http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/index/ en mnewell@tecomate.com Copyright 2013 2013-05-07T19:51:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_tennessee_may_6_10/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_tennessee_may_6_10/#When:19:51:00Z This past weekend we made it back to Middle Tennessee with high hopes in finishing out our four-bird limits. We left my North Mississippi home at 2:00 am and arrived at the property we were going to start out hunting at 5:20 am. As soon as Chris and I stepped out of the truck a bird thundered off in the distance. It was like a shot of adrenalin into two sleep deprived zombies. With our renewed energy we quickly loaded our guns, gathered our hunting gear, and headed toward the gobbler. He was right on the edge of a clover field that sat on top of a big ridge. It wasn’t long after we sat down when a hen flew into the field. It was so dark we barley could see her and she was only 30 yards away. The gobbler continued to gobble in the tree as the hen feed away from us and out the other side of the field. I cranked up the calling a little to let the gobbler know that a hen was still there and he needed to come see her. At 5:45 am the bird flew down just outside the back edge of the food plot. He thundered off several times as if he was a royal monarch announcing his presence to the court. He then strutted his way into the field and through the carpet of crimson colored clover flowers. What a beautiful sight! Finally at 5:54 am Chris put the bird on his back with his Remington 870. This was the first bird I have seen harvested before 6:00 am since the new time changes years ago.  This past weekend we made it back to Middle Tennessee with high hopes in finishing out our four-bird limits. We left my North Mississippi home at 2:00 am and arrived at the property we were going to start out hunting at 5:20 am. As soon as Chris and I stepped out of the truck a bird thundered off in the distance. It was like a shot of adrenalin into two sleep deprived zombies. With our renewed energy we quickly loaded our guns, gathered our hunting gear, and headed toward the gobbler. He was right on the edge of a clover field that sat on top of a big ridge. It wasn’t long after we sat down when a hen flew into the field. It was so dark we barley could see her and she was only 30 yards away. The gobbler continued to gobble in the tree as the hen feed away from us and out the other side of the field. I cranked up the calling a little to let the gobbler know that a hen was still there and he needed to come see her. At 5:45 am the bird flew down just outside the back edge of the food plot. He thundered off several times as if he was a royal monarch announcing his presence to the court. He then strutted his way into the field and through the carpet of crimson colored clover flowers. What a beautiful sight! Finally at 5:54 am Chris put the bird on his back with his Remington 870. This was the first bird I have seen harvested before 6:00 am since the new time changes years ago. Since it was so early we quickly headed to the truck to check out a couple of nearby fields for some strutting gobblers. It didn’t take long because the second field we checked out had several hens in it with a strutting bird in tow. We quickly parked the truck out of sight and got into position on the field edge. It didn’t take long and at 6:45 am the bird came strutting by and I put him down with my Remington 870. What a fun hunt! We finished off our Tennessee limits and we got it done before 7:00 am! The toughest part of our hunt was the drive up there. Since it was still early, we drove around the country side on a beautiful spring day and saw several other gobblers strutting and gobbling that morning. Things are still happening in Middle Tennessee and by the looks of it there are still plenty of gobbling turkeys to hunt. This coming week will be the last week of turkey hunting in the Volunteer state with the season ender being May 12th. The birds are still gobbling so you need to be still hunting if you have not met you season quota for the year. Good luck to you and I hope you end your Tennessee season with a BANG!!! God Bless and Happy Hunting. Strut Report 2013-05-07T19:51:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_and_mississippi_week_of_april_29_may_3/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_and_mississippi_week_of_april_29_may_3/#When:15:52:00Z As much as I hate to say it, this week marks the end of turkey season for the folks in Mississippi and Alabama. For Alabama Tuesday April 30th is the last day and for Mississippi Wednesday May 1st will the season ender. Due to the late spring in these states overall gobbling activity was definitely less than average. There were lots of turkeys this year just not as much gobbling. This made it a little harder for a lot of hunters to fill their harvest quotas for the season. However, there still were lots of gobblers that hit the ground in the Yellowhammer state as well as in the Magnolia state. I was fortunate enough to take a Mississippi limit as well as an Alabama limit this year. A lot of long morning and afternoon walks, long sits by a tree, lots of time running Reconyx cameras, and a whole lot of luck helped me be successful this year. This was true for many other hunters who track the hallowed hunting grounds of the Deep South.  