etc.!

[coyota]

Coyota, looks like you have 8 days left, not counting today. Its about time to start loosing sleep, getting cold sweats, anxiety, etc.!
I'm as cool as the other side of the pillow.......:biggrin3:

[SHMELTON]

Who's hunting this weekend? I'm gonna try, but the wife is going out of town, and I will probably not be able to get a babysitter. HopefullyI will be able to get out though.

[coyota]

Who's hunting this weekend? I'm gonna try, but the wife is going out of town, and I will probably not be able to get a babysitter. HopefullyI will be able to get out though.
Good luck if you get out!:shoot:

[Coach N]

no luck I hunted thursday friday and Sat. I only hearf birds Friday, and was so confident in my spot I did not move to them. It was a mistake. The bird I thought I had roosted did not make a peep.

[SHMELTON]

Atleast you got to go Coach. I'm on child duty all weekend. It looks like this was prolly the best morning to be out there this yr. I might try it tomorrow, if I can talk my sis in law into watching the little one.

[Coach N]

Down here yesterday was the best. This morning was pretty windy. If I was not on child duty I would be giving it a try this afternoon it is pretty outside.

[Coach N]

we better get to work. It has been a while since any of us have posted.

[SHMELTON]

I'm going in the am! Maybe we will post one tomorrow!

[SHMELTON]

Well I had every intent of going this morning, but I was scared that I may have some trees fall on the ol noggin. Man I haven't seen it this windy in a long time.

[Coach N]

Any use in me trying one this afternoon in the rain? I can set up in a blind and stay fairly dry.

[coyota]

Any use in me trying one this afternoon in the rain? I can set up in a blind and stay fairly dry.

Only sure thing is we can't kill 'em on the couch!:bounce:

[Coach N]

I have not hunted much in the afternoon. What time do they fly up? It seems when I have hear them during deer season it is fairly early.

[coyota]

Headed out for blood Tuesday Noon-back online Friday night at the latest!:yeah:

[yoteaholic]

we've been waiting scrote! :D

[coyota]

we've been waiting scrote! :D:hair::hair::hair::hair::hair::hair::hair::hair:

[SHMELTON]

Coach, they usually fly up about 30 min before dark. the gobblers have been gobbling good between 5ish to 630 or so. They are calling up there hens to go up to roost.

[Slings and Arrows]

Update - didn't get spur points for my Osceola - Oh well, sorry gents. I was in the Blue Ridge WMA last week. I climbed the back side of a mountain to get position on one roosted about 150 yards below Wednesday when a couple of "hunters" came hooting up the road below him. I saw him fly from his roost and sail across the valley maybe a mile. Friday morning I wasn't going to hunt but was up at dawn starting the campfire and heared one gobble. I grabbed my stuff and took off. I climed to equal ground, caught my breath, did a fly down cackle and he flew down to 80 yards. He strutted and gobbled for twenty minutes and was at 40 yards right above me a couple of times but never presented a shot. Then the lightening started to crack. The rain came down in buckets. He wondered off gobbling occasionally at thunder. I had to get out of the thunder-boomers. I get back to camp and everyone was asking if I heared all those gobbles this morning. Had a great time camping with family and freinds and we all caught trout. There was snow up there early in the week, then sun and rain and sleet then sun again. I'm expecting more weather like that in the Black Hills this weekend.

[SHMELTON]

Good luck to you in the Black Hill's! Sounds like you had fun even though you didn't get a bird. As soon as the weather clears today, I'm at it agiain. I just can't justify playing hookey from work to hunt em in the rain.

[coyota]

I'm runnin' late, but I'm outta here!!! Hopefully a bird in hand when I post next! Good Luck, guys!:banana:

[SHMELTON]

Good luck to you!

[coyota]

Roosted 4 gobblers last night and filled my tags with 2 of them at about 6:35 am!:yeah:

Do these pics look OK to post?

[SHMELTON]

Heck yeah! Way to go!

