Poll: Did you harvest a Turkey in 2005?

[Ray Esboldt]

Since it's been speculated here that us FMers are a bit better turkey hunters than average, let's document the fact. I bet we come out with a better than 40% success ratio.

And again, thanks everyone for sharing your stories here. Enjoy your eats if you bagged a bird, and be even hungrier for next year if you did not. In my opinion, killing a Tom turkey is the ultimate of all our wild game pursuits.

[Hotspotter]

Good work everyone!

I'd always wondered what success rates would be with a group of more experienced hunters, vs. a large mix of these and first-timers.

Even given a "fudge-factor" of a couple percent (no one likes to admit when they don't get a bird, me especially! ), we're doing great!!!

Joel

[Ray Esboldt]

Wow! We have some killers at FM.

I for one want to thank JNelson for all his advice this year. And, thanks to everyone who contributed a story. Those were all learning opps for me. I know I've learned things this year here at FM that will help me on my hunts in the future.

And, with a guy like JNelson on staff, I think we need to start working on Rick about a HotShot Hunting clip or two for next year featuring our main man.

Rick, it's a done deal, right?

I can't wait for next year.

[Hotspotter]

Thanks for the kind words Ray, and for your contributions this past year as well! I knew you'd take that tom in WI!

As Ray mentioned, thanks to all who added valuable input, as each post truly is a learning opportunity. I spent my first few years being largely unsuccessful at this turkey hunting thing. The more I listened to experienced hunters, and the more I soaked in every tip/technique like a sponge, the more successful me and much of my hunting group became. However, I've seen the best of the best strike out, and be absolutely humbled by these birds. And while i don't consider myself in that category, I've been there too. I still think the best medicine for this ailment is to keep learning as much as possible, so thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge. Judging from the poll, FM'ers are doing something right!

Great year you guys, like Ray said.....can't wait to do it all again next year. Till then, lets try and keep this thing active, especially for those of you doing the fall hunt. Feel free to post any interesting turkey sightings/observations you encounter!

Joel