As much as I hate to say it, this week marks the end of turkey season for the folks in Mississippi and Alabama. For Alabama Tuesday April 30th is the last day and for Mississippi Wednesday May 1st will the season ender. Due to the late spring in these states overall gobbling activity was definitely less than average. There were lots of turkeys this year just not as much gobbling. This made it a little harder for a lot of hunters to fill their harvest quotas for the season. However, there still were lots of gobblers that hit the ground in the Yellowhammer state as well as in the Magnolia state. I was fortunate enough to take a Mississippi limit as well as an Alabama limit this year. A lot of long morning and afternoon walks, long sits by a tree, lots of time running Reconyx cameras, and a whole lot of luck helped me be successful this year. This was true for many other hunters who track the hallowed hunting grounds of the Deep South. For those hunters who have not limited out yet, these last few days maybe the best days of hunting yet. I noticed this past week that most all of the hens have finally left the gobblers to nest. My last Dixie Land gobbler came this past Saturday. It was a very humid day with birds not gobbling much at all. I only heard one hen that was roosted over 200 yards from the gobbler and she never came into sight. The bird gobbled only four times on the roost, but it was enough to get into a good position. I only called to the gobbler one time and at 6:50am my Remington put the bird on his back at 40 yards. The birds are there folks. Do not give up or give in to the mosquitoes and cotton mouths that will be there also. Be patient, be persistent, and you may want to be prayerful during these last days and you can end the season with a BANG!! God Bless and Happy Hunting. Strut Report 2013-04-29T15:52:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_april_22_26th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_april_22_26th/#When:15:57:00Z Looks like turkeys in the South are going through the mid-season lull here at the end of the season. It is hard to tell exactly why turkeys go through this stage, but they always go through a period of quietness sometime during the season. It may be due to hunting pressure and birds are becoming more call shy. It may be due to the sudden change in the foliage and they are adapting to the spring green up. It may be due the temperature change and the increased amounts of humidity. It may be due to the change in the current period or cycle that the turkeys are going through. Turkeys are doing lots of different things now than they were doing earlier in the year. Hens are acting differently and have changed their patterns due to nesting preferences. Jakes are getting older and starting to feel their oats. They often at this time will group up and tag team a mature gobbler. I witnessed this on two different occasions this past week. Whatever the reason is these lulls happen and it can be very discouraging. With the late spring this year it is happening later on in the season than normal.  Looks like turkeys in the South are going through the mid-season lull here at the end of the season. It is hard to tell exactly why turkeys go through this stage, but they always go through a period of quietness sometime during the season. It may be due to hunting pressure and birds are becoming more call shy. It may be due to the sudden change in the foliage and they are adapting to the spring green up. It may be due the temperature change and the increased amounts of humidity. It may be due to the change in the current period or cycle that the turkeys are going through. Turkeys are doing lots of different things now than they were doing earlier in the year. Hens are acting differently and have changed their patterns due to nesting preferences. Jakes are getting older and starting to feel their oats. They often at this time will group up and tag team a mature gobbler. I witnessed this on two different occasions this past week. Whatever the reason is these lulls happen and it can be very discouraging. With the late spring this year it is happening later on in the season than normal. However, this does not mean you can’t still hear a gobbling bird and get on one somewhere. You just have to be persistent and hunt more areas that you have access to hunt. Sometimes you will have to leave your honey hole and go try out another location you may have not hunted much this year. Also birds move around a lot this time of year. They may be there one day and somewhere else the next. On the other hand, they most likely will be right back in the same area the following day. You have got to be persistent and don’t give up on them during these lulls. They have not crawled in a hole somewhere. Just be prepared to change up your game a little as they have change up theirs. As I mentioned earlier bully jakes played a major factor in my hunts this week. On one morning nothing gobbled at daylight. I knew from looking at my Reconyx game cameras that lots of turkeys where