[yoteaholic]

nice Sitka shirt, nice Dixon vest, nice birds!!! congrats!

[Slings and Arrows]

coyota! you da man! Nice birds. I'm in Rapid City this morning going to hunt in Wyoming later. Do you have another tag? You can go to Wyoming or Nebraska. Stay hungry boys.

[SHMELTON]

Got them gobbling yesterday afternoon. I had a Jake at 10yds, he was gobbling like a big boy too. I thought I had another good one to post, but he will have to wait till next yr. I did have 1 more nice one hang up on me, about 60yds out. I believe the season is turning around down here. I think Sarurday is gonna be on like chicken bone!

[coyota]

coyota! you da man! Nice birds. I'm in Rapid City this morning going to hunt in Wyoming later. Do you have another tag? You can go to Wyoming or Nebraska. Stay hungry boys.
Got 2 Black Hills tags and an archery tag left! Hope to hit the Hills beginning of May; Archery is probably an empty promise this year, but who knows? Keep after 'em, guys!!:cheers:

[coyota]

Got them gobbling yesterday afternoon. I had a Jake at 10yds, he was gobbling like a big boy too. I thought I had another good one to post, but he will have to wait till next yr. I did have 1 more nice one hang up on me, about 60yds out. I believe the season is turning around down here. I think Sarurday is gonna be on like chicken bone!

I think it's starting to turn for you guys, too!! Been reading other posts that say the same thing and guys that had a tough start are beginning to post birds-Hang in there!!:shoot:

[coyota]

Posted my birds on the Kill Thread!:cool:

[SHMELTON]

I'm staying at it till May 15th! I love the sport to darn much to give up. Good luck on those black hills birds, I got a feeling we are going to have another out of state, and atleast 1 in state bird posted by the end of the weekend. What do you think our chances of placing in this thing are?

[coyota]

I'm staying at it till May 15th! I love the sport to darn much to give up. Good luck on those black hills birds, I got a feeling we are going to have another out of state, and atleast 1 in state bird posted by the end of the weekend. What do you think our chances of placing in this thing are?

I think if we could each get at least 1 more bird,we could have a shot at placing?:huh: Anybody heard from duckcrazy? Thought maybe he would get a bird over Spring Break-maybe he decided to chase the HENS instead!?!?:biggrin2:

[SHMELTON]

I haven't seen any sign of him. His last post on the forum was checking in with us, and you can't tell when he signed on last. Maybe he will see us asking about him, and let us know whats up. If your out there man drop us a line.

[coyota]

I haven't seen any sign of him. His last post on the forum was checking in with us, and you can't tell when he signed on last. Maybe he will see us asking about him, and let us know whats up. If your out there man drop us a line.

No shame in putting your education 1st-chasing girls instead of gobblers is a different story!:biggrin3:

[SHMELTON]

I chased after a girl 1 spring break, and that cost me a small fortune. She still hasn't left, and that was 11yrs ago! Not to mention she has cost me a small fortune, and tries to keep me from hunting, like thats gonna work. I just give her more money, and tell her to go shopping.:hammers:

[coyota]

Hey, I took a quick look at the scores of all the teams-if you add my 10 pts., I think we might be running around 3rd or 4th place! Keep knocking them down,guys!:fine:

[SHMELTON]

well I don't pl, on leaving the woods tomorrow until I get 1 or it gets dark. We need atleast 3 more 5 pt birds. Come boys we can do it! I wonder if Ken had any luck in WY? Hopefully so.

[coyota]

well I don't pl, on leaving the woods tomorrow until I get 1 or it gets dark. We need atleast 3 more 5 pt birds. Come boys we can do it! I wonder if Ken had any luck in WY? Hopefully so.
I bet he is trying to sort through the "little ones" to get to the 11"+ beards!;)

[Coach N]

I am going to give it a try Fiday afternoon. I will check back in.

[SHMELTON]

Get em coach, don't get discouraged early. Give it till 6:30pm. They will eventually sound off.

