Team # 3 - The Ol' Fat Guys

[dsconnell]

Team Thread

[jackbob42]

Howdy Fellers.
The names Bob Brooks. I'm 48.
Live in Crystal and I'll be hunting in Montcalm county. I've got the early 2 week season.
Good luck guys !
Let's get some turkey's !

[Sprytle]

Hey there!
Im Bob also, 42, hunting Ottawa and Kent counties the early ZZ season.
Good luck all.

Really looking foward to getting started!!

Bob:)

[melvvin]

Hello guys . I have the second hunt I hunt in montcalm co. on state land this area and time period have been very succesful for me. DL is my son so we hunt together I also have permission to hunt private land in Saginaw co. it has been loaded with toms but its only 10 acres of woods so Im saving it for dl's hunt. My wife is at this place once a week and sees 4 toms with beards close if not touching the ground so hopefully we can have one of them for our tally. Its really cool that this is for fun i get tired of outdoor contests for money they really turn me off. Good luck everybody I dont know about you guys but Ican hardly wait.

[dlbaldwin01]

Hi guys my name is Dave, and I will be hunting somewhere with melvvin whichever one of our spots looks better. So hopefully I can add a nice tom to our point total. This contest should be pretty fun. :)

[duckbuster808]

Hi guys...
My names Corey Sorensen
I'm 18
I am from Genesee County and I will be hunting Unit ZB (Tuscola County)
I have the 04/28/08 - 05/04/08 hunt.
I look forward to hopefully being able to help you guys out.
I have seen the same monster tom in the area for the last 3 years, (Shot his buddie he was with 2 years ago and he had 1 in. spurs, 11 in. beard, and was 19lbs.) This tom is significantly bigger....
Just got a phone call with a report from our buddie whose property I will be hunting that he was in his front yard yesterday...
Lets get some turkey's guys!! Goodluck!

[melvvin]

Welcome aboard Duckbuster ok boys lets do this thing. Were shooting nothing but big toms I feel like were gonna win.

[duckbuster808]

Thanks Melvvin...Glad to be here...I agree, Let's get the biggins!!! :D

Is someone going to go sign us in?????

[dlbaldwin01]

I signed us in so we are ready to go now.

[boogemaster]

My name's Donat, 31, and I'm in Jackson county. I've got 20 acres behind my house that's loaded with turkey. This is my second year hunting and have yet to get my beard. I just kind of jumped into it last year not really knowing anything. I learned a lot and hopefully will be able to harvest a nice tom this year. I've got the early season.

[jackbob42]

Has anybody been out looking/listening for turkeys yet?
I'm going out tomorrow morning. Gonna listen and see if they're roosting in the same old places.
If any of you guys with less experience have any questions , don't be afraid to ask. We're all in this thing together.
If anybody feels the need to make a trip up/over/down here for a hunt , just let me know.
Good luck everybody.

[dlbaldwin01]

One night this week melvvin and I are going to check out our private land spot to see where the birds are roosting, and see how they come back to the roost. Since I will be hunting there in the evenings after I get out of work. Hopefully the big boys are still hanging around there cause they sound huge, according to our informant.

[melvvin]

Hey Bob I'm probably not hunting far from you on state land a couple miles east of mcbride I think thats the name of the town. I have a bussiness friends daughter to guide on private land the first week then my permit is the 2nd week and I'm really confident of that area scored on a tom at least 12 years in row there . Then the third week is DL's hunt on private land in Saginaw co. I have heard plenty of gobbling the last few weeks in the Midland area. The breeding has begun in the last 3 or 4 days so I think the timing is about perfect maybe the toms won't be so hened up like they have been the last few years. Good luck to all.;)

[duckbuster808]

I haven't had a chance to get out there yet as it's about an hour to and hour and a half to where I hunt...but We have a buddy who has them pretty well patterned...I can ask him where the birds will be on his property between a certain time and he'll have them pretty well pinpointed....
I am hoping to get a chance to drive up there possibly this weekend and take a look around and check out some of the local "prospects" :lol::D

[dlbaldwin01]

Hey duckbuster where about in Tuscola county do you hunt? Just curious cause I live right on the border of tuscola and genesee counties. We seem to have a lot of turkeys out here, but never heard of too many people hunting out this way.

[PsEbUcKmAsTeR17]

Thats right around me, I have seen a lot of birds around here. Especially the last few years.

Good luck guys,

-Psebuckmaster17-

[dlbaldwin01]

Yeah Melvvin and I hunted a public access farm that was near clio, lots of birds gobbling one morning then nothing the next, it was one of the weirdest places I have hunted. One time we had a tom gobbling at us then it all of a sudden stopped, when we left that afternoon there was a freshly killed tom out on the road. I assume it was the bird that we heard. I only live about 10 minutes from Clio, and I have been seeing birds all over the place. Had 3 nice toms in my backyard a couple weeks ago, haven't seen them again though.

