My brother and myself finally connected last Saturday after 4 previously unsuccessful hunts at our private honey hole north of Mt. Spokane. The honey seemed to have dried up due to predators?
We went with plan B, back to a previous honey hole from years back that had also dried up (near Colville).
The landowner said he hadn't seen any birds but "you're welcome to try".
As we were heading in, a Red-tailed hawk started screeching & circling overhead, causing a shock gobble several hundred yards away. Loose lips sink ships, we moved closer and set up, calling very softly to reveal our location.
They materialized like ghosts and for the next 15 minutes slowly worked towards where that call originated.
There were 4 longbeards within 5-7 yards of us, but my gun was pointed the wrong direction. A little patience paid off, which allowed me to re position my gun without getting busted and we managed to double - our second time in several years.
Bagging these birds got the monkey off our backs - Finally!
The Red-tailed hawk really helped us out, that's what I will label the wingbone yelper I will make from my bird as a reminder of another successful hunt.