I've been trying to get into grouse for the past couple of years with no luck. But to be honest I haven't really had the time to go out. I have to be opportunistic and just take a day here and there.
Yesterday, I hooked up with YJ Guide Service to do some turkey hunting. Craig was awesome. He showed me around the place and got me clued into all the other activities they support (muzzy, deer, coyote, and of course turkey). I had access to several hundred acres but I really only needed one because it was a blind hunt. I was hoping to go Steven Rinella style
but given it was my first time I wanted to get meat.
Anyways, I show up Friday around 11a and then get to the blind. No real action, I saw birds but they were so huddled together that I didn't want to take out the whole flock in one shot (more on that later). So it was really windy and after about 2 or 3 sets of about dozen birds each, they stopped coming in and it was getting near dusk, so I left because I was afraid I couldn't find my way out. I was deep into their farm.
The next morning (today), I get in before dark and find the blind. Around 7a I see 3 does and a BEAUTIFUL 3 point buck. Then the turkeys came. Crap. They are all around each other.
Finally, I see a turkey break from the pack. I didn't see anything else around it so I beaded him and BLAM. I put the safety on and saw two birds flapping around.
Two birds one Long Beard #5. One 15 pound hen and second 10 pound hen.
THANK YOU ALL, I use this board and site quite a bit for guidance.
And a shout out Craig at YJ Guides, he was very patient and helpful.
Lessons learned:
- 12 ga shotguns are heavy! I used a shooting stick on the second day.
- I had too many toys (calls, etc) my pack was a mess, so I cleaned it at the motel on the first night.
- First Lite clothing is awesome! Warm and comfortable. I used their pants, a pullover, a short cap, and a balacava of theirs. The balacava was great!
- Turkeys take a long time to clean and one wrong cut and you've got poop all over. Steven's turkey cleaning youtube was really useful to prepare.
- Now I want to stalk turkeys and not be in a blind. But being in the blind was a great experience. Prepping for the trip/shot and then the cleaning of the birds.
