Had a great first hunt with my new Tolke Kestrel II. I can't say enough good things about this little bow. I started out working a bird that was roosted close to my set up in the woods. Of course he did not use the open landing spot and alley way I expected him to, but came in from the side with 7 jakes. For some reason he did not like my hen and DSD Jake and slunk off with his entourage. I use a little half round blind from LL Bean and thought he might have seen me. I know the two jakes that snuck up from behind did as they alarm putted for quite a while. That didn't deter the tom and two of his original 8 from coming back and still spooking at the decoy after I did a bunch of calling. Another tom was closing in but circled out of sight and continued on.
With no active birds around I packed up, returned to the truck and traded the jake decoy for another hen. climbing back up the hill I proceeded to check and move a game camera (it was a dual purpose trip). When I got close to a field I gave some yelps on my box call and got an immediate response. I found a wide spot in an old skidder trail leading to the field and set up. The opening was only about 7 yards in diameter. I did some calling and the birds would respond every time, but seemed stuck in place.
(http://rs1070.pbsrc.com/albums/u500/mdstenstrom/Mobile%20Uploads/0BE837AE-4830-407E-9F64-56A4A03DBD22_zpszvhhfypu.mp4?w=160&h=160&fit=clip) (http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u500/mdstenstrom/Mobile%20Uploads/0BE837AE-4830-407E-9F64-56A4A03DBD22_zpszvhhfypu.mp4)
After about 15 minutes I decided to pack up, swing around them and get to power line at the upper end of the field. I figured they would move that way better. Just as I had the blind all disassembled and rolled up they cut loose with a gobble half way to my location. I quickly reset the blind and sat back down. Instead of coming down the field and up the skidder trail they were coming straight through the thick popple regrowth. I caught a glimpse as they got close and then there was a longbeard followed by a second in strut. When the strutter stepped into my shooting window I drew and when he lifted his head into a half strut I released. The arrow hit about two inches higher than I was aiming. It whistled through his head and he just sat down. The second tom didn't know what happened and I could have gotten a shot at him if I wasn't already tagged out taking my first allotted bird with a shotgun earlier in the week. The Treeshark did an amazing job. I have found out I get 1/4 rotation every 8 yards on my arrows.
(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u500/mdstenstrom/Mobile%20Uploads/1E7B606F-BB23-4A0B-9F99-CE62D75139E4_zpsulmkqgwv.jpg) (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/mdstenstrom/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1E7B606F-BB23-4A0B-9F99-CE62D75139E4_zpsulmkqgwv.jpg.html)
Here is a view from the turkey's angle
(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u500/mdstenstrom/Mobile%20Uploads/22E58DE4-A0D6-4377-AF1E-ABF7413870B2_zpsgy2sqv1d.jpg) (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/mdstenstrom/media/Mobile%20Uploads/22E58DE4-A0D6-4377-AF1E-ABF7413870B2_zpsgy2sqv1d.jpg.html)
And of the blind and packseat
(http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u500/mdstenstrom/Mobile%20Uploads/BCE3CA3F-1DA8-4788-B900-BCECC6D345C8_zpsxubdy1j8.jpg) (http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/mdstenstrom/media/Mobile%20Uploads/BCE3CA3F-1DA8-4788-B900-BCECC6D345C8_zpsxubdy1j8.jpg.html)
Outstanding hunt, reporting, and outcome, Mike. Sounds like turkeys are more available (plentiful) than when I got my first (and only to date) one there (or here). That was back in Early 1990's, and as I recall, there were only about 3 counties that were even in on the draw for turkey tags in Maine then. Really enjoyed the read and pics. :clapper:
I was here back then. Seemed to get a tag every other year. There are a decent number of gobblers around, but we are recovering from a winter two years ago that really hit the birds hard. As long as the winter is reasonable next year should be amazing. LOTS of jakes around this year.
What blind system is that?
Way to go!
Congrats,
Bisch
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Daniel it is called a Stowaway blind, that I got from LL Bean. Bungee corded poles that snap out. Compacts to a 5" by 18" bag. I really like it, but they currently carrying it.
Congrats on the beautiful bird.
Good job and nice bow !
Way to go! Congrats!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:clapper:
Nicely done
Congrats!!