Because of the cool wet weather we had a slightly tougher time than the past . Seemed the hens were not interested in leaving all day . But when the cold finally broke on Thursday all heck broke lose . Friday morning started with a very thick fog . The birds were gobbling on the roost but not interested in coming down until well after sunrise . But when they hit the ground there was sparse gobbling . By about 7 I first saw the bird out at about 50-60 yards . It seemed he was in no hurry to do anything . He did more standing than walking the half a toenail at a time .
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Problem :problem:](./images/smilies/icon_problem.gif)
But when he did step out he was definitely in range .
Amazing how the bush looks clear but there is always a tree for our game to hide behind .
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/X7WP9p15/345438293-180993334482402-1861252976978381360-n.jpg)
Took my customary two feathers picture to honor the past hunting mentors and the present .
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/dVxTcZzZ/first-bird-feathers.jpg)
You know when you have a true limbhanger when .
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/PJQ8g3jd/truly-limb-hanger.jpg)
The next day was eventful but didn`t close the deal for my nephew . We went out to try and get him on a bird for I owed him big for bailing his father and me out by working on my truck . He is a mechanic so we try not to abuse that until we were in too deep .
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Me and John planned to get to a spot but our plans changed when a bird started to gobble before legal where we wanted to be . lol So we set up along the trail hoping to draw him in . To our amusement we had individuals on the next property start up with a crow call in the dark then switch to a good 5 minute calling session . Still well before legal . lol
The bird ended up when he dropped was in the opposite direction from them . Not good for us even .
The next day it was just me and my brother at another spot . I walked into where I thought would be a good listening post . But when I got there was greeted by someone who had walked in from a neighbouring property . I backed out because that is what I will do . I got maybe 100 plus yards from him thinking now what am I going to do . A bird lights up just off the trail me and my brother had walked in on . I did a quick setup hoping there was some sort of clear stuff somewhere . I was greeted to a sunrise and music supplied by a gobbling bird .
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/WbF4Jpz0/20230507-060523.jpg)
Had a hen drop down in front of me and he was not long in parachuting in . He gave quite the show of strutting , spit and drum with a rattling gobble . But I had to wait for him to give a clear shot which eventually came at about 20 yards . I ended up tucking his head under the body for pictures for those who don`t hunt . I did the customary feathers picture .
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/k5BVwNXh/20230507-065152.jpg)
Because it was early still and my brother drove I went over to try and call one in for him . Didn`t quite happen but I did need a photographer .
![Image](https://i.postimg.cc/pX5R00Dj/20230507-091129-Copy.jpg)
First bird was 24.5 pounds , 11.5 inch beard and matching 1.5 inch spurs .
Second bird was 23.8 , 12 beard and 1 3/8 & 1 7/16 spurs
My brother did end up getting that bird 3 days later . One of his fastest hunts . Him and his wife were walking in for a afternoon hunt when a bird gobbled real close . After a quick set-up he gave a couple of calls . The bird practically ran in . A five minute hunt maybe .
Me and the nephew went out again yesterday but the bird seems to have a routine we hope to exploit next weekend .
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)