The House Gobbler

by Mark Hoke
Zink Calls Z-Unit Team Member
10 April 2009

Vital statistics
"I wish I could give 'em to ya!"

This was my first time hunting in Tennessee, and all I'd been hearing for two straight weeks was how many longbeards everyone had been seeing. I was skeptical, though, as I'd heard that one before, only to arrive and find the birds all henned up.

After a three-hour flight from home, I was putting my gear in good friend, David Carrington's, rig and heading to camp for the night. My first morning afield, I was to have the great honor of hunting with a local teenager by the name of Butch. To say we were on birds that first morning would be the understatement of the century! Two-year-old birds were gobbling everywhere, while several hens were raising their own ruckus. Suddenly, the deep-throated gobble of a long tom grabbed my attention away from the cacophony surrounding me. Cautious of over-calling, I started with a few soft yelps from my Power Slate; quickly, though, I changed tactics as the old boy cut me off and began to strut in our direction across the open field. To think - the sun wasn't even up, and I was staring down the barrel of my 10-bore at a dandy longbeard. All I had to do was wait until the 'ole boy stepped from behind a small bush.

Finally! The moment of truth. Everything had fallen into place - the location, the calls, the scouting. What I hadn't counted on was the distance - 40 yards in a wide-open field - and what I can only assume was a clear-cut case of accuracy trauma. Instead of a flopping gobbler, I was presented with a rapidly departing bird, and a long walk back to camp. My new friend, Butch, was awfully quiet on the walk back. Without speaking, he reached down, plucked a four-leaf clover, and gave it to me, saying - "That's turkey hunting for ya." Despite not killing a bird on this particular trip, I did get to enjoy the wonderful experience that is turkey hunting, and that's better than shooting a South Carolina double.

The Bottom Line
It's important not to overlook the little things when it comes to sealing the deal on an old gobbler. Don't assume your shotgun is "still on" from one year to the next. Always take the time to pattern your firearm prior to the season, and especially after an airline trip. And never forget - Beards are measured in inches, but a friendship is measured in years. You just tell me which is longer!