Gobbler Nation

I'm not a big fan of talking numbers when it comes to turkey hunting. It's usually a big turn off. But in this case I'm making an exception. The other day I was talking with my parents about some past hunts we have had. My Mom pulls out an album and we're going through the pictures. We were looking at some from our very first spring. We had hunted the fall before also. Back then you mailed your roll of film off and in a week or two you got your pictures back in the mail. They always had the month and year they were developed printed on the bottom or back of the picture. Looking at the year on those pictures it dawned on me that 2016 marked our 50th Spring. So if we make it another 6 or 7 weeks we will be entering our 51st year of this spring madness we call turkey hunting. I can remember some of those hunts better than I can some of last years. Man, I would give almost anything to get to go back in time and relive those hunts. Sleeping in a tent, smelling the smoke from the campfires, hearing the laughter from the few other camps along the river, hearing gators bullfrogs and airboats all night in the distance, eating the brownings my Mom would make for our trip every weekend to the local WMA, and having my Dad show me how to use that old PS Olt scratch call. It was the funest of times even before we actually went hunting the next morning. And then it got even better when the sun finally came up. Man I can't believe it's been that long. And I hope we get to do it at least one more time, I still enjoy those brownies.

Good luck to all this spring. Be safe and cherish the moments, even the little things.

I think you got me by about 10 years. Ah Yes, I know what your feeling though. We started in the Mt. and camped way back out in the woods. Always near a natural creek or run off creek.
All we heard were the Mt animals. Mostly Barred Owls, and yotes. Usually got woke up from critters running by the tent in the middle of the night. Good times for sure. That was about the time I started totin that Ithaca Mag 10. When I got the BPS, I thought it was a lightweight!!!

Yep your old Ronnie.
Haha. Just kiddin. That's great that your mom and dad still hunt at there age. I hope y'all make it 51 also. I'm sure y'all will lay it on them this spring. Good luck and thanks for sharing that.

Memories. Great bit of reflection.

You are a blessed man, Mr. Ronnie.. How incredibly crazy good is that?

If we'd have had turkeys in the area of Michigan I grew up in, I'd have had you beat by who knows how many years

May your 51st turkey huntin' year , be one of the best you have and shared with yer' folks

Great story and memories, Ronnie! That's what turkey hunting in all about!!! I hope you make it to 100.

I'm like you in that I don't throw numbers out there for other folks to see very often, but some numbers do mean more than others to each of us on a personal level. My first trip to Florida was tough and I struck out swinging for 18 days. Didn't think I would ever kill one of those swamp birds, and I absolutely hated the place! During that trip I met a fairly young fella who confided that he'd killed 15 Osceolas in his lifetime, and I distinctly remember thinking to myself, "WOW....this dude is some sort of turkey hunting GOD!"

Funny how time changes your perspective. Last year I shot my 50th Osceola, and while I'm proud of that, I know it's only because I am so danged hard-headed that I keep going back to the land I once despised. Now, I can't imagine ever again not starting spring in one of my favorite turkey hunting destinations!

Congrat's Ronnie - i'm rite behind u - this is my 50th year hunting and 48th yr chasing Gobblers. Man has the time flown.

I am just a young pup at this turkey huntin stuff, I was late to the party and only been at it about 27 (+/- a couple) years. I will say, I enjoy it as much or more than any type of hunting I do.

You been chasin them birds longer than I have been alive. Hope I can that many springs under my belt.

Great memories. Love to see some of those pictures and hear about some of those hunts.

OLE RASPY wrote:Yep your old Ronnie.
Haha.

Actually he ain't that old I think he started when he was 3 !
51 maybe this is the year !
Good Luck !!

Close 57

God bless ya. I wouldn't trade my turkey hunting memories, especially those of my earlier years, for anything. Here's wishing you another 50.

very cool Ronnie. this spring will be my 21st spring in the turkey woods. I didn't get started until I was 12 but I hope im still hunting em 50 years from now. hope you and your parents have many more springs together.

DAYAMMMMMM SON!!!! You be old!!!! You've got me by about 10 years but, then again, I ain't as crazy as you. What you experienced when looking through your old pics is exactly why I take so many & write up all my hunts, the memories. One of these days, we won't be able to git er dun any more but will always be able to relive our hunts via pics & stories.

BTW, I have dirt on my boots that ain't as old as you!! ROTFLMAO!!!!

HunterGKS wrote:BTW, I have dirt on my boots that ain't as old as you!! ROTFLMAO!!!!

It probably smells better too.

That's a great story Ronnie ! Reliving past hunts are very rewarding. Good luck to you & your parents this spring !

guesswho wrote:

HunterGKS wrote:BTW, I have dirt on my boots that ain't as old as you!! ROTFLMAO!!!!

It probably smells better too.

As a general rule, I don't smell my boots & I damned sure ain't gonna be sniffin' you so I'll just have to take your word for it.

That's awesome. I know you cherish all those times in the woods with your folks. You're lucky to have had so many seasons with them by your side. I wish y'all many more. Good luck this spring. And please ask your mother how she feels about your new locator call/rape whistle.

Congrats guesswho. That's putting some time in for sure. Hope y'all have another safe year of chasing turkeys.

guesswho wrote:Close 57

Actually I meant maybe this is the year you get lucky enough to kill your second bird !

That would be considered a streak. Two in a row