Turkey Safety

Okay, so I recently read in the CO Turkey regulations how Turkey hunting is the second leading category for hunting accidents.  Really?  There is a great list on the CO DOW website of things you can do to be safe during Turkey season.  One of the items on the list is to avoid wearing colors the same as a Turkey.. or I suppose drinking pepsi would also not be advised.

The third item on the list got me thinking.  It states:  "Camouflage from head to toe. Not only will this aid in your attempt to remain unseen by an approaching gobbler, but it will keep you hidden from another hunter who is walking in your area. If another hunter is approaching your position, remain still and call to the hunter in a clear voice. Do not whistle or use a call. Announce your presence without movement."

So, being someone who hunts like a girl (because, well, I AM a girl) means that I may just have to go to the bathroom on the mountain more than the guys.  This could be a bad scene.  I can just see it now.   I'm in the squat position, white butt exposed and realize another hunter is "approaching my position".  According to the safety rules, I need to remain still and call to the hunter in a clear voice, and not move.  Yah, right!  I have a better idea... camouflage butt paint.

 

And this is the look I get when I mention things like this:

Chasing Gobblers

Our little hunting gang is just starting to get into Turkey hunting.  Since we've been seeing turkeys every time we elk hunt in the fall, we decided it would be fun to try and find them this spring. 

So, for the next couple of weekends, you'll know where we will be....chasing gobblers in the mountains.

One of the highlights of the morning was discovering a Biffy next to the road.  Alan was a happy man.  We also stopped and talked to a forest service dude who was very helpful.  During our scouting of the area, we had discovered a really nice cabin.  It turns out that you can rent it for $50.00 a night... we may be hunting in style next time!  Biffys, cabins, what next?

Em and Troy

How not to kill a Turkey

We had them coming in.  It snowed on and off all morning, but the turkeys didn't seem to mind.  This is the spot where *ahem* I realized that it helps to have a shell in the chamber.

Yep, I was missing my bow right about then.

How does he put up with me?

The video below was taken on my camera, so it isn't the greatest quality.  However, you can still hear him gobbling in the background (The turkey.. not Troy), which is fun.  Pause the music below to hear the sound in the video.

The turkey Troy shot at (I didn't get the camera turned on in time for the shot) was the same turkey that I missed.  Troy's arrow hit a branch.  Lucky Turkey... for now.  We will be back to hunt him down!

2008 Elk Hunting

One of our favorite times of the year is Hunting Season.  You can guarantee that around July / August we are washing camoflauge in scent-free detergent, tuning our bows, and making plans to head to the mountains.

Our 2008 season started a bit slow for us... the elk were just not talking.  However, after several days of hiking the mountains we started to see some good sign... freshly raked pine trees, fresh piles of um, ur, well.. you know what.  ;)

I actually had several close encounters this year and came close to getting the bull of my dreams.  How close?  Let's just say that I will dream about the 6x7 bull I had in my sights at 5 yards for a while.  Don't ask how I missed!  I don't think I could miss again if I tried to.  Troy still wonders about this too.

  

Yep, I cried the next day.

I will be ready for him next year!!!

Of course, on the hike back to camp there are mountain grouse to shoot.  Troy shot this one out of the tree!  Several good lunches were provided by shooting grouse.  

Troy did get his elk and deer this year.  It was the year of female animals.. a cow and a doe.  Which in a way was a blessing... meat in the freezer and no taxidermy work to be done!

We had many good times just sitting around at camp "shootin' the breeze".  This year, I was the only girl in camp. (I missed you Garnie!)  The guys were nice to me though and didn't give me too hard of a time.  Although, they have to be a little bit nice b/c they know that I'll help pack out their elk.  ;)

Todd, Troy and Alan.  I'm not really sure what Alan is doing here.  But then again, does anyone know what Big Al is ever doing.  J/K Al, we love you!

Troy's doe that he shot at 50 yards.

Back at camp, field dressing the deer.  Sorry, some may think this is a bit gross; but I think it is kinda a cool picture.

Jim, Todd, Alan, and Troy

How many days until we can do this all over again?