I'm getting my butt kicked

[DaveHawk]

The 1st time out I saw the Ole whilly Tom with 2 hens...OK I figured I had his number , where he was hanging his hat and chasing the ladies. So next time out I set up and he went the other way. So this morning I set up in an area where he headed too the last time and game a few tree yelps and again a no show , the darn bird hung around my ground blind on the other side of the patch of woods. Now do I keep after him or go after one of the many other Ole Toms across the road whole are not as smart ? I sure do not want to get a complex over this Ole Tom LOL

[dave-t.]

Dave, I don't have a lot to tell you other than you can take it as a challenge for that one bird, or you can give him a break and try your hand at the others for a while. Sounds like he'll be there if you decide to go back after him.

I have never shied away from a big bird when I thought I knew his patterns, but I have been skunked, or shot another tom that got there before the boss.

The way my turkey hunting has gone for me (heck, some whole seasons), is that it works out just like it was written down and rehearsed, or I struggle and come up empty handed.


Have you tried getting after that bird later in the day? If his hens leave him mid morning or early afternoon to nest he might get lonely and come looking for your calls. It can also help break up the pattern of him getting hunted and called to every morning, and maybe catch him off guard.

[Sidekick]

Just keep hanging out in his area. Even if you can't call him eventually you'll ambush him. In my twenty years of turkey hunting I've only been skunked twice. The first year I went and then another year when I could't go but a few times. Just sit and wait. It's a little boring sometimes but it works.

[DaveHawk]

Dave can not start hunting full days till the 1st of the month in Va. I think I will leave him alone next weekend and go after him in another week or 2. Thanks

[LeeInSC]

You probably already tried this, but...

If Ole Tom has already gathered up a few hens, using a hen call may cause the hens to herd him away from their competition. Try gobbling to bring him in in defense of his harem.

[shelby]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u95/shedaddict_2007/frustration.gif
i agree to one who said If his hens leave him mid morning or early afternoon to nest he might get lonely and come looking for your calls.... lolzz keep posting..