RidgeRoamingRichard
Well-known member
Although I started hunting when I was a kid, we never really hunted the right way. We got up too late, went home too early, and rarely left the comfort of the truck. We stuck to the non-productive areas we had always hunted because we knew them. Because of this, I regarded hunting as a game of chance.
Thanks to shows like Fresh Tracks, Meateater, and the Western Hunter, I've seen the light of spot and stalk hunting. Hunting can be a strategic endeavour, not just a crap shoot! Forums like this one have not only provided much needed knowledge, but also the confidence to go out and try.
I see so many threads about success. This one is about failure. Its about perseverance. Its about hunting for the sake of hunting. If you're looking for huge trophies, scores and draw odds, this ain't the thread for you. If you like a humble, no-bull account of trying and trying again, I hope this thread entertains.
Episode 1: Turkeys require some research.
I had seen some guys go after them on TV; looks simple enough. Go out, find 'em, set up and call. That's it right?
I headed out to an area I had scouted earlier. On the map, it looked like the river drainage intersected by the trail was flat and open, a perfect place for birds. I set out with my shotgun and facemask, optimistic about my hunt.
At the point of intersection, I started up the "open and flat" drainage, thinking it had to open up after this next thicket. After about 2 miles of ducking under, over, and through willows, I started to second guess my honey hole. What I couldn't figure out was how such a large bird was going to bushwhack into that hell hole to come to my seductive calls! Needless to say I killed nothing but time, and by the time I reached the truck, I was pretty sure turkeys weren't stupid birds wondering MT's thickets.
I learned a few things that day. I learned about the importance of habitat. Just looking at topo lines isn't enough, you need to look at the vegetation, habitat composition, etc. Do the homework to understand what types of habitat your query actually inhabits, guessing won't cut it. Taking off up a mysterious, choked out drainage isn't the best turkey hunting go-to.
I also learned that Montana is a big state, and turkeys don't inhabit all of it uniformly. Bozeman is known for many things, but turkeys aren't really one of them (except the ones you see around town with white shades and safari snorkels). Some windshield time is well worth it if you get to hunt a sizeable population of birds.
The last thing I learned is to not take myself too seriously. When I was gearing up that morning, I was a killer, a finely tuned hunting machine bent on success. By the end of my scramble through the bushes, I was a humbled man. Humility has changed my hunting. Its now more research intensive. I have an educated guess when I enter the forest now, rather than a hunch.
I'll keep these coming if people like them. If not, just tell me to kick rocks. Thanks for reading.
Thanks to shows like Fresh Tracks, Meateater, and the Western Hunter, I've seen the light of spot and stalk hunting. Hunting can be a strategic endeavour, not just a crap shoot! Forums like this one have not only provided much needed knowledge, but also the confidence to go out and try.
I see so many threads about success. This one is about failure. Its about perseverance. Its about hunting for the sake of hunting. If you're looking for huge trophies, scores and draw odds, this ain't the thread for you. If you like a humble, no-bull account of trying and trying again, I hope this thread entertains.
Episode 1: Turkeys require some research.
I had seen some guys go after them on TV; looks simple enough. Go out, find 'em, set up and call. That's it right?
I headed out to an area I had scouted earlier. On the map, it looked like the river drainage intersected by the trail was flat and open, a perfect place for birds. I set out with my shotgun and facemask, optimistic about my hunt.
At the point of intersection, I started up the "open and flat" drainage, thinking it had to open up after this next thicket. After about 2 miles of ducking under, over, and through willows, I started to second guess my honey hole. What I couldn't figure out was how such a large bird was going to bushwhack into that hell hole to come to my seductive calls! Needless to say I killed nothing but time, and by the time I reached the truck, I was pretty sure turkeys weren't stupid birds wondering MT's thickets.
I learned a few things that day. I learned about the importance of habitat. Just looking at topo lines isn't enough, you need to look at the vegetation, habitat composition, etc. Do the homework to understand what types of habitat your query actually inhabits, guessing won't cut it. Taking off up a mysterious, choked out drainage isn't the best turkey hunting go-to.
I also learned that Montana is a big state, and turkeys don't inhabit all of it uniformly. Bozeman is known for many things, but turkeys aren't really one of them (except the ones you see around town with white shades and safari snorkels). Some windshield time is well worth it if you get to hunt a sizeable population of birds.
The last thing I learned is to not take myself too seriously. When I was gearing up that morning, I was a killer, a finely tuned hunting machine bent on success. By the end of my scramble through the bushes, I was a humbled man. Humility has changed my hunting. Its now more research intensive. I have an educated guess when I enter the forest now, rather than a hunch.
I'll keep these coming if people like them. If not, just tell me to kick rocks. Thanks for reading.
