It was almost perfect. We had plenty of turkey, but, after a day of cloudless sky, right before sunset, the clouds came out. Still, it was incredible.
He used decoys and calls and the turkey came running. The most effect decoys were a receptive hen (ready to mate) with a Jake (immature male) standing behind her, as if he were going to mate. The big Toms took great offense and beat the crap out of the Jake decoy.
Big Tom Struttin'
Profile Of Big Tom by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Good sized Jake poses:
Jake Surveys The Area by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Hen inspects strutting Tom decoy:
Hey big fella. by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Jake roosting in a tree:
Jake Roosting by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Hen inspects feeding hen decoy:
Why Does She Just Keep Feeding by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Toms trying to impress receptive hen decoy while pushing Jake decoy out of way:
Five Toms Come Out Of The Woods by
David Stephens, on Flickr
Tom pushing on Jake decoy and preparing to peck his eyes out:
Move Along Young Man by
David Stephens, on Flickr