[cesar]

I ended up getting the whole first week of season off. My boss must have felt some mercy for keeping me on the road and away from my family for 5 months straight.

Anyways, killed a nice two year old on the first day, then headed down to S Ohio later in the week, where I killed the 9th bird I came across that day (Birds 1-4 on the roost, flew down with hens and off into the neighbor's farm. Birds 5 and 6 were shot out in front of me. Birds 7,8 and 9 came from three directions at the same time.) Finally squeezed the trigger at 11:50 (have to quit at noon here) on a 21.5 lb, 10" bearded, and 1 3/16" spurred bird. Partied like a rock star that afternoon in celebration of filling my two tags.

Saturday morning found me accompanying my 2nd cousin on a youth hunt at a military base. Long story short, I called in a hose to his gun. Get these stats:

23.5 lbs
10.5" beard
1.75" hooks, yes 1 3/4"!

Could not get this old gobbler out of strut. I started screaming like a stuck pig on the mouth call to get him to come out...poor cousin was shaken like a leaf waiting for me to give him the go-ahead. The bird finally stuck his head up half way, at which time my cousin took care of business.

I could not ask for a better season, and now I am back on the road again tomorrow.

Best of luck to those who are still-hunting or yet to hunt.

Thanks
cesar