Had been hunting in Idaho (I know it's not WA but I live in WA) for two days alone without hearing or seeing a bird. Then last Saturday morning, decided to give it one more try. Headed into the woods without much hope, just walking and calling. About a mile from my truck I cranked on "Turkey Crack", my custom made Howard House Box Call and lo and behold I hear a gobble close by. I knew he wasn't far off so I quickly stuck a hen decoy in the middle of the cut road I was on and then found a not so good place to sit down. I wasn't wearing gloves cause it was just too darn hot so I got those on, sat down, got my gun up and attempted one more call. He answered immediately and I got ready. Then I see this hen sticking her head up checking out the scene. I was watching her intensely cause I was sure she was gonna bust me. And then from my left this huge tom comes running full strut up to the decoy. He came in so fast he didn't make a sound but started circling the decoy and moving his tail fan back and forth. The hen putted twice and so I got ready and took the shot. Bird down! I was only maybe 15 yards away which is much closer than I like to be. Anywise, I didn't realize how large he was at first but his spurs are and inch and a quarter and his beard is a nine incher. I didn't weigh him and I should have but for me he's the largest turkey I've ever taken. Once again, gotta thank the good Lord for allowing me to harvest one of his birds.