[Coach N]

I am going to end practice at 4:15 so I can be in the woods by 5. I know it is a little late, but it is the best I can do.

[Coach N]

I set up at 5:30 and he answered the first time I called. I saw him and a hen about 150 yards through the woods. They slowly made their way toward me, but at abut 8 they were 70 yards away. He gobbled one last time to tell me to come to bed with him, then he went up the hill. I will get him soon. He was a nice one.

[coyota]

I set up at 5:30 and he answered the first time I called. I saw him and a hen about 150 yards through the woods. They slowly made their way toward me, but at abut 8 they were 70 yards away. He gobbled one last time to tell me to come to bed with him, then he went up the hill. I will get him soon. He was a nice one.

Are you calling in sick tomorrow?:biggrin2:

[Coach N]

This was actually friday, but I had a baseball game 160 miles away yesterday, and bus duty today. I am feeling a cold soming on.

[coyota]

This was actually friday, but I had a baseball game 160 miles away yesterday, and bus duty today. I am feeling a cold soming on.

:DBetter stay home and take care of yourself!;)

[coyota]

Moving Day!:fine: I'll be offline for a day or 2-Good Luck if you get out!:flag:

[SHMELTON]

Good luck Coach, hope you get over the bird flu soon. I didn't shoot 1 this weekend. However I did get my buddy his first bird. It was a Jake, but he sure acted like a big dog! I located him on the roost, and sucked him right to the barrell. He came out in the field strutting, and gobbling his head off. Had a 51/4" beard and 1/2" spurs. He might have been a small 2yr old IDK. Then we got on 1 Sunday morning, and he was called away by the hens. This was on a new spot that no one else on my buddy's club hunts. That bird will be dead Saturday morning.

[Slings and Arrows]

I wonder if Ken had any luck in WY? Hopefully so.

YEP! I will have pics this afternoon. I got a nice three yr old in WY that will add 5 pts and I went to Montana and put one down for the record books (I think it will be #10 typical) (easy 8 pts). OMG, there were tons of birds in those hills. More details to come with pictures.

[SHMELTON]

Way to go! that is just what we needed!

[Slings and Arrows]

What a week

[typarker69]

ALRIGHT!!!! ya'll are just showing out now. That is enough no more birds for team #20. Just kidding. Congrats those are some nice ones.

[Slings and Arrows]

Sick pictures from the west...

[Slings and Arrows]

Do y'all want some more?

[SHMELTON]

Boys if I can add right, I think we have the lead!

[coyota]

What a week
YEAH!!!!!:banana::banana::banana: Nice job!-only thing prettier than those birds is the country they live in! I am in the new house. 7 days to unpack and I hit the road for the Hills. Hopefully another 5 points and some more good Western pics for the pile!:bounce:

[coyota]

Boys if I can add right, I think we have the lead!
Winna, Winna, CHICKEN DINNA!!!:fine:

[Coach N]

Great job. I hope I can help out a little more.

[Slings and Arrows]

Boys if I can add right, I think we have the lead!

Someone once said "Never count your chickens bla bla bla". I think that goes for turkeys too. Stay hungry boys!

[4x4powerstrokesd]

good job fellas, our team has been in the lead for a while, and yall passed us by 4 points now. looks like i need to hit the woods a little harder. Congrats!

[coyota]

Someone once said "Never count your chickens bla bla bla". I think that goes for turkeys too. Stay hungry boys!

I'm starvin'!:bounce:

[coyota]

good job fellas, our team has been in the lead for a while, and yall passed us by 4 points now. looks like i need to hit the woods a little harder. Congrats!

Win or lose-we ARE having fun!:banana:

[Slings and Arrows]

Win or lose-we ARE having fun!:banana:

We are having the MOST fun!

[SHMELTON]

Definately having the most fun, look at the post cont for the thread. I'm starvin myself! You can tell the season is in full swing around my house. The boss is starting to wonder where I am every morning, and the wife is threatening to throw me out! What can I say I LOVE IT!!!!! Here turkey,turkey,turkey.