in the area. I slowly walked the logging roads all over the property calling and got no response. Finally, as I was leaving, a bird gobbled toward the front gate. I quickly got into position and started calling to him. I couple of hens answered right back. As we called back and forth to each other the gobbler hammered back and forth as well. I could tell they were headed my way and was getting very close. Then to my left three jakes appeared one of them in full strut and they were marching toward the gobbler. The next time I heard the gobbler he was 300 yards away and shortly after that the hens appeared in front of me with the three jakes with them. However, the next morning the gobbler was not so lucky. He gobbled this time at daylight and I got as close as I possibly could. I gave him three soft yelps and never called again. At 6:35 am my Remington put him on his back. There is only just over a week left of hunting season. Stay after them guys and you still can be successful this year. God Bless and Happy Hunting. Strut Report 2013-04-23T15:57:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/2013_pa_mentored_youth_turkey_hunt/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/2013_pa_mentored_youth_turkey_hunt/#When:15:01:00Z Saturday April 20th was mentored youth spring turkey hunt in Pennsylvania; one day only.  My 6-year-old son, Grant Snavely, had been practicing with his new Remington 11-87 and was confident that he would tag a longbeard during his first spring gobbler hunt.  We started off in the morning well before daylight and we were surprised at how quiet it was; not a single gobble on the roost.  We decided to run and gun and approximately a quarter-mile into our trek my short series of cuts and yelps from my mouth call were immediately interrupted by several gobbles.  As we scrambled for a tree to set up the turkeys continued to gobble aggressively on their own; closing the gap in a hurry. Saturday April 20th was mentored youth spring turkey hunt in Pennsylvania; one day only. My 6-year-old son, Grant Snavely, had been practicing with his new Remington 11-87 and was confident that he would tag a longbeard during his first spring gobbler hunt. We started off in the morning well before daylight and we were surprised at how quiet it was; not a single gobble on the roost. We decided to run and gun and approximately a quarter-mile into our trek my short series of cuts and yelps from my mouth call were immediately interrupted by several gobbles. As we scrambled for a tree to set up the turkeys continued to gobble aggressively on their own; closing the gap in a hurry. Within 10 minutes three longbeards were within shotgun range but Grant wasn’t comfortable with his shot. There was too much brush between him and the gobblers. We decided to allow the gobblers to work their way out of range and attempt to cut them off with an entirely new set up. However, it was obvious that the excitement and close gobbling action had Grant hooked and ready for more. Within a few minutes a 6 year old boy went from hungry and bored to “feeling a little nervous” as two gobblers closed the gap. Although the gobblers had hens with them they were more than willing to come in on a string and leave the hens 100 yards or more downhill. After a few more attempts to get back on those birds we decided to head back to Drop-Tine Farms in Bloomsburg, PA, and see what we could find. After jumping out of the truck we walked up a field edge and during my second series of aggressive cuts, a couple gobbles cut me off. Again, setting up with Grant took a little bit of time and patience without the aid of a ground blind…all while one mouthy longbeard closed the gap…in a hurry. I hurriedly stuck a single hen decoy along the field edge and he gobbled again. All of the action was being recorded on film by my good friend, and aspiring cameraman, Tim Kocher. Unfortunately, in the excitement and mad rush to get set up before the longbeard climbed in our laps I forgot to turn my wireless mic on! I also forgot to make sure Grant’s right thumb (he’s a lefty) was clear of the operating handle on his 11-87 (right handed gun!). His thumb took a pounding as the gun ejected the shell…causing a some bloodshed and resulting in a battle scar he won’t soon forget. When the longbeard finally stepped in a clearing in the field I estimated him to be close to 40 yards but told Grant if he was comfortable with the shot to go ahead and squeeze nice and easy. Within seconds the compact 11-87 .20 gauge recoiled against Grant’s tiny shoulder and the gobbler rolled over backwards as I ejected from my seat against a cherry tree. I still laugh at my sorry attempt to run to that gobbler with sore legs from propping grant up and stabilizing his arms…and then my attention shifts to my 6 year old running right behind dad after his first longbeard. The next day I returned to the kill site and ranged back to the tree we sat by: 38 yards. Grant’s grip and grin pictures are a sure sign that he’s very proud of his accomplishment but two days later dad’s grin still extends from ear to ear; not just from the wonderful memory of Grant’s first kill but also from the thought of how many more successful hunts are in the