Conclusion: Game of Inches

[Brian Lovett]

In "Decision Time," Editor Brian Lovett shares a scenario from his 20-plus years hunting turkeys. Each hinges on a critical decision. Post what choice you would have made, then see how things actually turned out.

Conclusion: Game of Inches

With the gobblers so tantalizingly close -- probably 15 steps from being in range -- I wasn't ready to give up yet. As my friend continued calling, I made like a worm and slowly tried to wiggle to some brush 10 yards ahead. I had to wait until the longbeards lowered their heads, ease forward a few inches and then freeze immediately the instant they resumed alert status. After the first few feet, I realized the strategy was working, and that I was actually gaining ground.

Thirty seconds later, I was as far as I could go, and the gobblers, not wanting to lose their ladies, had turned to follow the hens. If I was going to shoot, I had to do so immediately.

I estimated the birds were right at my self-imposed range limitation, so I raised my gun, centered the sights on the closest longbeard and waited until my friend called again. The gobbler craned his neck, and I fired, sending turkeys running and flying everywhere.

After my head and shoulder recovered from the recoil, I struggled to my feet, retrieved the gobbler. I still wasn't sure if I'd made the correct decision, but you couldn't argue with the result. Still, I wondered if an end-around maneuver might have given us a more classic hunt.

Then again, those debates are much more enjoyable when there's a gobbler in the back of your truck.

What decision did you make?

Click here to return to the scenario.

Click here to get the most incredible deer hunting aid ever produced.

[BigBuckeye]

I would rather have a memorable hunt than a classic hunt any day!!!
 
Thanks Brian!

[WillowRidgeCalls]

ORIGINAL: BigBuckeye

I would rather have a memorable hunt than a classic hunt any day!!!

Thanks Brian!

Yes Sir, a bird in hand is better then the two peeking back at you through the bush. [:D]

[kenturkey89]

Haha well said Scott!!

[Bobbyparks]

ORIGINAL: kenturkey89

Haha well said Scott!!

Agreed