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Georion

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've called these 2 birds (one Tom, one hen) to the same area twice now...and know they frequent the area. Today, I missed a shot at the Tom -they both freaked out and flew away. My question is: will they come back tomorrow or in the near future if I call from there? ...or will they associate the area with danger and avoid it? And helpful tips area appreciated. OH, and what's the best call to use (I have decoys set also) to get a hung-up Tom (50 yds) to come in a little closer -his hen was 10 feet from me...I did a few soft yelps and a purr, and couldn't get that sucker to come any closer... Thanks for reading.
 
Were you real excited when you pulled the trigger that you missed the bird. Did you wing him or spray him with pellets or did you just really blow the shot and miss completely. The one thing I have learned from watching others miss is as soon as you've realized you missed the gobbler pick up your call and cluck real loud and most of the time he will come running back to you thinking the hens went one way and he went the other. Most of time they do that, but not always. The turkey should not be more then a couple 100 yards away, He may not come back to that call you were using, change it up.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
ShakyJake - Thanks...I will move my position but stay in the same vicinity...last time I was in the same EXACT spot..so this time I figured "it worked last time" so set up the same...but now that I actually shot and freaked out the bird, I will take your advice and move my set-up.
LongBow - he was definitely leaving. The same thing happened a few days ago, only I did not take a shot. I had the hen 10 feet away, and when he turned to leave, she started to head that way..so I figured it was then or never, so I shot (and missed).
BigGame - I think some pellets got to him because he kind of fluttered about for a second and stumbled before flying away (shot was too far I think)...but when I went over to scan the area, there were no feathers, and no blood. I tried to circle around and call from what I thought was about 150yds away, but no response. They've all been VERY quiet this week. Well, for me anyway. Maybe its the rain, cold, or maybe I just suck at calling. lol (I'm new to turkey hunting)
Again, thanks everyone. these birds are gonna make me stroke out!!!
 
What size shot were you using? I hit one once at about 50 yards(thought it was 40)and he flew away out across a huge field. He had flown about 400 yards and was probably 100 feet off the ground, and was just about to make it across Dingman Rd, when he folded in midair. I ran over and picked him up, pretty lucky! Never would have known he died if I wasn't able to watch him across that field! Was using #4's and a pellet or two had penetrated the chest cavity causing him to bleed out after a while. Not saying yours died but I have had to track a few that flopped over and then ran away. I tracked one for 200 yards once before finding him. Something to keep in the back of your mind if you shoot and he runs or flies away.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
My setup is a Mossberg 835 UltiMag with a Carlson Longbeard choke (.683 I think?), TruGlo Gobble Stopper...using Win LongBeard XR 3" 5 shot. I got the 4's also and patterned, but felt the quantity of 5's in the killzone was a better bet. I will definitely keep what you said in mind. I search for a while in all directions...even on 3 nearby ridges...no dice. I'm hoping if I set-up differently from now on, I can cut the distance and get a better shot. I can only hunt public land, so I'd like to git'r'dun tomorrow...cause Saturdays are difficult after about 9am when all the hikers/bikers start coming around.
 
Absolutely don't get me wrong not all turkeys are created equal. Some are super smart majority of them dumb. Just my two cents. The most over rated game animal to hunt.
I think they're the most underrated to hunt. I don't have to practice scent control, there isn't as much pressure to deal with, and it's interactive. I only pray they continue to be underrated so I can continue to enjoy myself and not begin to dislike it like I have deer hunting.
 
Only one way to know for sure, get back out there after him. If it were me, I would set up a little differently (Maybe another tree or move your blind 50-60 yards if your are hunting from a tent blind). I would definitely change calls, if you were using a box call, I'd switch to a slate or mouth call. Good luck!
 
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