[coyota]

Speaking of fun: anybody want to help me unpack all these boxes??:p

[SHMELTON]

Man I learned a long time ago it's much easier to pay someone to move for you then, fight with your family for 4 or 5 days to get that crap done.

[coyota]

Man I learned a long time ago it's much easier to pay someone to move for you then, fight with your family for 4 or 5 days to get that crap done.

Yep.:banginghe

[coyota]

How's the hunting this weekend, Killers?::;

[Slings and Arrows]

I hit the Peidmint NWR Friday and Saturday. Friday morning I heared 141 gobbles, was at least 4 different birds, called in a jake and two hunters. Saturday morning I set up dang near 2 roosted toms and could see one in the tree when it got light about 100 yards. He and his buddy gobbled 4 times before coyotes ran up to my decoy. I shushed them away and later watched tom fly down over the other side of the creek. I couldn't get them going again.

Anyone heared from duckcrazy? It would be nice to post another bird or two.

[coyota]

141 Gobbles? Things are heating up in GA!! (Don't know about that bycatch, though.)

Nothing, so far, from duckcrazy.:huh:

Hopefully leaving for the Hills Wed or Thurs am! :D

[SHMELTON]

I didn't hear squatt Saturday. Sunday they gobbled like crazy. I had two different birds working towards me only to be dragged off by hens. I've got jury duty all week so maybe I can get picked for an afternoon case. That way I can hint the am. The court house is only 10 mins from the honey hole. If I cant hunt this week I am definately hunting all weekend.

[Slings and Arrows]

coyota, good luck in the hills. I left plenty for you. Hey, I have a great spot a bit north on public land that I could tell you about but then I would have to kill you. I'm sure you know better spots there than me anyhow.
SB, I'm gonna try to get up your way about the 8th or so. Do you want to tag team some of those buggers?
Coach N, its time for you to post up another monster! Are you getting any time in the woods?
It's comming down to the last couple of weeks. Stay hungry boys!

[Slings and Arrows]

coyota, PM sent. Go get your bird there and next time I see you expect to be killed. (jk)

[coyota]

coyota, PM sent. Go get your bird there and next time I see you expect to be killed. (jk)
:hair::hair::hair::D

[Coach N]

I am going in the morning. All the rain a few weeks ago has made the last 2 weeks very busy. I know where one is. I just have to kill him in time to get to school. I will be in the woods the next couple of weekends though. I have been leaving the full strutter in the bag. Anyone think I should try him?

[coyota]

I am going in the morning. All the rain a few weeks ago has made the last 2 weeks very busy. I know where one is. I just have to kill him in time to get to school. I will be in the woods the next couple of weekends though. I have been leaving the full strutter in the bag. Anyone think I should try him?

:biggrin2:

[Slings and Arrows]

I have been leaving the full strutter in the bag. Anyone think I should try him?

Unless you're hunting exclusive private land where the birds have not been hassled, called at or decoyed, I would leave it behind this late in the season. Most birds are getting a little spooky from hunters, coyotes and other gobblers out to get them. I have found that full strut decoys work best when gobblers are still sorting out the pecking order early in the season. I have been wrong before and there are no absolutes in turkey hunting. If you have all day to hunt and you want to camp on sign all through the heat of the afternoon, a couple of decoys may give you a bit of confidence to hang in there. Good luck either way.

[Coach N]

WEnt with a single hen, but I heard no gobbles. When I have a little longer to hunt I know I can get this bird. I will give him a try again this weekend.

[Slings and Arrows]

Coach, I love your confidence. Get him!

[coyota]

Coach, I love your confidence. Get him!

x2!!:banana:

[SHMELTON]

Going camping again this weekend! Hope to nail a big one. I have found his lair, now I just have to get him to come to me. I called the boss hen in Saturday, but big daddy was nowhere to be found. Also, have been seeing a strutter at noon in the same spot everytime I've been to this particular track. I am pretty sure I am going to have to set up, and wait him out.