pipeline for two new hunting buddies. Congratulations Grant, dad couldn’t be more proud! I’d like to say a special thanks to our friend (and cameraman/videographer) and Grant’s newest mentor, Tim Kocker of Bloomsburg, PA. Thanks buddy…thanks for rising early one more time this spring than you had to, and thanks for recording my favorite hunt to date. Jason R. Snavely, CWB Certified Wildlife Biologist Drop-Tine Wildlife Consulting (570) 204-4064 Cell http://www.droptinewildlife.com Tecomate Associate Consultant http://www.tecomate.com Featured Articles 2013-04-23T15:01:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_mississippi_april_15_19th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_mississippi_april_15_19th/#When:19:25:03Z The dogwoods are in full bloom, temperatures are staying constantly above freezing, and finally turkeys are acting that way they suppose to. This has been the latest spring I have ever hunted in the Magnolia State with freezing temperatures extending into April. One of the things I always look for while turkey hunting in Mississippi is the beautiful blooming dogwoods. The onsite of these glowing white flowers usually announce to the world that spring is in the air, and for the hunter turkey season is here. Now dogwood blooms can be seen all over the state, and with that gobbling can be heard all over as well. It is like the turkeys said to themselves, “Look I see those white flowers again; it’s time to start gobbling.” The dogwoods are in full bloom, temperatures are staying constantly above freezing, and finally turkeys are acting that way they suppose to. This has been the latest spring I have ever hunted in the Magnolia State with freezing temperatures extending into April. One of the things I always look for while turkey hunting in Mississippi is the beautiful blooming dogwoods. The onsite of these glowing white flowers usually announce to the world that spring is in the air, and for the hunter turkey season is here. Now dogwood blooms can be seen all over the state, and with that gobbling can be heard all over as well. It is like the turkeys said to themselves, “Look I see those white flowers again; it’s time to start gobbling.” The past few Mississippi hunts I have been on turkeys have been hammering. One particular hunt this past week a bird started gobbling early and he was firing off at literally every sound that was made. He gobbled at crows, owls, woodpeckers, traffic on the road, and pretty much everything else that made a sound that he could hear. I was behind the camera filming recording some great audio thinking to myself that this one was in the bag. However, I got a call from my wife at 6:38 am telling me that I needed to hurry home because our second child was on the way. So needless to say we had to leave the most fired up bird I have heard all year and rush my wife to the hospital. Our second daughter came into this world at 1:06 pm that Friday, Emma Kate Newell. What an awesome prize, better than any turkey kill could ever be. Here is a picture of a bird I harvested early that week which wrapped up my three bird limit in Mississippi. The bird weighted over 20lbs, had a thick 11inch beard, and over one inch spurs. He was fired up pretty good himself and put on an awesome show before the Remington put him on his back. Turkeys are now ripe for the harvest. Gobbles can now be heard during all times of the day. Get after them guys and fill your three bird quota as well. God Bless and Happy Hunting. Strut Report 2013-04-15T19:25:03-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/the_open_scriptures/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/the_open_scriptures/#When:21:32:00Z It is amazing the things you can learn by simply reading information on a specific topic. If you are looking for hunting information, there are many sources you have today at your figure tips. From well illustrated books to the endless supply of hunting magazines and journals, one should have no problem finding some info on a desired subject. Not to mention all the different hunting related websites that are out there, such as Tecomate.com, that strive to share with you quality hunting and biological information. Furthermore, the online resources are endless. There are online hunting forums, specific hunting info from state agencies, and don’t forget about Google Earth and the info it has to offer. It is no doubt that all of this easily attainable hunting information has made all of us more successful in the field.  