Lessons learned by a first timer

[Bigger Fish]

Headed up to Pend Oreille for my first opener.  I had been looking forward to this for almost a year, reading, buying gear, etc. and I was PUMPED when the time finally arrived!

 These are just some of the lessons that I learned:

1.   Knowing where and when the birds head from public to private land (and back) is critical.  I seemed to be at the right place, only at the wrong time.
2.   Turkeys have a knack of sounding like they’re taunting me when they are on private land you don’t have permission to hunt on.
3.   Fences are my enemy.
4.   Don’t call to another hunters turkey decoys.  They won’t move.
5.   I am a turkey hunting addict.
6.   Even a tiny mink (at least I think it was a mink) can scare the living crap out of a 200 lb. grown man carrying a gun.
7.   MOST IMPORTANTLY:  Don’t leave your trigger lock keys at home, and certainly don’t discover this at 4 a.m. on opening day.
8.   I had an absolutely amazing time, even without getting a bird.

I would like to personally thank WAcoyotehunter, who took me under his “wing” (get it??).  He provided me invaluable advice, fed me dinner (along with his wife and buddies), and regaled me with hilarious and amazing hunting stories.  It was an adventure I’ll never forget, and hope to experience again soon!

And oh yes, he lent me a shotgun – at 4 a.m. on opening day.  Without laughing.  (At least in front of me!  )

Bart – YOU ROCK!

[10Key]

Public land turkey hunting is TOUGH...I have done it for quite a while now and have yet to connect. You are so right about knowing travel patterns of the birds between public and private, the issue is, scouting these birds and learning their "pattern" is difficult as it is upwards of a 6 hour drive each way. Good luck to you the remainder of the season.

[turkeyfeather]

I know what you mean. Every time I go out I learn a new don't do that next time trick.

[WAcoyotehunter]

No sweat Brian- I wish you would have been able to use that gun, but it will happen next time. 

[hawksfan75]

Lots of good lessons there for sure. Although, I am glad to hear you saved at least one gobbler for when Redstar and I head over for memorial day weekend. Blammo!

[turkey choke]

My first year as well and I have learned some of those lessons or similar ones.  Also have been taken under a few "wings" to get me by so far.  Still hopin' for a bird, but man I get pumped just hearing the gobble.  So far it is a successful hunt if I hear them or see them (sitting on private property).  Who would have thought a stupid bird could get me so jacked. 

[beau6hunter]

this turkey stuff is drivin me crazy! do i wann spend another hundred in gas to get laughed at by my dad because i hesitated on a tom a epicly failed to recover? lol hell yes!

[Skyvalhunter]

Thanks for helping a fellow hunter out Bart!!

[dirty24d]

Gotta love some good old fashioned hunters hospitality and brotherhood. Way to help a brother out, its defintely a breath of fresh air.

 

[CWUhunter9]

Headed up to Pend Oreille for my first opener.  I had been looking forward to this for almost a year, reading, buying gear, etc. and I was PUMPED when the time finally arrived!

 These are just some of the lessons that I learned:

1.   Knowing where and when the birds head from public to private land (and back) is critical.  I seemed to be at the right place, only at the wrong time.
2.   Turkeys have a knack of sounding like they’re taunting me when they are on private land you don’t have permission to hunt on.
3.   Fences are my enemy.
4.   Don’t call to another hunters turkey decoys.  They won’t move.
5.   I am a turkey hunting addict.
6.   Even a tiny mink (at least I think it was a mink) can scare the living crap out of a 200 lb. grown man carrying a gun.
7.   MOST IMPORTANTLY:  Don’t leave your trigger lock keys at home, and certainly don’t discover this at 4 a.m. on opening day.
8.   I had an absolutely amazing time, even without getting a bird.

I would like to personally thank WAcoyotehunter, who took me under his “wing” (get it??).  He provided me invaluable advice, fed me dinner (along with his wife and buddies), and regaled me with hilarious and amazing hunting stories.  It was an adventure I’ll never forget, and hope to experience again soon!

And oh yes, he lent me a shotgun – at 4 a.m. on opening day.  Without laughing.  (At least in front of me!  )

Bart – YOU ROCK!

hahaha I hate to say it but I did the exact same thing.. remembered everything, except my trigger lock key.. thankfully my buddy brought two shotguns with him, and we never ended up seeing anything anyways.. my buddy however, will rag me about that forever