I was very fortunate to obtain permission to hunt a farm right across the road from my house. I did a lot of scouting and trail camming over the past few weeks and have seen a number of Tom's which are in the area;
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I headed out this morning at around 3:45 am (far too early but I was excited to get out) and settled into my blind. At around 5:45 am I heard the 1st gobble in the hardwoods about 350 yards behind me. I've learned over the years not to immediately answer Thomas as he is just locating for the hens. At approx 7:05 am I gave a couple yelps and waited but no response. Approx 15 mins later 4 hens came out of the bush and started feeding with my decoy set up. It was only about 10 mins later that 2 Toms immerged at about 30 yards from me and they immediately started to follow the hens heading out of range. They were now about 45+ yards from me .. I'm not comfy with taking that shot and figured I missed my opportunity. It was at about that time that a gobbler sounded off to my left (scared me 1/2 to death). Within seconds a nice Tom at about 8 yards walked past my blind.
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He headed into some thick cover with no shot opportunity. I thought once again I wasn't going to get a shot but at about 30 yards he came out into the field and started to strut. When his North end was facing me I sent my bolt down the rail of my 405. The Tom jumped straight up in the air and started running towards the hens and other Toms I thought I missed as I couldn't see my Luni-nok anywhere. The Tom made it to the other birds and then fell over. I waited for the flock to clear the fields into the brush and went to retrieve my harvest. Turns out my bolt entered just a little left of his "one eye" travelled through the vitals and exited just above his beard.
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He was 19.5 lbs and a 6 inch beard with decent spurs. Not a monster but Thanksgiving dinner is in the freezer.
Take care and stay safe all~!
Cheers
Chester