Yep one less bird in Upper Hillsborough. I was at the gate this morning at 3:30 behind only 2 trucks and they were campers. There was only about 6 trucks in line when they opened the gate. I snuck back into the spot I had the duel with a gobbler last week and found a better setup for this flat pond that he was hanging around. I sat down before 6 and started hearing grunting. I had sat down amongst a group of hogs as it got to the point where I could see shapes I counted at least 7 but there were probably more just rooting and feeding at one point one was within 10 yards. I thought to myself great this is going to suck with these hogs in here but they moved off. At gobble time I heard nothing at all so I waited a little more and finally let out a soft tree yelp on a slate call that can get real subtle when you want it to. About 5 minutes later I did it again and a bird gobbled to my left but it sounded pretty far away. I actually thought about cutting the distance on him but decided to let him gobble again to make my decission. I always carry a wing with me so I simulated flying down with it,and did it again about 5 minutes later and then started scratching the leaves and purring on a mouth call just trying to act like a couple hens out getting breakfast. Then from my left I see him flying into the flat pond and landed to my right at about the 3 oclock position which for a right hander isnt good. As soon as he lit he went into half strut and I started switching shoulders with the gun. I dont know if he caught some movement or just figured that something wasnt right but he broke strut and gave that look like better shoot me now or Im leavin so I did left handed. He was farther than I wanted to shoot but the mosssy and Nitro Ammo did the job. He wasnt real heavy only 15 Lbs. by the scales at the check station with an 8 inch beard but he has some hooks. One is 1 1/8" and the other is almost 1 1/4". When I figure out how to post pics I will. To say the least I am on cloud 9 right now and Im about to introduce him to some hot grease.
Congratulations!!!!!!
Congrats
Nice!!! I'm planning to go out there next week...
congrats :toast
