Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: Andrew on May 01, 2016, 05:10:54 PM
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Took my 6-year old son Liam out on his first tag along turkey hunt after a not so memorable opening hunt. We got to our 'spot' Friday night a little to late to hear birds go to bed but enjoyed some polish tube steaks over the fire before hitting the tent. Had all our gear ready to go and laid out (one benefit of having a hunting partner that is 40" tall there is 4' of extra tent space at his legs! :IBCOOL:) so when the alarm went off at 4:30 it made getting ready pretty smooth and easy. We snarfed down a banana and were off. Didn't get 150 yards from camp when I heard one bird fire off to my right followed by another to the left. I had a funny suspicion that I knew were the bird on the right was thanks to my not so memorable opener...so I instructed Liam that from this point forward be very quiet, no stepping on sticks, pine cones, etc. AND DEFINITELY NO TALKING! walked another 75-100 yards and felt that any further would be risking it all. Got Liam up against a tree, set up the decoys, and got ready for the game of "wait'n see". By now it was 5:20 or so....I let out a few soft calls on my slate however no reply. This went on for another 15 minutes and all I could think of was "did we spook him? did we move in too close?" A few minutes passed and a very excited hen started squawking 100+ yards in front of us which solicited a gobble. Couldn't see either bird and decided I'll give my mouth call a go and started a game of copycat with the hen...maybe I could lure her in and drag the tom with her :dunno: She would fire off, then I would mock her the best I could without choking on the call. this went on for a minute or so and in the faint morning light I saw her running towards us. Let Liam know that he needs to be very still...no moving or talking and advised him he should stare at his shoes. The hen got within 10 yards of us and was not liking the situation...she was giving me the stink eye for sure. She cautiously slowly walked off, but the 'plan' worked!! The tom appeared 80 yards out strutting, he broke strut when he saw the decoys and came running up to the Jake pounced on it, knocking it over, and began spurring it! Satisfied that he "KO" his competition he snuggled up to one of the hen deeks. The only issue...I had no shot and he was within 10 yards! My setup was based on him coming downhill and crossing in front of us, instead he came at the decoys aligned with us. Waited for him to strut, slid off the tree three feet, he made his final turn and BAM! Turkey down by 5:55!
After a few high fives, a quick thanks to our Father, he turns to me and says "Dad I take it we can talk now." Our first bird together is not the largest bird I've ever shot, its probably the smallest, but it is huge in my memory and another stepping stone for my son that I got to be present for. Similarly to his favorite book "Connor's first bird" Liam's fan will be in his room after it dries and is mounted.
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Absolutely AWESOME pics.
I love the first pic of him with just his eyes showing..... A time he'll never forget. :tup:
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Way to go you two, proud little guy for sure. Looks a little tuckered out in the end. :)
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Nicely done fella's! :tup:
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What a great adventure! And a great memory for years to come :tup:
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The best!!! of times
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Great memories
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Fantastic! Thanks for sharing with us. Always fun to take the young ones on hunts, there good luck to.
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THAT is just too cool!!!!!! Awesome post!
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:tup: :tup: cherish the memories.
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I've got 4 seasons to wait until I can get my son out there. This looks like a blast. Great job Liam and Dad!
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NIce work dad! Way to get him in the woods early!
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:tup: Real good deal!
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This is great. Congratulations Dad. I love dragging the kids out hunting. Sometimes their highlight is the McDonalds bacon, egg, and cheese, but you can't beat the time together in the woods. Now that I am old I think of all the times my Dad took me hunting or fishing, and now I get to pass down those same experiences. I love it. Keep it up.