[jackbob42]

Hey Bob I'm probably not hunting far from you on state land a couple miles east of mcbride I think thats the name of the town. I have a bussiness friends daughter to guide on private land the first week then my permit is the 2nd week and I'm really confident of that area scored on a tom at least 12 years in row there . Then the third week is DL's hunt on private land in Saginaw co. I have heard plenty of gobbling the last few weeks in the Midland area. The breeding has begun in the last 3 or 4 days so I think the timing is about perfect maybe the toms won't be so hened up like they have been the last few years. Good luck to all.;)

Yup , you'll be close. Probably less than 10 miles. If you look on a map , Crystal is a little south and east of McBride. I'm guessing you'll be hunting the state land up on Pins Grove Rd.

[melvvin]

Yes you got the right road Bob. If your hunting the 1st week let me know how its going. I would think your birds should be acting the same as the ones I'll be hunting.

[jackbob42]

I went out this morning just to listen. Heard some yelping , but no gobbles.:confused:
Don't know if it was the wind last night or what. I'll keep after 'em till I hear something. :lol:
Gonna go out cruising the neighborhood a little later. Maybe I can get some pics.

[duckbuster808]

Hey duckbuster where about in Tuscola county do you hunt? Just curious cause I live right on the border of tuscola and genesee counties. We seem to have a lot of turkeys out here, but never heard of too many people hunting out this way.

I'll be up near Deford, Cass city, and Caro someplace....In that general area....If the property we are planning on hunting doesn't produce, we have a few other areas around there that should get us a bird or two...Considering that I have the first season and my dad and our buddy have the later season...we'll be doing ALOT of scouting in the next few weeks....

[melvvin]

I noticed the same thing in Midland this morning were working on a condo for some Dow people in town thats loaded with turkeys so before I start work I'm outside listening too. This morning I heard no gobbling for the 1st time in a few weeks. Though on the way home at 5.00 I saw a field full of turkeys with 4 nice toms displaying for all the hens must just be one of those days when their quiet.

[melvvin]

Thats right around me, I have seen a lot of birds around here. Especially the last few years.

Good luck guys,

-Psebuckmaster17-
Thanks and good luck to you too.

[boogemaster]

I grew up there and in Bay City. Most of my family is still in the area.

[melvvin]

I was born in Midland and grew up, well kinda in Mt Pleasant.:lol: Man I saw a field with at least 8 or more toms struttin for a large flock of hens in the freeland area this morning not close enough to me for pictures but it was awesome to see. :xzicon_sm

[dlbaldwin01]

I saw a nice flock of about twenty birds right by my house this morning. On my way to Lansing I almost started my season a little early. A nice tom flew about three feet over my truck.:yikes: I wasn't paying attention I was looking at some ducks out in the field and didn't see the turkeys running and flying across the road. Had to go back home and change my underwear.:lol:

[duckbuster808]

Does that count for points?? lol
We had our first baseball game of the season yesterday and there were 3 toms and about 7-10 hens out behind the field on the edge of the woods...the Toms were strutting around big time....they made it really hard to concentrate on the game!!! lol

[melvvin]

I saw a nice flock of about twenty birds right by my house this morning. On my way to Lansing I almost started my season a little early. A nice tom flew about three feet over my truck.:yikes: I wasn't paying attention I was looking at some ducks out in the field and didn't see the turkeys running and flying across the road. Had to go back home and change my underwear.:lol:
Thats funny after I saw all those turkeys I was driving towards Midland I was watching about 50 flocks of geese trying to land in a field in the strong wind and almost ran over 2 rooster pheasants.

[dlbaldwin01]

Sweet I almost had a rooster the other day.

[dlbaldwin01]

Duckbuster, I remember the days of playing baseball in the middle of winter. :) You should of put one out and knocked a tom in the head we could of been leading the contest.:lol:

[melvvin]

Sweet I almost had a rooster the other day.
Ya its really dangerous with all this game running around somebody could be hurt.

[dlbaldwin01]

MELVVIN clean out your pm box!

[duckbuster808]

Duckbuster, I remember the days of playing baseball in the middle of winter. :) You should of put one out and knocked a tom in the head we could of been leading the contest.:lol:

I tried, but they were WAY out, plus I can't hit the ball to save my life right now! lol :dizzy:

[dlbaldwin01]

Yeah its a little early yet just look at the Tigers hitting:lol:. That sting of an aluminum bat in 50 degree weather all I can say is ouch.

[duckbuster808]

50 degrees...whats that!? :confused: lol It was hovering right around 39-40 with a small breeze with occasional gusts and raining yesterday. The one ball I did hit, hit right of the end of the bat and my hand is still feeling it! ...I'd settle for 50 over that anyday! :D

[dlbaldwin01]

Ha that is perfect Michigan baseball weather. Oh well sounds like it is cooling back down after all the tornado action today. Plus its only a few more weeks till tom blasting time.:coolgleam So you'll have plenty of time to worry about baseball after turkey season, oh and walleye season, and trout season, and bass season. Hmm looks like there is lots of distractions out there.

[melvvin]

Almost ran over a turkey coming home from work does road kill count extra.:eek:

[boogemaster]

Wife and kids were gone for the night visiting family. So it was a perfect night for me to grab a couple cold ones and sit in the woods

It couldn't have been more of a perfect night. I spooked 4 deer coming upon my popup. 20 minutes later I heard a gobble. 10 minutes after that, 5 turkeys present themselves. 3 jakes and 2 toms. They milled around for about 20 minutes then left.

