Biggest Bird Ever

[Ryan Miloshewski]

Took a few days off work for the MO opener. It was a good choice, despite the weather. Went back to one of my old, Ozark haunts. Have not hunted it in six years, but I hunted it for 15 years prior. I knew where the birds would be. Monday was a bust with no gobbles and only seeing one hen. Tuesday I didn't even get up early because it was 34 degrees and I don't care that much for hunting early. Walked down the old railroad tracks that run through the property, calling sporadically. 

It was 9:15 and finally heard a gobble on the neighbors about 300 yds away. I called off and on for about 45 minutes with no response. But, I know these turkeys. They are usually old birds and don't gobble a lot. I set up 15 yds away from where I killed my previous biggest bird in 2015. Sat for 20 min and he sounded off 100 yds away. I knew it was a matter of time. Gave him some soft calling and he gobbled immediately. He wanted to die that day. 

As snow started falling so hard visibility was diminishing, he gobbled his last gobble within 50 yds. My heart rate skyrocketed and I clicked the safety off. He stepped out from behind a cedar about 10 seconds later and my largest turkey ever was on the ground. No decoys, no vest, no luxury items--just me, my gun and a mouth call. The look on his face when he stepped out and saw no hen, but a gun pointed at him was something I'll never forget. Anthropomorphically, his face said "you SOB, you got me." He probably avoided me before in his youth, and other hunters in the area. Not this time, ol' boy. 

25.7 lbs, 12.5" beard and 1.5" spur (other one was broken off from fighting I assume). You CAN kill big, old toms in 36 degrees and snow in April. Who would've thought?

[BilletHead]

38 minutes ago, Ryan Miloshewski said:

Took a few days off work for the MO opener. It was a good choice, despite the weather. Went back to one of my old, Ozark haunts. Have not hunted it in six years, but I hunted it for 15 years prior. I knew where the birds would be. Monday was a bust with no gobbles and only seeing one hen. Tuesday I didn't even get up early because it was 34 degrees and I don't care that much for hunting early. Walked down the old railroad tracks that run through the property, calling sporadically. 

It was 9:15 and finally heard a gobble on the neighbors about 300 yds away. I called off and on for about 45 minutes with no response. But, I know these turkeys. They are usually old birds and don't gobble a lot. I set up 15 yds away from where I killed my previous biggest bird in 2015. Sat for 20 min and he sounded off 100 yds away. I knew it was a matter of time. Gave him some soft calling and he gobbled immediately. He wanted to die that day. 

As snow started falling so hard visibility was diminishing, he gobbled his last gobble within 50 yds. My heart rate skyrocketed and I clicked the safety off. He stepped out from behind a cedar about 10 seconds later and my largest turkey ever was on the ground. No decoys, no vest, no luxury items--just me, my gun and a mouth call. The look on his face when he stepped out and saw no hen, but a gun pointed at him was something I'll never forget. Anthropomorphically, his face said "you SOB, you got me." He probably avoided me before in his youth, and other hunters in the area. Not this time, ol' boy. 

25.7 lbs, 12.5" beard and 1.5" spur (other one was broken off from fighting I assume). You CAN kill big, old toms in 36 degrees and snow in April. Who would've thought?

Outstanding giant Ryan! I have had guys tell me about spurs that long before but none could produce a picture. Could you take one for me to show them with a ruler? That way I can show them! Thanks. 

[Ryan Miloshewski]

47 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

Outstanding giant Ryan! I have had guys tell me about spurs that long before but none could produce a picture. Could you take one for me to show them with a ruler? That way I can show them! Thanks. 

Sure thing. I still am not home but I should be able to get one uploaded for you tonight. I have two now with 1.5" spurs. One in Kansas and this one. It's insane.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

52 minutes ago, BilletHead said:

Outstanding giant Ryan! I have had guys tell me about spurs that long before but none could produce a picture. Could you take one for me to show them with a ruler? That way I can show them! Thanks. 

Here it is without a tape on it.

[Seth]

They don't get much better than that bird! Congrats! I'm hearing quite a few, but they are hanging out all around the property I'm on and not moving my way. Last weekend during youth season, dad said they saw all sorts of bearded birds on the place. There's a group of three that are roosting close, but just don't want to come my way. Hoping that changes soon.