I went out on Monday evening and found a large flock of birds in a field on a farm that I've grown up hunting...in fact, I've shot more birds in this field than all other places combined!
I snuck along the edge of the field, and ran out to break up the birds...It was a little too far for a shot, and with that many birds calling was futile. It was a good break, and I headed for the woods on the other edge of the field, set up my decoys and waited 15 minutes before slow purring...within 10 minutes, three heads poked up on the other side of a blow down. They causiously made their way around, but when they started to act a little spooked, I shot the biggest bird. Turned out to be a nice tom...18.5#, 8 1/2 inch beard and 1 1/4 inch spurs. Not the biggest bird I've ever shot by any means, but the second biggest I've ever taken in the fall.
I got some pics on a disposable camera, as my digital went to hell back in the spring. When I get them developed, I'll get the CD made and post them. So now I've got one bird and I'm happy...Thank god northern muzzleloader starts on Saturday!
-Zach
