Stick And String Turkeys?

[Bird Watcher]

Well, I've made the decision. Boom or Bust, I'm comitted to archery tackle only this Spring. I've shot three turkeys in my life with a bow, but all were just sheer luck as a result of opportunities while deer hunting. To tell the truth, my entusiasm for Turkey hunting has waned a little bit over the last 5 years or so. Maybe I've been doing it too long without mixing things up.

Tonight I was thinking back. I was lucky enough to bring my first one to the call and bring it home with me 21 years ago this Spring when I was 13 years old. It was quite an accomplishment for the North Central Ozarks of Arkansas. There weren't many birds around there then or now, I guess. After I took that bird down to the sporting goods store for a picture, the old men in town would stop and ask me, "are you that kid that called in a turkey out there on the mountain?" I digress, but that started a real obsession for me with the Turkeys every spring. For the next ten years, I hunted every state I could afford to drive to and buy the license. I haven't shot the Osceola, but I've never really been that concerned about completing the Grand Slam. Maybe someday. For the last ten years, I've been slowing down. I've mostly just stayed in Missouri with a few trips out of state sprinkled in, but the last few years especially it feels like my Turkey hunting is almost obligatory. A couple years, the only Turkey hunts I went on were to take youths.

This year is different. After being in the blind with a buddy last year when he shot a nice Tom with his bow, I really started thinking about how I'd like to try and get an Archery Turkey myself, but different than the ones I've shot in the past, you know..on purpose. So I made the decision about a Month ago. I'm "pot committed" to the Bow and Arrow this spring. The weird thing is, I'm also more excited about Turkey hunting this spring than I've been in a long time. I've been shooting my bow nightly, going over my equipment, I've been out scouting properties on the weekend - I'm really looking forward to it. Kansas starts next Sunday on April 1st and I cannot wait. It's all I've been thiking about in my idle time.

So, my question is: Does anyone have any pictures of some Archery Spring Turkeys they'd like to share? Go ahead and tell the story behing them if you are so inclined. I'd like to hear them.

[brother dave]

what fun. My first turkey with a bow was a double bearded hen while archery hunting for deer at a conservation area. I have missed more with a bow than I care to admit I have even lost a couple, it's pretty tough to track a turkey that flies away and disheartening to se your arrow sticking out of it. I have harvested 5 total with a bow now when I shoot at one it's initial success or total failuree, meaning I only aim for a head shot now

When I miss a get to play again and when I hit it's a woohoo turkey dinner for that nite

Shoot straight and Good luck

[Bird Watcher]

I hear ya Dave. I'm really kind of nervous about losing one, but I'm planning on limiting myself to 20 yds or less and I've been doing a lot of research on the different shot angles for their vitals. I think I am developing a pretty good mental picture of where I want to place my shot from different angles. I went with the Rage Turkey heads. I comtemplated giong with the guillotine or magnus bullheads and trying the head shots, but I was worried about what tuning issues those big fixed blade heads would cause with my bow. It does seem like the guys who shoot those big fixed blade broadheads for head shots are happier because of what you just said. They either have a clean kill or a clean miss. I'll have a 2 1/4" cutting diameter with the Rage heads and I can hit a 1" circle at 20 yds every time, so after that it's just placement and execution, I guess. I know that's easier said than done in the heat of the moment with adrenaline pumping though. We'll see. I really hope I don't lose the first one I shoot at. I don't know if I could keep going if that happens.

[brother dave]

Can't wait to hear the results

[oneshot]

When I shot Recurve I always just shot where Wing Connected,up the Dirt Shoot or just below the Beard.

oneshot

[Bird Watcher]

When I shot Recurve I always just shot where Wing Connected,up the Dirt Shoot or just below the Beard.

oneshot

Ah yes! the ol' Texas Heart shot, or as you put it 'the dirt shoot' Actually, I wouldn't mind taking that shot at all. At least you'd have a nice pinpoint target to shoot at.

[duckydoty]

Ah yes! the ol' Texas Heart shot, or as you put it 'the dirt shoot' Actually, I wouldn't mind taking that shot at all. At least you'd have a nice pinpoint target to shoot at.

LOL! All kinds of thing come to mind that I probably should not post on here.

[Bird Watcher]

Tell me about it. I can't think of a more awkward way for a Turkey to meet it's maker. If I'm lucky enough to shoot one like that, I'll make sure to put some pictures up so everyone can see how much damage my broadhead does on entry...Wait, that kind of came out wrong...oh,nevermind.

[brother dave]

what ever it takes dead is dead and dead turkey is tasty