We awakened early- it is dark. Our blind,  we set up last weekend and our location is good one!

We spotted turkeys here on scouting trips over the past month. NOW, if they will just come out n respond to the call!!

We have brushes and trees with a calm slight breeze gently to the side…a nice ravine and our site is reasonably close to a good water source. The harvested crop fields out front – provide good feed for the gobbler’s early morning meal.

Little tweety birds dart past our blind. Clearly,  we are invisible to them. They twitter n chirp as they land into the tree branches behind. The little birds seem to have a flight pattern just above,  as intermittent waves of them approach from bigger trees in the distance and chirp into branches behind us near the clearing.

Frost nips my face – even though my camouflage overalls and mask protect me. I am SO quiet – a bit unusual for me, I admit.

 I swallow an early tickle in my throat and can hear my breathing through my nose, a slightly high pitched whistle – wheeze.  I quietly snuff.

The outdoors comes ALIVE to the impending dawn! Sun is peeking over the horizon, my breath leaving little puffs before my face. The crisp spring air is fresh SO FRESH and cold. Soon there will be moisture in the wild field grasses surrounding us. We will walk out with wet boots.

Gradually, and ever so quietly, we hear some rustling in the far bushes. Into my ear, my hunting partner makes a quiet… “shhhh” sound.  We wait….

He gives out a call..then, we are quiet, so quiet. Another call, quiet, so quiet…. and then off in the far  way – a gobble responds!!  We wait and watch.

In the not so far distance, a NICE  big Tom Turkey – followed by his harem of hens and few jakes reach the edge of grass way.  They approach the fall harvested corn field’s edge.

“This is a nice big tom! get yourself ready” ….he whispers into my stocking cap near my left ear.

With a short blurt of turkey struts and more measured prancing… we wait and wait – the turkeys advance…coming closer…closer… partner nudges me…I wait a few more seconds…until… they are just about….almost…. in front of our blind!!

They see our decoys and are approaching quickly now – I am caught up in this moment!

My heart pounds…can they hear it?  Is my heart audible? Is my cover given away by the movement of my coveralls on my chest?

My eye is following the big guy…my arms are strong with my shotgun securely in place…I wait…I wait…and then, with good alignment spotting down my barrel- gently- SO gently –  I squeeze the trigger!!

The shot echoes in the quiet.

He JUMPS into the air!

 Oh, my goodness!!

 He is flopping and flipping out in front of me!! I am smiling and observing the scene I have never witnessed before!

 The other turkeys rush in and crowd around him! They are flushing and rushing at this former dictator of the flock! The jakes are mounting our hen decoys!! It is like a mob mentality in front…action all around. These turkeys seem oblivious to us, even though I am afraid they might HEAR or SPOT our smiles and big grins.

Unbelievable!

DID I GET REALLY GET HIM??

 Heck, YES!!!

 Indeed, the headless feathered sacrifice is being trampled by his inferior followers.

He lies on the ground. We patiently watch as the flock slowly scatters…convinced their great leader is no more. A new pecking order will soon establish.

 Quietly, I thank the great Creator for this big bird – sacrificed for our hunt this early morn. Standing, we smile and then creep to check him out!  “Good job!!” My partner pats me on the back! We are both amazed and so pleased at my success. I had a good guide!

Good thing my nutritional caloric existence does not depend on MY hunting skills, BUT,  this BIRD will be enjoyed coming from the steaming oven, covered with moist dressing and delicious gravy. We can relive the hunt again and again.

This has been my first Wild turkey hunt. This wonderful awe inspiring experience in the North West Iowa countryside will stay secure in my memory for many YEARS to come!!  I plan to share my story with my grandchildren, too. And I pray we can provide similar experiences to them as they mature and appreciate the great natural environ provided and preserved through conservation minded generations.

Like a proud first time winner – we load up my big trophy in the pickup box and I strut around to our close family and friends. My smile never leaves my face!

His fan and beard are now mounted on our family room wall in the company of my guide (my husband’s) Turkey trophies. This tom’s  slowly cooked breast smothered in stuffing and the delicious side dishes,  yet make my mouth water-  just remembering the savory taste.

This spring season, our Son took his two boys out for the Iowa youth turkey hunt. Although they spotted turkeys – they were unable to call them in closer than 50- 60 yards..just too far out. BUT a good experience for Dad and sons.  Hopefully additional success will come in these next weeks.

Regardless of the outcome, the bonding of learning the call, scouting the site, setting the blind, checking the weather, watching in the blind, observing birds and the Iowa beauty through hours of waiting, calling them in, taking aim and trying – Strengthens relationships and builds character through bonds of fellow hunters. Memories and respect and gratitude remain – Forever.

Maureen Reeves Horsley

Lives on Lost Island Lake

Rural NW Iowa and loves Nature.