[Coach N]

Go get him. I will be trying to wait one out myself.

[coyota]

Headed for the Black Hills tomorrow am!:yeah: 2 tags to fill, so hopefully a 5 pointer or better is in my future. Check back in Thurs night. Good Luck when you guys get out!:shoot:

[SHMELTON]

Good luck in the hills!!!!!

[Coach N]

Ill be waking up in 3 hours hope it is worth it. Pictures to come????

[Coach N]

I went today and heard nothing. I know there are at least 2 big birds there, but they have been silent for the last 3 times I have been out there.

[SHMELTON]

Nothing but silence in Henry Co. too. We talked to a couple of boys in camp and they told us where they been seeing "ol paint brush" so hopefully I will have something to post in the am.

[Slings and Arrows]

How was the weekend boys?? Coyota, isn't that your buddy yoteaholic that shot a nice one? Did you take him to my secret spot?

[SHMELTON]

My weekend Suuuucccckkkked!!!! I didn't hear a thing Saturday, found out where the big boy was Sat. night. One of the guys camping on the club told us they roosted him around 7:30pm on a gas line we had been hunting. Even told us how far down to go, and set up. We sneek in set up, he flies down about 7 am and is heading straight for us. Then here comes Mr. Bobcat from out of no where. Bye Bye birdie, and that is how most of my year has been since my first bird. If it wasn't bad luck I would have no luck at all. Oh, and bye the way I am not letting another Jake pass we need the points.

[Slings and Arrows]

Nick, stay after that big bird man. You've got one more weekend and you have a line on him. He sounds like he is ready to party.

[SHMELTON]

I got one more weekend, and a whole lot of sick days!

[Slings and Arrows]

Yea man, you arn't looking too well. I think the best thing for you is to sit on a tree and sweat it out.

[yoteaholic]

How was the weekend boys?? Coyota, isn't that your buddy yoteaholic that shot a nice one? Did you take him to my secret spot?


wasn't able to go with Coyota this weekend....but I have talked to him and.............:D

[Slings and Arrows]

wasn't able to go with Coyota this weekend....but I have talked to him and.............:D

And!

[coyota]

wasn't able to go with Coyota this weekend....but I have talked to him and.............:D

...............5 pts coming home from the Hills, today!!:fine:

[Slings and Arrows]

ATABOY! Looking forward to the pics and story. Now you get to just sit and watch the challenge with me. It would be so cool to get a surprize post from the duck. I hope he is doing OK. You've put the pressure on Coach and SB to finish strong. C'mon boys - Get-er-done!

[SHMELTON]

Man, now I'm gonna have to go hunting in the am!

[SHMELTON]

If I did my math right we are 1 pt out of first. Now I'm thinking I shoould have scored that Jake. We need 1 more birdie for the basket.

[Slings and Arrows]

Or two! Those gents have not laid down their guns yet. Don't lower your standards for this challenge and shoot a jake. If we lose by 2 points, you can blame me for not getting a better picture of that 1 1/4 spur on my first bird. It's all on me. Just hunt and have fun. In fact, I really enjoyed being on y'alls team. You're good folk and you hunt as hard as anyone. What else could you ask for in a teammate? Win or not, we are turkey hunting/killing fools!

[Coach N]

I will be in the woods Sat, Sunday, and maybe some other times. I will do the best I can to add points.

[coyota]

:biggrin3:Here are the pics-are these ok for the Kill Sheet??:huh:

[Slings and Arrows]

Coyota, They look good to me! It looks like it's still cold up there. Congrats on your hill bird. Tell us a story.

Coach, don't stress about the points. Just hunt and have fun. Good luck!

