First Hunt

[Col Mike]

#3028

Many things to tell you all about, and may touch on many previous posts–and will expand the story in later ones.

First hunt yesterday and today in 43 years (don’t count this seasons deer hunt as I only got out a few times and was not mentally in the game–with running dogs and tours). Turkey season opened yesterday here in w. MD. on the gorgeous Allegheny plateau.

Short story–yesterday 10 of the birds all with in bow range, 2 within 6 feet–all outside my sector of fire–none realized I was there. Today 7 birds 1 in sector of fire and 1 got a shot–first in 43 years. 4 just to right of sector range (paced later) 2-10 yards and there for over 40 minutes–never saw me!

Yes, I missed the shot–another story but more important was the journey–Paleo–you stay out there for that, and most applicable for you all–how did I stay invisible to 17 of the wariest prey we hunt? Well before Web Mothers program logs me out I will start another post on camouflage.

The sunrise was unbelievable and the day unforgettable.

If I haven’t lost you watch for next posts.

Semper Fi

Mike

[David Petersen]

#15720

Thanks for the sitrep, Mike, you saved me writing to ask you how it went. I have seen how you shoot, expert archery marksman, so until we get details I’ll assume “combat pressure,” aka buck fever. 😛

Good to see the old man out there in earnest again. I’m struggling with that myself but if I had that many birds to entertain me I would be in the soup daylight to dark. Alas, my half-day hunt today netted one gobble, to a shock (crow) call and nothing else, not even much fresh sign. And so far as your wife reporting birds in the yards while you’re out hunting, “been there, done that” just last week ….. pic taken from cabin window.

[James Harvey]

#15737

Mike, I’m glad to hear you’re out hunting in earnest again and I look forward to reading more about it. Keep it coming 🙂

[Col Mike]

#15765

Ha Ha Ha—Dave Linda took one of those same gotcha photo’s today–she told me on return–I shot a turkey:shock:

Jim–do you ever sleep or soldier–or do your injuries keep you out of it–good thing if so. I like your posts would love to have a beer with you–but I have learned drinking with an Aussie, Brit, or Irishman–leads to oblivion for us colonists or in your case prisoners:D

Rest of the sitrep (including the shot) in new post. I figure all these will get some informed 😯 discussion going–and what the heck–it’s fun–although Linda just reminded me we have 0800 tour tomorrow which means 0500 wake up–well that’s sleeping in from turkey hunting.

Semper Fi

Mike

[Goraidh]

#15800

Win, lose, or draw, Mike, sounds like a great time being around all of those birds. I look forward to the rest of the story.

[James Harvey]

#15820

Haha Mike, I’m Australia’s worst soldier this year. My legs are so battered from my trip last year I’m on a virtual “no army” medical restriction. I can’t even take my kids for a decent walk at the moment my knee has gotten so bad. When I’m home, looking after 2 kids under 2 traps me inside a bit and here I am, pesting you guys relentlessly 😳

[grumpy]

#16351

Good read Col.

ALWAYS good to hear from you Aus.

Your knees and my arms/sholders are about the same, I can walk but not DO anything.

BTW Do NOT teach those kids to talk!!! Howling at the moon is OK, but NO TALKING.

[Author]

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