1 hour later I was surrounded by turkeys. Hens purring and clucking and the toms gobbling. I counted 34 turkeys at this point. It has been one of the best nights I've experienced this year. I could have grabbed a tom right out of the blind. 5 feet from me.

It's going to be hard waiting another 2 weeks before I can harvest one. But like last year, they'll probably would've moved out by then.

[boogemaster]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/4-11-08_139_2.JPG

Not a great picture, but I actually took it myself and not off a trail cam. I had a number of them closer, but didn't want to take a picture to spook them off.

[dlbaldwin01]

Looks good. Hopefully the birds won't go anywhere and you can blast one.

[duckbuster808]

nice looking birds for sure!

Well, I just got word that the monster Tom was seen again at about 9 this morning with a group of 2 hens and 1 smaller tom/jake....Only 2 more weeks!!!!

[melvvin]

Hey had a hen turkey walk acroos my yard about 4 o'clock today .I have lived here more than 20 years never had this happen before so it must be an omen were gonna win this contest. Guess I should set my blind on my deck.:evil:

[melvvin]

Man has the turkey activity really died down between here and Midland don't hear any gobbling either.:help:

[jackbob42]

I heard a tom gobbling on the roost at about 6:20 this morning walking into work. He's roosting in a small woodlot about 100 yards from the shop. :lol:
I'll be out listening and watching in the morning.

[jackbob42]

Heard a few gobbles yesterday morning. Was pretty dissappointed. :(
But , this morning was a different story ! They were gobbling all over the place ! :dizzy::dizzy::dizzy:
Now , the hard part , I gotta work for the next 3 days.:sad:
C'mon Monday !

[duckbuster808]

Heard a few gobbles yesterday morning. Was pretty dissappointed. :(
But , this morning was a different story ! They were gobbling all over the place ! :dizzy::dizzy::dizzy:
Now , the hard part , I gotta work for the next 3 days.:sad:
C'mon Monday !

I know what you mean....I might have to take the day off school and go....:D
If not I'll probably end up having to wait for the weekend :sad:

[Sprytle]

Almost time Fat Guys!!:D
Looking foward to hearing all the stories and seeing some success pics!!

I have the day off monday but relly dont like to shoot one on the first day, I like to hunt a bit ya'know!!

Good luck guys

-Bob:)

[dlbaldwin01]

Yeah good luck I still have two weeks to wait for my hunt. :(

[jackbob42]

I seen 3 really nice toms this evening heading for the same roosting spot they've been using for years. I hope they roost there tomorrow night.:)

[melvvin]

Its almost time good luck guys. Tomorrow morning I'm the guide for a friends daughter been seeing lots of toms in this area. Don't forget Bob I'm hunting near you the 28th so let me know what the birds are doing. Remember guys its big toms or bust lol:coolgleam

[jackbob42]

I'll be trying to keep on top of them. :lol:
I'll try and keep you posted.

[boogemaster]

everyone! I'll be heading out after work today. :D

[duckbuster808]

Goodluck Everyone!!! Hopefully be heading out this week sometime and then again on the weekend!

[boogemaster]

6:45pm shot a nice tom

10" beard
7/8 in spurs
19.5 lbs

Will post more details and pictures later.

[dlbaldwin01]

Sweet, nice job. Were on the board.

[melvvin]

Nice job.

[duckbuster808]

Way to go Boogemaster! way to get us on the board!

[boogemaster]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/4-21-08_016.JPG

I'll get pics up for the contest later, but wanted to at least get this posted.

Not much of a story. I was sitting for about 20 minutes and 3 toms walked right in front of my blind and I let the one in the middle have it. No calling or nothing, I was kind of dissappointed, but then again I'm not. I let some walk last year and never ended up harvesting a bird. This is my first one and it feels really nice! :D

[jackbob42]

Way to go !
Nice Bird !
Congrats !
It's a start fellers , let's help him carry on ! :lol:

[boogemaster]

Alright guys, it's easy for me to say this, but let's get them birds! I'm rootin for everybody else to score and get a trophy that's worthy to them.

Good luck to everyone and have a happy and successful turkey hunt!

[duckbuster808]

well...I got out of class @ 2:05 and made a B~line to my house threw my stuff in the truck and made the hour and a half drive to my hunting spot...I knew the birds general travel route so I set up where I thought they would be passing by pretty soon, given the time of day...
I was there for about 30 minutes when I heard a hen coming towards me...I slowly look towards my right and here she comes straight at me with my the big tom (that I have been after for 2 years) on her heals!...I was thinking that this was going to be an easy hunt! The hen got to about 50 yards and saw the 2 decoys and stopped dead in her tracks and of course, so did the Tom, the only problem was that he was about 70 yards. :yikes:
The hen turned and walked in the complete opposite direction and of course the tom followed...They proceeded to walk all the way around me as I could hear her clucking and purring all the way through the thick underbrush in front of me and he gobbled twice...It sucked to say the least! :sad:

I hunted the rest of the day and had a jake come in at another location but let him pass knowing I still had a few days left to hunt...the birds are still henned up and pretty tight lipped but I did glass a field for the weekend that had 2 VERY nice toms and 1 that looked to be the monster that I had given me the slip earlier in the day. So hopefully I will be able to get on them again this weekend! Goodluck and be safe guys.....

