First Tom of 2016

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Sandman
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Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2004 5:50 pm
Location: Rice Lake, Ontario

First Tom of 2016

Post by Sandman »

Hello all,

I started the season off with a nice Tom. Here's a few pictures and the story ...

My first hunt of the year was full of anticipation after all the birds that I have been seeing before the opener. I was in nice and early (4:30) to my blind which is set up on a corn stubble field. As day started to break the gobbling started and a one point seemed to be coming from every direction. I switched from my slate to my box call and was having a pretty good conversation with at least 3 birds. 2 of the birds seemed to be moving off in a different direction but the third was now in a small patch of hardwoods about 200 yards in front of me. I kept my Pretty Boy decoy moving and sure enough the Tom entered the field and slowly started in my direction showing off his strut. At about 40 yards out he hung up and strutted back and forth for several minutes. I couldn't understand why he wasn't interested in coming in. I didn't realize until I downloaded my pictures that there was a hen with him at that point - She must have come into the field and I didn't notice her. As he moved back and forth I took the opportunity to take some memories;

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He moved into about 35 yards and seemed to be losing interest so I dropped the hammer on him. He is one of the bigger birds I have ever taken at 23 lbs - 10 inch beard - 1 -1/8 spurs.

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When I headed out to retrieve him I looked back and noticed that my blind sure didn't look natural so I took some time and made it blend a little better.

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I am heading out tomorrow morning with my M405 to see if I can continue the success. Good luck to everyone~!

Cheers,
Chester
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R.J.
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2002 2:12 pm
Location: Innerkip , Ontario , Canada

Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by R.J. »

Awesome pictures and story Robin ! .... Congrat's on a beauty Tom !
See Ya. ... R.J. > " Remember , Trophies are measured by the time and energy expended to get them , not the size or quantity of the quarry "
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maine hunter
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by maine hunter »

Congratulations!!!
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tremps01
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by tremps01 »

A big one, for sure! Congrat for the Tom. Hope you'll succeed with the 405.

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mr meat
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by mr meat »

Congrats!!
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georgiaboy
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by georgiaboy »

Congrats!! :D
Love your set up! 8)
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VixChix
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by VixChix »

Congrats!
Hey let me know if you need new mesh windows for your doghouse blind. i have some spares.
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Red_label-jr
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by Red_label-jr »

Congratulations on the gorgeous bird Robin.
longbow joe
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by longbow joe »

Nice bird great story n pics. .....i like how you put cornstalks around the blind lol.
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j.krug
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Re: First Tom of 2016

Post by j.krug »

Thanks for the great pics and congrats on a real nice Tom. :)
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