[yoteaholic]

hey coyota--fine pic of a good bird!! you gotta quit lookin' up at those crows when they fly over you!! hope your mouth was closed! :rofl: Well Done, now quit adding points already!!:D

[Coach N]

S&A if we are 2 points short I will be to blame as well, because I did not get beard points on an 11.5

[Slings and Arrows]

OK Coach, we blame you! (JK) There were alot of birds, beards, spurs, WMA points DQed for many hunters. It is what it is and weve been in it from the beginning. Team #20 has had a good showing no matter the results and we had fun and made some new freinds so we win anyway.

Coyota, I was looking at your pics and I see you have a little something on your nose.

[coyota]

All part of the game, guys-all of us have done our best and that's good enough for me!:cool:

So, you want to hear a dead turkey tale??:huh:Might take a while: I am a slow keyboarder and home with my daughter, today!

[Slings and Arrows]

Take your time.

[coyota]

"Dirty Bird"

Finally got out of town on Sunday am. Didn't get too far before having truck trouble that sent me back home to get my wife's truck, instead!:banginghe Unload, reload, lunch and back on the road-now it is afternoon.:banginghe Figure I will have just enough time/light to set up camp when I get there::; (tents are no fun in the dark). As I enter the Hills, the weather is perfect-sunny, warm, and calm.:) By the time I get to my area in the "High Country", it is WINTER, again!:cry:All my tent spots on NF land are either snowed in or a mushy mess-even the campgrounds are closed/drifted over.:(

I decide to use the remaining daylight to look/listen for birds and if none are found, I will head for lower elevations and less snow. I stop and listen at several spots, check for sign and see/hear nothing but snow and mush until some crows fly over........(gobble).:biggrin2:

I have about 20 min of legal light left so I figure I will roost him and go at him in the AM. I pull out the crow call and 3 caws later.......(gobble). This bird is willing-I better give it a try-NOW! 5 min to suit up into full battle rattle and I am headed towards him. I make my way 100 yds to the meadow fence and caw,caw-Gobble! He cuts me off! This bird is HOT!:p I make it to the rock pile in the meadow and yelp on the box call...........nothing.:huh:

I know I've got to close the distance to have a chance at him so I sneak across the open meadow 200yds through a low spot and cross the fence-now I'm in the trees. I caw-Gobble!! He is now nearly straight up the ridge from me. I look ahead and see a logging road going straight up the ridge towards him.........and smile.;)

I take a knee behind a couple of close trees and yelp-GOBBLE!-he cuts me off! I'm guessing he is 100yds and closing fast. He is walking fast and gobbling as he walks.::;

75 yds now. I cutt on the box call-GOBBLE/GOBBLE!!!! He double-gobbles to cut me off!:cool:

50 yds now. Still can't see him and he is still gobbling and strutting/booming his way to me down the road. I know I should not (:pBUT I CANNOT STOP MYSELF ANYMORE THAN HE CAN:O)-I yelp one last time and he starts to GOBBLE again, then cuts himself off with a GOBBLE/GOBBLE!!!

I don't recall raising my weapon, but it is now at my shoulder. I catch glimpses of him on the road now. The sights align themselves on an opening in the junipers and he steps through at 20yds-he is Magnificent!-FFFFFT/BOOOM/GOBBLE!!!!! He falls in a silent heap and I hear my shot echo between the ridges. It's all over now-only about 12 minutes from start to finish-but it will be remembered forever!:bounce:

(With all due respect to those birds who earned their titles being chased days, weeks, months-even years) I named this 12 minute, lovesick creature with a tail still stained red from dusting on his winter range.........."DIRTY BIRD"!

Hope you enjoyed him as much as I did!:yeah:

[SHMELTON]

Cool story! Fast hunts are fun, but they kinda leave an empty feeling in the gut when its over. I 'guess for that fact thats anytime I shoot a turkey. I guess all of that anticipation was building and building, then boom its all over. That is what makes it so fun, especially when the spittin and drummin starts.

[Slings and Arrows]

FFFFT/BOOOM/GOBBLE Oh Yea!:bounce::bounce::bounce:That's what I like to hear.