[boogemaster]

I'll post this in here also, because I know the pic contest thred will be long

Harvested with a shotgun
Beard: 10"
Spurs: both 7/8"
Weight: 20.5 lbs

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/4-21-08_010.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/4-21-08_034.JPG


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/4-21-08_021.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/4-21-08_020.JPG

[melvvin]

I can't wait til monday thats my first day to hunt. I decided to hunt a small piece of woods by my house because its private and I have been checking every morning and there are 4 really nice toms roosting very close there. Hang in there Duckbuster good things will happen I took a hunter out monday and had toms gobbling like crazy but where henned up and would not come in its just a matter of time. Again thats a nice bird Boogemaster more so being your first, congrats.:coolgleam

[boogemaster]

Melvin on Monday and Duckbuster this weekend. Be safe, patient and good things will happen! ;)

[Sprytle]

Hey , nice job guys!!

Monday , very tight lipped, did'nt hear a gobble all day , saw some birds, my buddy Al and i hunted 4 diff spots till about 4pm but no shots. Mon at 6 we saw a BIG gobb about 70 yrds out w/ 3 hens. Agressive calling on the slate wouldnt bring the hens in so we diceided on a sneak... that didnt work!!;)

Tues after work slow again, another buddy of mine hunted a swampy area and diceided to call it quits at 7:30, pulled the dekes and had every thing out of the tent and was just about to take it down......GOBBLE... hit the slutty hen box and had a gobble closing FAST ...in the tent with just the gun, there he is , got the cam on him and he full struts right in front of us, as soon as he breaks , head comes up and T.J. takes him, all on video...
22 lbs. 9 1/2 in beard 1 inch spurs. Very nice bird!! 1st bird for him!:D

Wed. night . set up tent, dont even have the stuff in tent yet, Glen says TURKEY... i dont see him but hit the slut call.. Big gobble.. here he comes, circles around us for a while till Glen finds a opening...
16 lb Jake with a 4 1/2 incher, Glen is my 70 yr. old nieghbor , also his first bird!!:D Also had my 10 yr old daughter with us, it was AWESOME!! 20 min hunt! told him they are not all like that!!!!;)

This weekend is mine, and i expect good things!!!

I'll keep you posted and post some pics of the fine birds we took so far...

Good luck all!!

-Bob:)

[boogemaster]

Good stories and good times. I hope I can help a couple of friends in the next week or so get their first birds. Now I got mine, I can focus on calling for them and helping them out. New to this turkey thing, but it's a rush. It's just as much fun being out there as is hunting the toms. The first time I heard a gobble last year, it got me hooked.

[melvvin]

Yeah thats all it takes is one gobble and your hooked.

[duckbuster808]

Gotta love the gobble in the early morning when everything is quiet and one lets loose...nothing like that sound! Gotta love it.

[dlbaldwin01]

Yeah I do love it, I still got another week to wait yet though. Hope you guys have some luck this weekend.

[melvvin]

Hey guys saw 2 toms all alone today. First time I have seen that in weeks maybe the hens are starting to sit. It could get real good in a hurry good luck duck buster this weekend.

[melvvin]

Bob whats up you on any toms yet?

[jackbob42]

Kinda ! LOL
Had a nice tom within 20 yards a couple times monday evening. Couldn't find a hole through the brush for a shot.
Lost a few to live hens this week. :rolleyes:
I've started seeing lone hens so I think they're starting to nest. It shouldn't be long now.:evil:
And then , when I came in for breakfast this morning , look who shows up !
I would never shoot one here in the yard and I think he knows it. :lol::lol::lol:

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh46/jackbob42/DSC03217.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh46/jackbob42/DSC03226.jpg

[Sprytle]

Damn Bob, Awesome Turk in the yard......we really could use the points!!:D:D:D




Hey just something to think about...




Does'nt make you any less of a hunter to shoot it next to the pickup!!


THAT"S THE BIGGEST BIRD I"VE EVER SEEN!!!! I THINK YOU HAVE A STATE RECORD THERE!!!!



I'd take em!! :D


Good luck Bob

Bob:)

[jackbob42]

Actually , I'm on to about 5 of them that are bigger. I just hope I can come through for you guys. I'll keep after 'em.

[Sprytle]

Had a good morning even with the cold & WIND!! Called 2 jakes across the field i was on the edge of and taped them as they were 5 feet from the blind gobbling like mad. I love messin' with jakes!!:D

Saw a nice tom in the woods at about noon but did not come my way.
This was the 1st day so far i heard some gobbling throughout the day.

In to get something to eat and back out at about 4:00pm.

I'll keep ya posted,

Whats everyone else been seeing? Love to hear it.

-Bob:)

[boogemaster]

Went for a sit this morning this morning, because I have a couple of friends that want to try and get birds this year. I was heading to the same spot that I shot mine earlier in the week. I haven't been out in the morning yet and I kind of got a late start. I didn't get to the blind until 6:30 and man there was gobbling all the way from every direction. Busted a few turkeys coming into the blind, but that was all I seen. I could hear gobblin all around until about 10am. Only heard one shot this am, which, in the area I'm in, it's rare to only hear one on any given day.

