Hanging Around

by Clint Roby
Zink Calls
5 May 2009

Vital statistics
Weight - 26 lbs 8 oz
Beard - 11.25 inches
Spurs - 1 inch

Opening morning at home in MO found me wandering into a farm that I had gained permission on just a couple hours before dark the night before. I tried to get a bird roosted but ended up being on the wrong end of the farm. Arriving plenty early that morning I made my way along a bean stubble field to a lone tree that set out from the edge about 10 yds. There was very little cover around this tree but I knew I needed the extra distance because there was a 35 yd grass strip between my tree and the edge of the field.

As daylight broke, a bird gobbled down the field about 150 yds and then another bird 150 yds past him. This started out promising but once the birds flew down they made their way to the top end of the field to strut. Sitting there I realized this was a classic example of not scouting costing me a chance at this pair. It became apparent from the start that they were going to work the high side of the field. They would respond often but were more interested in the hens that had made their way into the field shortly after flydown. In between strutting for the hens they made it a point to prove their dominance over the 2 jakes that accompanied them.

After an hour and half I had decided that it was mostly a useless set up and it was time to make a move but I was in full view of the birds. I was confident that I would have a better chance at the pair the next morning from the other side of the field, if something didn't work out later that day. Being pinned actually started to work in my favor as I could hear another bird approaching the field from the east. After trading a few series of yelps for gobbles I could finally start to see the top of the new birds fan at the top of the ridge 200 yds away. He would break strut and look down into the bottom of the field for me then go right back into strut. I laid into him with an aggressive series hoping to keep his interest despite the other "distractions" in the field.

Once he got into full view he made his way over to harass the jakes. He spent a minute or so chasing them in circles while the strutting pair worked closer to the action yet giving him his distance. Watching this take place through my binocs the longbeard gave up chasing the boys and decided it was time to come check out the area where the calling came from earlier. He made it to within 10 yds of the grass strip before stopping for a look. It wasn't as close as I would have liked but I knew it wouldn't be easy to get him into the grass, and I knew I had to be less than well hidden. This also gave me the perfect opportunity to field test the 3.5 in 2 ¼ oz #6 Heavy-13's. It was impressive, I stepped this guy off at 45 yds and I don't think I've ever hit one any harder at any distance.

Tip of the Hunt
Hang around and be patient! I was ready to make my out of the field but by hanging around an area that had birds I was presented an excellent opportunity to fill my first tag.