Youth Day

Today was Youth Day for turkey hunting, and Colby didn't disappoint. Since we still have snow in the woods and we have yet to see birds coming into our field, he and BJ thought it best to wait until the day warmed a bit to hunt.

They hadn't been gone for more than an hour, and hadn't been in the woods for more than 20 minutes when Colby spotted this Tom walking toward them. He didn't come to he decoy as they had hoped, instead he took an alternate route and forced Colby to make an awkward shot while crouching (and held this crouch position for over 5 minutes - not moving). The turkey came around to his left side, drumming and beginning to strut. Colby waited for his opportunity and swung the gun to his left, took aim at the bird and fired.

The smiles on his face told me that he will, indeed, be a great hunter like his Dad and Grandfather. I am very thankful that Dad and BJ have taught him how to be a responsible hunter, to respect the power of the weapon you carry and respect nature.

The bird has been cleaned and the meat sits marinating in the fridge. Tomorrow evening's dinner will be delicious, and we can thank Colby for that.


Specifics of the hunt: Spring Tom Turkey, 18.5 lbs, 8 1/2 inch beard, 1 inch spurs (very sharp - he was the "boss" for sure.) 10 yard shot, 20 gauge youth model shotgun.