So, even though my actual hunt ended, it's still nice to sit out in the woods and try to help out another sportsman obtain a trophy of their own. It gives me the satisfaction that the hunt continues!

[jackbob42]

Pulled 3 toms away from a live hen this morning.:yikes:
Took forever for them to come in. Weren't as big as I would have liked , but you know what they say , " A bird in the hand ".
8 1/2" beard , 1" spurs , 23 lbs.
Now let's see if I can get the pictures on here.......

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/DSC03229.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/DSC03233.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/DSC03232.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/DSC03230.JPG

[dlbaldwin01]

Nice bird, can't wait til my hunt.

[boogemaster]

Congrats on a fulfilling hunt. Especially pulling the old toms away from live play!

[melvvin]

Nice one Bob. I'm headed out at dark thirty in the morn for my 1st day.Hunting where no one has hunted since last monday been watchin, all the big toms I have seen there are still there. I'll be close to the roost so I'll go in quiet and without a light maybe have em fly down and come right in their seem to be a lot less hens now so maybe their sittin. Hope its perfect timing so I can get out quick cause DL wiil be hunting there next monday.

[duckbuster808]

well guys...I hate to say it but I am nothing but dead weight now!!

hunted hard this weekend and didn't get the outcome I was hoping for...
Saturday was uneventful with only hearing 1 tom in the morning and that was it...

Today, ended up missing the morning hunt and got out around noon...spooked a small tom out of the first area as we were walking in...just great...sat there for a few hours with nothing happening...decide to head out and go hunt the fiels edge...of course, on the way out, we spook another tom Well, I guess those 2 encounters count as....STRIKE 1!

Head to a field that the birds like to use...and as we drive by we notice 6 toms and 2 hens in the field...since the field is shaped like an L we went in on the opposite end to cut the birds off...The birds get to within 100 yards and start to mill around and hang up. I try a few calls and the hen looks in my direction, does a complete 180 and heads in the other direction pulling the others with her....STRIKE 2!

We get up and head to the truck, drive around the field and get on the other end to cut the birds off...we get to within 100 yards and sit down. The birds have no clue we are there and continue to feed in our direction. and we just let them come...The lead hen gets to within 40 yards and is in my field of view with the toms at around 70 yards when a truck goes down the road to my left about 150 yards away with the music blaring and spooks the birds into the woods never to be seen again....So needless to say.....STRIKE 3!

Sorry guys, but no bird for me this year! :(

[melvvin]

Well it was fairly easy scored on a big tom this morning came right in at 7 am. Beard length is 11 1/2 inches 5/8 is all on the spurs though, weighes 23 pounds 4 ozs. Now I gotta figure out how to show pics prolly be harder to do than getting the tom.:D

[boogemaster]

Nice bird Melvvin!

Sorry to hear that about your sping hunt Duckbuster.

[melvvin]

That should say 20lbs 4ozs. not 23lbs must of hit wrong key. Any way kinda in a hurry this morn. so now I got time here's the hunt. Set up at 545 this morn heard maybe 4 diff. toms gobbling on the roost but not close like they have been waited til about 630 started soft yelps and a few clucks 2 toms went beserk but they were on the neighbors property and theres a fence. You guessed it they hung up would not fly over they just paced back and forth and were gone while I was wondering where they went I heard a twig snap to my left looked here comes this longbearded tom let him get to my dekes he went after the jake decoy and stepped in front of it then went in to full strut thats when I shot him. Nice long beard but short spurs no way of telling though til after ya shoot. The best part was when I pulled out of the driveway about a couple of blocks from where I was hunting 2 huge monster toms were displaying to a couple of hens in the neighbors backyard.Next monday is DL's hunt so I'm gonna make him hold out for one of those giants no one else can hunt there either so I think we can get another one on the board.

[dlbaldwin01]

Pics of Melvvins bird

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/marksturkey_055.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/marksturkey_017.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/marksturkey_031.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/marksturkey_028.jpg[/IMG]

[jackbob42]

Nice Job Melvvin !
If we keep getting these base hits ( scoreable birds ) and someone hits a homerun ( monster tom ) , we can win this game !
Keep it up guys !

[melvvin]

Next week thats DL's goal with those 2 big toms in the area all season and the hens sittin I think he's got a good chance. They seem to be doing all the breeding so with fewer hens around I like his chances. Thanks for the congrats guys and if they do this again next year we should keep this same team but change the name as you can see from my pics I'm old but not fat.:lol:. Maybe if the property stays good we will get Duckbuster to hunt with us as this place is loaded with birds and the landowner don't like em.

[duckbuster808]

Next week thats DL's goal with those 2 big toms in the area all season and the hens sittin I think he's got a good chance. They seem to be doing all the breeding so with fewer hens around I like his chances. Thanks for the congrats guys and if they do this again next year we should keep this same team but change the name as you can see from my pics I'm old but not fat.:lol:. Maybe if the property stays good we will get Duckbuster to hunt with us as this place is loaded with birds and the landowner don't like em.