It is amazing the things you can learn by simply reading information on a specific topic. If you are looking for hunting information, there are many sources you have today at your figure tips. From well illustrated books to the endless supply of hunting magazines and journals, one should have no problem finding some info on a desired subject. Not to mention all the different hunting related websites that are out there, such as Tecomate.com, that strive to share with you quality hunting and biological information. Furthermore, the online resources are endless. There are online hunting forums, specific hunting info from state agencies, and don’t forget about Google Earth and the info it has to offer. It is no doubt that all of this easily attainable hunting information has made all of us more successful in the field. However, there is nothing like firsthand information from someone who has been there and done that. Talking with any experienced hunter will always help you to be a better hunter. Likewise, getting to actually talk to the author, whose work you have read, and have him explain to you what he has written is always better than reading it yourself. They can open your minds better to the topic at hand and give you a better understanding of the subject matter. Also having a person who knows the layout of a particular property can take Google Earth and show you the in’s and out’s of that property. They can show you things that you would have never figured out just by reading the map yourself. Luke 24:27, 32 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the scriptures? In this text we see the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who were disappointed men; for in the death of Jesus, all their hopes for Israel had been shattered. Emmaus was about eight miles northwest of Jerusalem, and they were returning home to decide what to do next. As they walked, they conversed about the recent events and discussed what they might mean. They had a “head” knowledge and not a “heart” knowledge of God’s Word, so they lacked the key that would unlock the prophetic Scriptures: the Messiah must suffer and die before He could enter into His glory. It was this key that Jesus provided as He walked and talked with them on the road. These two men were "slow of heart to believe ALL that the prophets have spoken”. They believed the promises about the Messiah's glory, but they could not accept the prophecies about His suffering. When Jesus Himself, the Author and Finisher of our faith, opened up the Scriptures to them; He opened their eyes and hearts to understand all the Scriptures. He illuminated their minds bringing an understanding and warmth to their hearts that they had never experienced before. They saw the Messiah, Jesus, in the Word! This story is amazing to me because as these men saw Jesus in the Scriptures, they soon after saw that it was Jesus Himself that was there with them. Not only had Jesus personally revealed to the disciples the meaning of His Word, He personally revealed Himself to them. What a revelation! It transformed them from discouraged pilgrims into enthusiastic witnesses! There may be many things you do not understand or even believe that the Bible says, but believe me it is all true! I simply encourage you to ask Jesus, the Author of the Book and the Word Himself, to open the Scriptures unto you and allow Him to open your hearts and illuminate your minds. For me, I can say that every time the Lord opens up the Scriptures to my heart, I can feel His presence. It is as He is sitting there right with me, personally showing me the in’s and out’s of His Word and of His Self. What a risen Savior we serve! I again invite you to come to Him today. God Bless and Happy Hunting! Man to Man Devotionals 2013-04-10T21:32:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_sturt_report_tennessee_april_8_12th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_sturt_report_tennessee_april_8_12th/#When:15:52:00Z I just got back from a three-day hunt in two different Tennessee counties, two days in middle Tennessee and the other in the western part of the state. Birds were gobbling and strutting like crazy in both areas. It was one of the best hunts I have ever been on! In three days my friend, Chris and I killed five good long beards, heard over two hundred gobbles, and had over a dozen long beards strutting in front of us. Ever since I have been in the outdoor business I have heard this statement, “All you hunt is on private land, I never see y’all doing any shows on public land.” I just got back from a three-day hunt in two different Tennessee counties, two days in middle Tennessee and the other in the western part of the state. Birds were gobbling and strutting like crazy in both areas. It was one of the best hunts I have ever been on! In three days my friend, Chris and I killed five good long beards, heard over two hundred gobbles, and had over a dozen long beards strutting in front of us. Ever since I have been in the outdoor business I have heard this statement, "All you hunt is on private land, I never see y’all doing any shows on public land." Well this hunt was for you. Three out of the five gobblers we harvested this week were on public land. One of which had three beards. We hunted pretty much all day every day even through the cold down pours on Thursday. Friday and Saturday was awesome days weather wise with birds gobbling all over the place. We killed turkeys in pretty much all different times and situations: We killed turkeys in the rain, at first light, in the middle of the day, and just before roost time in the afternoon. The hunt on Friday was most likely the most picturesque hunt of my turkey hunting career. The Duck River's bottomland was as green and gorgeous as it could be. Couple that with us calling a whole flock of turkeys across the river, six of which were strutting long beards, was a sight that will forever be etched into