Fall Turkey Hunting

Where I hunt in Oklahoma we can take a hen or gobbler with a bow. I consider turkey an extra opportunity while deer hunting.

As I neared the farm I did remember my in-laws telling me they had seen turkeys on their last two trips there.

Two separate flocks were in the wheat field; about thirty birds total.

As I turned into the lane to the old abandoned house-place, I spotted a third small flock feeding up the tree row.


The tree-row runs east from the old house back down to the wheat-field about a half mile. I'd seen turkey use that tree-row before. I'd even stalked them, and missed a shot or two there before.

The small flock of birds were only about 300 yards away, and seemed to be feeding my way. I started thinking about doing some fall turkey hunting as I strung my bow.

There are some thick cedar trees in the tree-row near the old house. They probably couldn't see me through a cedar tree, and one of them might
walk in front of me I reasoned.

I moved west, away from them, while keeping out of sight. I sat my little camp stool near a small cedar tree. Hidden, I thought, but I'd rushed afraid the birds were close.

Below, left picture: (turkey's view) that's my camping stool in the open with a patch of sunlight behind it. I was in total camo, face mask, gloves... but almost in the open!

Below right picture: (my view), the turkey was just this side of the two center trees when I shot.

I sat very still for what seemed like forever; probably 30 min. I remember thinking, I should be deer hunting, they spooked. Then I heard a CLUCK!

Eventually I saw movement through the trees about 40 yards away. They were slowly coming my way. A few more minutes and first one, then another, and eventually all six stepped into the open at about 30 yards.

A long bow shot for me under the best of conditions. Worse, they spotted me instantly. I sat perfectly still.

They evidently did not know what I was, and they seemed curious. After staring at me for an eternity; they cautiously began feeding my way.

Their nervous heads kept stretching up and looking my way. I thought they would run several times. Some of the longest minutes of my life went by.

Soon they were within 20 yards, now I could hit one, but I couldn't move; they were watching me too closely.

The closest hen got within about 10 yds. and began a nervious:
Put, Put, Put, OH! NO! PUT! PUT! PUT! RUN GUYS! RUN!

As she turned around I slowly raised my bow, my movement spooked her more, and she began to trot rapidly away. She was about 20 yds. away when I instinctively released.

Then, I realize the hen was flopping around 3 feet to this side
of the tree! The arrow went a little higher than intended, but it broken her neck, and cut her throat.

Unplanned fall turkey hunting had produced my first turkey. One of my proudest hunting moments.

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