That'd be sweet melvvin...
Even though I didn't get a bird this season I will still be in the woods after them as My dad and our buddy have their season coming up so hopefully I will be able to call in a couple of birds for them....Goodluck boys, keep after em! I look forward to seeing some more pics soon!
I like the team name too, even though I am 18 and around 6'3" 160 lbs. so I am neither of those!!! lol

[Sprytle]

Hey Guys..

Been hunting every day, Ive passed on about 6 jakes so far, but came close Sunday morn to a huge tom!! Stupid decoy! Done with those for a while!
Breaking daylight on sunday had 3 toms going about 80-100yrds to the east.
Im set up about 15 yrds in the woods edge on the edge of a large cut cornfield. I can hear the birds getting closer and pick up 2 BIG toms in the binocs in the woods. I see they are with about 8 hens. Im calling softly, clucks and purrs and after a bit a see the first hen coming right down the edge. This is working out GREAT!! the first two hens walk right past the deke and i see the two strutting toms bringing up the rear!:D This is where it gets ugly!
I think it was the 3rd or 4th hen that stops and stars yelling at the deke.
The toms stop cold. they are about 60 yrds away through some brush, as she is getting pissed at the deke the other birds head out to the middle of the field. The toms turn and do the same ...NO...NO!!!
By the time they get out in front of me they are about 70 yrds out in the field.
No decoy and those birds would have walked single file right past my blind!! Could have had my pick!!

Anyways Yesterday night (mon) saw 1 hen.
Tonight i saw a group of about 10 moving the other side of a field at closing time. I took fri off so i can hunt a extra morning.
Getting close... It'll happen...:):)

Good luck to those still hunting and congrats on some fine birds so far ..Well Done!!

-Bob:)

[jackbob42]

C'mon Bob , you can do it.
We're pullin' for ya !

[Sprytle]

Done Deal!!:D

Scored on a nice Tom this morn at about 7:15. Snuck in at about 6 and set up my outhouse (solo hunt), NO DECOYS this time!, and heard my first gobble at about 6:15. They were roosted alot closer to me than i figured they would be at. I was on the corner of the big cut cornfield, opposite side of where they were roosted Sun. morn.
He gobbled a few times and i was just purring with the push button call.
He flew down at 6:30, He started goobling pretty hard on the ground and i could see him strutting back and forth thru the woods. 4 hens flew down shortly after and hit the field edge. He followed. He was struting on the field edge at about 50 yrds but behind a big blowdown that fell into the field. Got a little video of him then the hens started to move my way. I put the camera down to concentrate at the task at hand. Had one big hen move to me right past the blind, the others were just feeding at the edge of the blowdown. As then hens started to quarter into the field he started his move, i let him come and was ready. He started to trot into the field and was getting a bit further away so i whistled and he stopped in is tracks and streched out the neck, The supermag barked and i dusted him right there with a winchester 3 in mag #5's. 7:18 am. About 40 yrds. Havent taken measurements yet but looks to be about a 9 - 9 1/2 inch beard and 1 inch spurs. Pretty heavy too. I'll take it!!:D
My buddys coming over in a little bit so i can get some pics and will post them soon.
Thanks Guys , sure was fun!!:)

Talk to you soon!!

-Bob:)


Heres some pics of mine guys....

10 1/2 in. beard
Left Spur- 1 in.
Right Spur- 7/8 in... You will notice that in the pictures thread i stated you can see that the inch mark is clearly not on the base of the spur so i added it up and came up with the total but i left it up to them to decide. Im cool with that.
20.7 lbs.
5-2-08 7:18 am.

40 points

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/100_06981.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/100_0701.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/100_0713.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/100_0708.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/546/medium/100_07071.jpg

[boogemaster]

Congrats on your bird! Good story too. :D

[dlbaldwin01]

Sweet congrats on a nice bird. Finally monday I get to get out there I've been going nuts waiting. Hopefully I can connect on a nice one.

[duckbuster808]

Nice bird! still feel bad for not putting a score up for you guys! Goodluck dlbaldwin....were pulling for ya!

[melvvin]

Nice one real nice bird man we were tied for 3rd so yours should move us up. OK DL we gotta get you a monster monday and its gonna happen.:one_eye::corkysm55:rolleyes::eek:

[jackbob42]

Way To Go Bob !
Nice bird !

Don't feel bad Duck , could have happened to any of us. We'll keep you on the team.

I figure every team is gonna have at least one that don't connect. If DL scores , we can win this thing. C'mon DL , we're all pulling for you too !

[duckbuster808]

Thanks Jackbob42....It wasn't from a lack of trying though lol......lets go DL hit us one outta the park!!

[Sprytle]

Score sheet updated!!

Can you say..... 1st place!!!!:D

Come on DL ...Its you in the spotlight now!!!!;)

great job so far guys...

-Bob:)

[PsEbUcKmAsTeR17]

Congrats on taking the lead..

Leave it to the Old Fat Guys to show us young guys up.:lol:

Good luck on keeping the lead.

-Psebuckmaster17-

[boogemaster]

That's cool, but we'll need dl to score big to keep it.

