Author Topic: Washington Slam (Read 11803 times)

MerriamMagician · « **on:** April 24, 2016, 11:38:58 PM »

Theres nothing in the turkey hunting world quite like getting to a gated logging road at 3:00 in the morning, biking in for miles in the dark to some isolated basin, getting set up, and then getting to hear several Eastern gobblers go ballistic all around you in Southwest Washington. I got to experience this again last Saturday as I attempted to kill another Washington Eastern. From several previous scouting trips I had a good plan for the birds and had what I thought was a bulletproof set up on a big lone gobbler. HA.

300 gobbles later, instead of pitching down right to the opening in front of him, he crashed his way through about 150 yards of mature timber and dumped into some 8 foot reprod.

He continued gobbling at an outstanding rate, but worked his way straight up towards a ridge going away from me. Luckily I knew which road he was heading for and I looped all the way around him to where several old skid roads intersected. I dumped out of the big timber just in time to spook a flock of 8 other birds that where cruising up the road. With no time to lose I disregarded them and dashed up to the corner and plopped down. Seconds later he gobbled and he was close!! 60 yards or less. I gave one small series of yelps, then trained my gun barrel to the intersection. Time stood still as he kept getting closer. He was gobbling about every 8 seconds and it was thundering through the still air!

Off goes the safety... Deep steady breaths as my heart attempts to burst. Suddenly his head appears, a lone periscope surveying the scene. He takes 3 more steps into full view and goes into full strut. Just as quickly as he puffs up, he comes back out of strut and periscopes his neck again. Does he see me!? Too late. The gun roars and he goes down without a single flop.
What an amazing moment it is when you have killed one of these birds. I've heard a lot of people say these birds are the hardest turkeys to kill anywhere. I already can't wait to duel with another Eastern in the rainforest next year.

Meanwhile I made quick work of both the Merriam and the Rio on opening weekend. I'm very happy to have got the state slam again. The merriams and rios are great fun, buts it the black ghosts from the southwest corner that occupy my dreams during those long winter months that promise the triumphant return of another spring turkey season.

Big game archer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2016, 11:48:43 PM »

That's awesome!!

bearpaw · « **Reply #2 on:** April 24, 2016, 11:49:10 PM »

nicely done, congrats

HUNTaHOLIC5 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2016, 12:46:36 AM »

nice!

Tree Killer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2016, 04:03:33 AM »

Nicely done...congratulations!

Shooting Stix · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2016, 04:18:54 AM »

that's awesome now you need an oceiola in florida and a Gould in mexico

270Shooter · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2016, 05:49:43 AM »

Very nice. I envy you, I love to turkey hunt but I'm still a novice and though I've killed several I still have a tough enough time killing a Merriam lol.

bobcat · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2016, 06:49:18 AM »

Good job, great story!

h2ofowlr · « **Reply #8 on:** April 25, 2016, 08:13:23 AM »

Congrats!

Jester052 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 25, 2016, 08:38:15 AM »

Congrats! Nice write up.

Grizman · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2016, 09:26:08 AM »

Good job and nice write up. Lots of fun to see the different places birds live!!

Wacenturion · « **Reply #11 on:** April 25, 2016, 10:01:32 AM »

Congratulations.....certainly not an easy feat especially when you throw in the Eastern. No matter which subspecies, it's still turkey hunting. As I had said numerous times in the past, the Eastern Wild Turkey in western Washington is the hardest turkey you'll ever hunt, but they can also be the easiest. If you have done your homework and had the experience of harvesting a couple of them, you'll understand what I mean. Nice birds.......

WoolyRunner · « **Reply #12 on:** April 25, 2016, 10:07:08 AM »

Congrats!

Spurdaddy · « **Reply #13 on:** April 25, 2016, 10:17:28 AM »

Congratulations on the Slam .......and more importantly taking a "Ghost". Every year I have chased him...never able to close the deal. I will continue until I get her done. Well Done Sir....Well Done!

jasnt · « **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2016, 10:20:15 AM »

Sounds like a blast!!

Whitenuckles · « **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2016, 11:28:28 AM »

Congrats! Beautiful birds.

kevinlisa06 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2016, 12:24:37 PM »

Congratulations nicely done!

turkeydancer · « **Reply #17 on:** April 25, 2016, 01:44:51 PM »

Good job !

Wanttohuntmore · « **Reply #18 on:** April 25, 2016, 08:50:56 PM »

Wow, that's awesome! How much scouting time under your belt for the eastern? I found a flock last fall that I'm keeping in reserve for my slam if I ever get there!

MuleySniper · « **Reply #19 on:** April 25, 2016, 10:05:24 PM »

Very cool! Nice job

MerriamMagician · « **Reply #20 on:** April 26, 2016, 06:42:12 AM »

Quote from: Wanttohuntmore on April 25, 2016, 08:50:56 PM

Wow, that's awesome! How much scouting time under your belt for the eastern? I found a flock last fall that I'm keeping in reserve for my slam if I ever get there!

Every weekend in March every year. Takes serious dedication

elkboy · « **Reply #21 on:** April 26, 2016, 07:46:43 AM »

Congratulations! Well done!!!!

Mfowl · « **Reply #22 on:** April 26, 2016, 08:10:12 AM »

Congrats on your slam!

gunnarnewt · « **Reply #23 on:** April 26, 2016, 09:15:14 AM »

congrats!

ShaneTyTrey · « **Reply #24 on:** April 26, 2016, 09:20:55 PM »

Congrats, very cool!

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Author Topic: Washington Slam (Read 11803 times)

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