My buddy and I got permission to hunt on some private property in Stevens County this year and it is quickly paying off. We arrived around 5:30 on Thursday morning, and as soon as we got out of the car, we had birds gobbling in all directions. We set up above the landowner's house and began calling. Since he got the permission, I decided that I would call for my buddy and let him have first crack. I was competing with some hens for the attention of the Toms and they were winning. We heard them heading down the hill away from us, so we decided to reposition. We went below the home and set up in a treeline. After a few minutes of calling, we saw a big Tom in full strut come around a shed with a hen. They slowly made their way toward us. The hen that was with this guy got within less than five yards of my buddy who was laying prone. I told him to take the shot if it was clear. He dropped him at 36 paces. We were both excited since this was the first bird for either of us. I hope to get mine tonight. It felt awesome to call in this bird.
