Turkey Hunting 5.6.09

[tlbradford]

Not too much to write about.  I went out this morning before work.  Had one gobbling in the roost about 200 yards from my parking spot.  Unfortunately, I couldn't set up where he would head after flydown, but I got as close as I could.  He flies down and heads the away from me, which I knew he would.  I give him some time and make a big, big circle to get ahead of them.  He ends up being a small one, so he gets a pass.  He gave me a decent show, but I pushed the issue to try to get closer for pictures and he busted me.  I hate hunting on a tight schedule.  Sorry about missing the focus on the second one.  It bums me out since that would have been the best picture.

[tlbradford]

My initial set-up, sunrise photo, and playing around with a reflection.

[OneHorn]

whats wrong with the size of that bird? are you tryn to kill a world record or something??

[tlbradford]

The next couple of hours were spent trying to locate a larger bird with no luck.  So I was left to practice my flying duck shots.  

Can someone tell me what settings to use for this?  

I walk around with the camera on Av Mode, AWB, Evaluative Metering, and Iso based on the amount of light available.  I let the camera adjust for shutter speed (which always seem to be too slow).  I know I should probably use the Tv setting from a couple of articles, but if anyone has some recommendations I am all ears.

[tlbradford]

More freakin' ducks.  I have to put something on here right?   

[tlbradford]

whats wrong with the size of that bird? are you tryn to kill a world record or something??

He needs a couple-three more inches on that beard, or 1" spurs.  Turkeys are one of the few animals I truly trophy hunt. 

[OneHorn]

o....

[tlbradford]

I messed up a stalk on a pair of ruffed grouse.  Too bad, I had visions of a Shawn or Tom photo.  I jumped a few whitetail, but was too slow on the draw.

I am realizing I need a bigger lens too.  Next time out I will probably throw on the 1.4x extender.

Hope you guys enjoyed the photos, and I hope I don't find any ticks on me later tonight.

[GUHunter]

I was looking at the title and thought something looked wrong.......turkey hunting on April 6th?? You meant 5.6.09.

[tlbradford]

Thanks for the heads up.  Obviously WSU grads can't read a calendar as well as GU students.   

[Intruder]

You know those birds in the water aren't turkeys right?   

Super cool photo of the redheads!!!

[robb92]

Good pics!!! Thanks for posting them!