The turkey season is in full swing now and I’ve been having a ball. Conner has already shot a turkey with his bow which is very tough without a blind. Because of the great sight of turkeys, I stayed back while Conner got into position and called a group of Jakes in and put an arrow through one.
The kid has this hunting stuff down and is starting to school me.
Even with my legs still not working quite as I would like, I have had some success also. I’ll be chasing them more with a camera until about the middle of May when the dogs and I will be scouting the mountains to find baby animals. That is probably my second favorite thing to do after chukar hunting. In a few weeks I’ll post some pictures of babies we’ve found in the past. I think you’ll like them.
Anyway here is a few shots at turkeys and grouse that we are fortunate to see and film or shoot during the season. This guy is going to eat real well.
And this Tom joined him in the freezer.
Listening to these birds gobbling, spitting and drumming as they come in never gets old. If one of those big toms strutting just out of range doesn’t get you excited, you better find another past time.
Almost as cool, is the amount of other animals you see while calling turkeys. On my last outing I saw a coyote trot by my decoy but obviously didn’t like my human scent on it by the way he jumped and ran when he got close. I also got to see white tail and mule deer along with some elk. But here is a short video that might excite upland bird hunters.
This big blue was strutting his stuff. I could never find them to film, but I also heard several different ruff’s drumming. I did catch some in the tree’s though.
During the chukar season I get frustrated by their retreat to the trees. My dogs start yipping to let me know they’ve treed a bird.
There is still a lot of snow in the high country and the creeks are running good. Where these birds nest should have plenty of green up and insects to have a good nesting and rearing season. Although it’s still early to worry, the chukar/hun hills are drying up pretty quick. We’re going to need a little rain soon to keep things green for insects.
I hope you turkey hunters are having success in finding birds. It seems like there are lot’s of birds. But with good bird numbers come more hunters and I’ve been surprised at the number of turkey hunters I’ve seen going into and out of the area I hunt. But it only takes a little more walking to get away from most hard hunted areas and some birds that might cooperate. Walking old logging roads and trails for turkeys is much more friendly than walking those steep hills for chukar.
Just another way to enjoy our great outdoors in Idaho.
The Reigning Chukar Champions 