Turkey hunt with my son

[Little Dave]

Got drawn for the East Blues special permit, so I set out Friday with my oldest son, he's alomst 8.  Figured I'd stay at grandma's place down in the Wallowas and just drive in to Asotin County.  She had been down for a bit, grandpa passed away in July.  Have a good visit with her.

Since we arrived late, we left late Saturday morning.  Saw plenty turkey along ORE 3, two guys hoisting a deer into their truck.  Finally came on some birds on the Washington side of the line and knocked on some doors there.  Just about everybody I spoke with was enthusiastic about the idea of killing a few of the birds... but usually we'd carry on a bit too long, and the birds nearby move out of the area.  Even so, had lots of great places to set up for Sunday.

Headed back to the Wallowas before dark as the rain was setting in.  Sudden heavy rain turned some of the dirt roads to a greasy slush, but we finally made it back to the state road at Anatone and headed south.  The Flora grade, particularly on the Oregon side of the line was slow going because of heavy rock falls.  There was one particularly large boulder, I figure about a foot high near mile four.  At the top of the hill the rain turned to heavy snow and fog for the next 40 miles.  Didn't get down to the valley until about 8.

[Little Dave]

Grandma requested we go to church Sunday morning, so we did.  I figured it would give the state some time to clean the road, rather than take 80 miles of black ice and rockfalls before sunrise.

Half the regular congregation was missing.  The minister observed the low attendance and started with "Welcome, non-hunters" to the whole congregation.

We made it up to our area at about noon and set up in a field.  A group of 8 toms and jakes were dusting in a horse lot and every few minutes regrouping at an opposing end of the pasture.  At one point my son stood up becuase for a long time he could not see the birds and the birds left the pasture.  The chase was on, and we headed them off in the adjacent scrub, and got a nice bird there.  Thanked the property owner for the opportunity and then went up the hill to a friend's place in Idaho before heading home.

[Machias]

Awesome, great write up and photos, thanks for sharing!!

[yelp]

Congrats..great story..I love that country.

[WhiskyRiver]

Congratulations!!
How did your son enjoy the experience? My oldest will be turning 8 next March & hubby and I have been discussing if he'll be old/patient enough to take out turkey hunting in the spring.

[luvtohnt]

Congrats, wish I had time to go get a fall turkey since I missed in the spring.

Brandon

[yelp]

My most cherished times are spending it in the woods with my son, my wife, my dad, my brothers and my dogs.  It doesn't get any better when your with family. Great Story and Hunt.