Good job to everyone that's hunted and had a chance to enjoy the great outddoors, good luck dl!

I'm taking a co-worker out tonight to help him get his bird, hopefully his first also.

[Sprytle]

DL-

Have you and Melvin been out yet, How's things going??

Good Luck!:)

-Bob:)

[PsEbUcKmAsTeR17]

Hey Guys it looks like we are tied for second place now.

Looks like need to work together as teams and nock this one out of the park.:mischeif:

Good luck.

-Psebuckmaster17-

[00Buckshot69]

I heard that PSE. We will track you down when we riot!!!!!!!!!

[dlbaldwin01]

We have been out the last two evenings. Monday was so windy couldn't hear anything, we had a hen walk behind us, oh and a raccoon walked by too. Tonight we saw two hens and had a tom gobbling but never saw him. When we got back to our trucks the field across the road had five toms in it with some hens. All of them were rather large toms so my hopes are high for tomorrow. Back at it tommorrow after work, then thursday and friday off, and hunt saturday and sunday as needed.:)

[Sprytle]

We have been out the last two evenings. Monday was so windy couldn't hear anything, we had a hen walk behind us, oh and a raccoon walked by too. Tonight we saw two hens and had a tom gobbling but never saw him. When we got back to our trucks the field across the road had five toms in it with some hens. All of them were rather large toms so my hopes are high for tomorrow. Back at it tommorrow after work, then thursday and friday off, and hunt saturday and sunday as needed.:)


Sounds Good DL ..... Go get em!!!!:D

[melvvin]

Dude there was 7 toms in that field.

[jackbob42]

If you need more birds DL , give me a holler !
I'm off friday , saturday , and sunday this weekend.
I'll put you guys on 'em , you guys can chase 'em ! LOL
Bring us home baby ! :lol::lol::lol:

[PsEbUcKmAsTeR17]

I heard that PSE. We will track you down when we riot!!!!!!!!!

LMAO..:lol:

It dont really matter now, one guy on my team (HunterHawk) is going to call for our rival team. Casscity is talking about hunting with another guy (QDMAMAN) and not entering his bird if he kills one with him, so it isnt looking good for team #1.:mad:

It is all fun though. I think this is one of my funnest turkey seasons ever.

Good luck teams.

-Psebuckmaster17-

[Sprytle]

It's been awfully quiet on here the past few days...

Are you guys seeing any birds?? Hopefully DL and melvin are out there sneakin' up on some!!!

Let's hear a report....:D

-Bob:)

[jackbob42]

I was out listening this morning but didn't hear no gobbling. All I heard were a few hens waking up.
The grandsons season is open and he might be coming over this weekend. I hope they gobble tomorrow morning.

[boogemaster]

I was out finishing up some yard work and thought I heard a gobble in the swamp/woods to the west of me. It's a lot of 108 acres with no house and no one hunting it this year because it's up for sale. The old lady that owned it died in the fall and now her "trust" just wants to get rid of it. If I didn't just buy my house, I would love to buy it. Large sanctuary because of the swamp and some woods. Selling for 199,900! Theres 80 acres being sold that butt's up to the north of my land for 399,000.

Sorry to get off track, it just makes me worried on the type of person/people that will eventually buy it. Anyways, grabbed a box call and talked to the gobbler for a few minutes. It was nice hearing him talk back, but he never came any closer. I never got a chance to call when I got my bird earlier, but I didn't want to bring him in either. Good luck to anyone that's still hunting or helping others with their hunt.

[melvvin]

Its been terrible been seeing plenty of toms but their with hens. Doesn't matter what I try when I'm calling they won't leave the hens. Tried moving to diff. area still the same old story we got all weekend and we have'nt hunted a morning yet hope that makes a diff. anyway we won't quit til sunday night. I have used everything in my bag of tricks from 20 plus years of turkey hunting any ideas let me know. Thought this would be a slam dunk but tommorrow is another day:dizzy:.

[jackbob42]

Two years ago , I had a tom that would not come to a hen call. I chased him around a 40 acre woodlot several times. He'd gobble like crazy , but would walk the other way.
Then , one morning I had the grandson out before school. When he went his usual way ( away from us ) , it dawned on me that I could get him to gobble on the roost , evening or morning , with a gobble call. So I gobbled at him. He started gobbling and coming back. We waited , and a few minutes later he gobbled again. I cut him off with a gobble of my own and waited. The next time he gobbled , he was alot closer , so I cut him off again. After about 6 times , he was just around the corner of the woods from us. We were running out of time ( had to get the grandson to school ) so I thought I'd give him a little hen talk to hurry him up. Bad mistake. He turned and went away from us. Gobbling all the way.
I told the grandson we'd let him cool off for a couple days and come back and get him. The grandson killed another tom the next day in another spot so we never made it back.
We never made it over there last year either. I'm going over there tomorrow to see if he's still there. Nobody hunts there and he never seemed to leave that woodlot when we were chasing him. He was always there. Hopefully he'll be there tomorrow. I don't have a gunner for tomorrow , so I'll just have the camera. We'll see what happens.

