The 2 Year Gobbler Drought.

[blackbeltbill]

   OK- What,I am going to write next is kind of Funny. No-- not the 2 Year Gobbler Drought- certainly  that's  not Funny.

   So a few days back,I was visiting the old site and,I check back a few days a week like some do here also. I start reading the Thread- 2024- Turkey Season. And the latest post by that ol familiar  responding to Al has me as the prime subject to discuss.

   And SOB/ LOL-- He is right on this point. I have Killed nothing but Jakes these last 2 years. I think " 4" between NY + NJ.

  Now,I am not an Expert at Anything as,I have written  repeatedly over the years.  Why the Mayor is closely Tailing my Threads and Yours is anyone's guess- but,I digress.

   So-- Yeah,I am in a 2 year Gobbler Drought. Last time that happened  was back in- egads-- 1994. 30 years back now. No excuses here- sometimes it just does not happen.I had my Safety off on a Gobbler coming towards me in the Hardwoods.  He put the Brakes on at 50 yards and Gobbled right there for a good 5 Minutes. Never saw him. He parked his Butt behind a Tree. This is common in the Hardwoods if the Gobbler has been hunted before. Almost like a Squirrel barking at you from the ground and climbing up the backside of a Tree of course .

    Now the last time,I exchanged letters with outdoor writer- Jim Casada a good 3 years ago- he told me that he did not get a Gobbler that year. And did not Travel either/ just his 200 Acre Piece. So he stayed stuck at around 310 Gobblers.  By the way- he still sells classic Turkey Hunting Books at his site.

    So next Spring-- hopefully, I can break this 2 Year Gobbler Drought.  I have an updated 2018 vehicle and got rid of the 2004 Saturn- so,I might try Pennsylvania again. Last year,I was there was 2014 and killed a good Gobbler on one of the huge State Game Lands.

   Unfortunately  right now- one of the areas that,I have hunted in during the past is Burning  near Greenwood  Lake. Hopefully  the Brave Firefighters will put out the blaze soon. Over 3,500 Acres have Burned so far.

 Getting ready to hunt Pheasants  this Morning.  blackbeltbill bowing off the dojo floor.

[Dogman]

Bill please don't take this the wrong way- not a dig.

I read this a couple days ago and kind of releflected on the title. Following some of your other posts we are about the same age. That said I notice my own shortfalls in the field,stream and lakes.  Gett'n old is not as much fun as being young ! But still pretty cool !  In my case I believe this to be the main problem . I get out but don't do near as good as I did in the past. Each time I fail I smile and remember the times when I was at my best ! & I can tell from your writing I think you do also ! Could be the computer twist but I don't think so.  At least we still get out ! We may not do as well as we once did but we do our best !   

 

This post is a shout out to other ole timers ! Keep in the game !

[blackbeltbill]

9 minutes ago, Dogman said:

Bill please don't take this the wrong way- not a dig.

I read this a couple days ago and kind of releflected on the title. Following some of your other posts we are about the same age. That said I notice my own shortfalls in the field,stream and lakes.  Gett'n old is not as much fun as being young ! But still pretty cool !  In my case I believe this to be the main problem . I get out but don't do near as good as I did in the past. Each time I fail I smile and remember the times when I was at my best ! & I can tell from your writing I think you do also ! Could be the computer twist but I don't think so.  At least we still get out ! We may not do as well as we once did but we do our best !   

 

This post is a shout out to other ole timers ! Keep in the game !

Thanks for the reply. 

    What is going on is the Northren States have caught up to our Southern State Turkey Hunting Brothers on the Public Lands.

   Much Tougher today to kill a Gobbler on Public then back in the mid 1990s  to around 2015/16 or so. At least in Orange County. I never saw Turkeys in fields while driving by until 1990.  Back when,I started hunting Pheasants in 1974/ 51 years back now-- there were Zero Turkeys in my area.

   So- all of us were learning calling and woodsmanship back in the 1990s as opposed to our Southren Brothers who were born into Turkey Hunting.  Extremely  Good Turkey Hunters all across the South. Tougher Gobbler Hunting on Public and Quieter Birds.

  Fast forward to 2024- all Northern  States have Extremely  Good/ Veteran  Turkey Hunters everywhere now. And Tougher Gobbler Hunting and somewhat Quieter Birds.

  The North has caught up to the South in this regard on Public. I have no idea what happens on Private.

  Come next Spring,I will for the first time ever - Start Roosting Gobblers.

  Believe it or not- I have never Roosted a Spring Gobbler since my start in 1990. Since 2020,I see increasing numbers of Turkey Hunters Sleeping near the gates on Public after obviously  Roosting them. I usually  arrive by 2.30am or before to see cars and trucks parks- the drivers sound asleep. So,I have to up my Game and Roost as well- at least the first week or so.

    I also help out Cynthia  these last 5 years. Opening days/important  early days,I have helped her out.  Believe me,I could have Killed a good 7 or 8 more Gobblers these last 5 years.  And She is up to 5 Gobblers in 5 years.  

   Got to stay in shape as you get older. I still hit the weights hard 3 days a week.  Stretching  too is very important.  

  I am still a Ridge Runner. Looking forward to next Spring.  Thanks for your positive  post.