Creek Bottom Toms

by Terry Shields
Zink Calls Pro-Staff
5 May 2009

This year was a fun year for the early Turkey season in Michigan. Heavy rain left creeks high and many forests and adjoining fields flooded. This added to the challenge when trying to find and set up on morning birds. This hunt in particular was an example of adjusting to these conditions and making it happen.

We arrived at the Creek Bottom Farm well before daylight to get in a prime location to listen for the morning gobbles. As the sky was just turning pink the sound we were waiting for cut through the crisp morning air. Thunder to the North and then a loud gobble to the west. The birds to the north were lighting up .We made our move. Moving swiftly but quietly we made good time closing the distance. Within a matter of minutes we pretty close to where we wanted to be. One thing stood between the roost and us and it was a bulging creek flooded by the recent rains. In the past this creek was easily crossed being only calf deep but today this thing was about four feet deep. We decided to set up just on this side of the creek and wait for the birds to fly down. These guys were fire and we enjoyed listening as the anticipation was building. Just on the other side of the creek was a partially cut cornfield and we figured the birds would fly down to the opening that had been cut. Right on cue large bird soared from the roost and stood in the corn fifty yards away. A few soft yelps from the Zink double reed call got his attention and he was on route. Just behind him emerged the other Tom. They were closing the distance fast. San asked if I could reach the back bird and at twenty yards I nodded yes. Just as they were about to descend the bank on the other side of the creek we opened up. Two shots that sounded like one and both birds were down. Everything was great until Sans bird decided to do one last flop and landed in the creek. So much for staying dry. My bird weighed in at 20lbs 6oz with a 9 ¾" beard and ¾" spurs and son's bird was 22lbs 9 ¼" beard ¾"spurs.

The Bottom Line
I think a contributing factor to the success of this hunt was there were no hens in the area. Keeping the calling soft as the toms closed the distance helped seal the deal.