[Sprytle]

[quote=jackbob42;21196}.
We never made it over there last year either. I'm going over there tomorrow to see if he's still there. Nobody hunts there and he never seemed to leave that woodlot when we were chasing him. He was always there. Hopefully he'll be there tomorrow. I don't have a gunner for tomorrow , so I'll just have the camera. We'll see what happens.[/quote]



Take DL with you!!!!!!:D

[jackbob42]

If that bird is still there , I'd be happy to.
I want to see his spurs !

[melvvin]

I think were in trouble nothing today again. Had toms come within 100yds off the roost gobbling like crazy and they walked right by and headed for the open field we cant hunt of course but not surprising they been doing it all week. Tommorow I'm gonna do a couple tree yelps than shut up no matter what. Dang birds would rather cross a road for one hen rather than come to me. Prolly the most frustrating week of turkey hunting I have ever had maybe they will see it my way tommorrow. The worst part is 4 toms we see every day are monsters.

[jackbob42]

I took a ride around a few of my hunting spots last night and saw 9 different toms. Tried working a couple for the grandson and a friend. They'd gobble , but wouldn't leave the hens.
The grandson couldn't go this morning ( mothers day ) , but Dustin could.
He got here about 5:15 and after a short bull session , we headed out.
We got to my listening spot and waited. It wasn't long before we heard the first gobble. We waited for a little bit to see if there were any more turkeys around anywhere else. Pretty soon it was evident that we had two groups of birds in the same woods. We headed into the one corner that the turkeys have been using all week. There , both birds were close enough to call. We put out a jake and three hen decoys.
After about ten minutes , I started calling. They'd answer , but were a little slow to respond. I waited for a few more minutes and called again. Nothing.
I waited till I heard one fly down and called again. This time , he cut me off. When I called again , it sounded like he was going away from us at about 100 yards. I figured it was over.:rant: A few minutes later , I called again. This time there was two of them and they were closer. Then I thought maybe?:confused: When I called again , they were going away from us again.:rant:
We just sat there for about five minutes not saying a word. I think Dustin was thinking the same thing I was. ( about time to move to a new spot !:lol:)
I decided to hit the call one more time. This time they gobbled and were only 50 yards!:yikes:
I went to doing a little purring and a couple clucks and then shut up. I kept looking and looking , but just couldn't see them because of the brush. I looked over at Dustin and I couldn't see him either. I had shifted a little bit to get more comfortable , but I hadn't looked his way to know that I couldn't see him.:lol:
Anyways , after about a minute , I heard the BANG ! and then seen the bird start flopping around.
Dustin was screaming & cussin' that his legs were asleep and he couldn't get up !:lol:
I ran over to the bird and stood there till Dustin could move.
I looked at my watch and it was 6:40.
Here he is. We didn't weigh him , but he had a 10" beard and 1" spurs.

http://i28.tinypic.com/k1qlja.jpg

[Sprytle]

Great Bird...Nice job Guys!!!:D

[dlbaldwin01]

Well the fat old lady has sung. No tom this year, though it wasn't for lack of trying. Last two mornings were disssapointing to say the least. Saturday gobbling like crazy about a hundred yards away and wouldn't come any closer:rant:. This morning same thing but at about 80 yards away:rant:, and just walked away, gobbled a couple more times and that was it for this year. Sorry to disapoint gentlemen, but as the bad news bears say "just wait till next year"

[boogemaster]

It's always frustrating to come home empty handed, but you know there will always be next time. I know I'm speaking for myself here, but I love every opportunity I get to spend in the chance out in the woods, especially since I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 8 week old. My time is precious. I love the hunt and the time spent and can't wait to get my kids involved.

It was a good run guys and we should do this again! Next year, or in the fall, let's roast 'em!

[boogemaster]

Great job on that bird jackbob! He's definately a beauty!

[jackbob42]

We gave it a good shot guys !
Congrats to everyone on a good effort!
It was great fun !
We'll get 'em next year.

I'm gonna keep practicing my calling though. The grandson has a tag yet. If he gets one , I'll have to find someone else with a tag ! :)
If you guys are interested , I'll keep you posted on this thread.

[duckbuster808]

Well....it's getting closer guys....just figured I'd throw it out there, that as long as we all get drawn for tags who's up for given it another run as team Ol' Fat guys:D?? I've applied for Genessee County this year so as long as I get a tag I'll be out chasin em! and as long as it works out I'll be doin it for the Ol' Fat guys! :D:lol:

[dlbaldwin01]

I'm in if ya'll still want me.:D

[jackbob42]

Count me in !
This is our year !

[duckbuster808]

Sounds good guys...I put in for the Genesee county area this year so I'll be able to get out more and hit the woods alot harder this year...Hopefully we all get drawn and we'll give it another run this year!

Where did everyone else put in for??

[jackbob42]

I put in for the early ZZ hunt , but will be hunting right here around home in Montcalm county.

[dlbaldwin01]

zz for me and melvvin who will be back as well.

[duckbuster808]

Well, it looks like the ball is rolling on this one this year so lets plan on being a team guys....Let's hope we all get a license and let's make sure all the old team members are informed and want back in.....That way we won't be left scrambling for teamates at the last minute :D

[jackbob42]

Sounds good to me.
I'll start a 2009 thread !