my memory. Our Remington shotguns and Leupold binoculars were truly put to test this past week. They were carried through the muck and the mud all week, but functioned perfectly when we needed them too. I want to thank the Latch family again for them allowing me to hunt both of their Tennessee properties and for giving me lots of insight on the public land we hunted. Thanks Ray and Chris. We have already planned a hunt again during the same days next year in the Volunteer State. God Bless and Happy Hunting. Strut Report 2013-04-08T15:52:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/2012_osceola_spring_gobbler_with_garry_adel/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/2012_osceola_spring_gobbler_with_garry_adel/#When:15:49:00Z My 2012 Osceola Spring Gobbler season got off to a fast a furious start. I got the pressure off on the second morning. Nearly everyone I knew that hunted early had experienced success in Osceola-ville. Now it was my friend Garry Adel`s turn. My old friend and turkey hunting buddy of many years has allowed me the honor of calling up big gobblers for him each spring for the last 15 years or so. Garry is perfectly willing to passively enjoy the spring hunting experience with me while also being enthusiastically prepared to unload a couple of ounces of shot in the face of the first big gobbler that dares to come into range. Garry and I do not often fail.  My 2012 Osceola Spring Gobbler season got off to a fast a furious start. I got the pressure off on the second morning. Nearly everyone I knew that hunted early had experienced success in Osceola-ville. Now it was my friend Garry Adel`s turn. My old friend and turkey hunting buddy of many years has allowed me the honor of calling up big gobblers for him each spring for the last 15 years or so. Garry is perfectly willing to passively enjoy the spring hunting experience with me while also being enthusiastically prepared to unload a couple of ounces of shot in the face of the first big gobbler that dares to come into range. Garry and I do not often fail. Our amazing first ten mornings of hunting turkeys in tandem in Florida and South Georgia, all ten single mornings spread over consecutive years beginning in the late 90`s, yielded ten shots at trophy gobblers at 25 yards and closer. Nine of those first ten big gobblers that walked up to Garry and I were unfortunate recipients of an early morning spring Remington surprise. The tenth bird got lucky! In the late afternoon of the second Sunday of the 2012 Florida spring gobbler season I embarked on a scouting mission for Garry`s next trophy with my four year old son, Ben. Late that day Ben and I located four big gobblers, all alone, with no hens in site. We watched from half a mile across a clean wide open pasture through my Leupold spotting scope as the four mature long beards fed in an open hay field while moving toward their roost in the upland wooded terrain nearby. After nearly putting the big birds to bed, Ben and I made our way quietly back to the truck. We phoned Garry on the way home. I would be in Garry`s driveway at 5:15 AM the next morning. We could not pass this opportunity. Garry and I approached quietly, crossing the half mile wide open pasture in predawn darkness. After flushing what likely was one of the four gobblers off the roost at the woods edge, we quietly made ourselves comfortable, sitting side by side at the base of a double trunk common base live oak. By my estimation we were within 50 yards of the last place Ben and I had last seen the four big gobblers the evening prior. There were probably three big Osceolas still close by, possibly watching us. We hoped not. The Eastern sky was lighting up fast and the crows began their normal fuss. My first owl hoot evoked an eruption of gobbling from the three remaining gobblers on their roosts. If these gobblers were not in shotgun range, they were darn close. Garry cautiously shouldered his 12 gauge and braced the fore end on his left knee immediately as there would likely be no chance to move if any one of the big birds pitched down close. He did not want to get caught just looking with his gun in his lap when a trophy gobbler glided to the ground. And that could be any minute now. Lots more gobbling before fly-down had us both straining our eyes to find the birds on their roost limbs silhouetted against the early morning brightening backdrop. A few soft and barely audible yelps were all I dared try. Just let these three guys know that the hen was on the ground and close. If the gobblers flew down in the field behind us we could be finished for the morning. But if they pitched down in the woods and walked to the pasture Garry would be in the cat-bird seat. Almost silently a big gobbler pitched to the ground within shotgun range and in front of us, drumming, strutting, and searching for the hen he expected to see. He was slightly to my right. He was close. At 25 yards the radiant blue-white head of the excited spring monarch shined like a light bulb in the pre-sunrise twilight. I could tell that Garry, sitting to my left, had yet to see the gobbler that was already in range, closing on us, and to the right of his line of sight. I whispered over my left shoulder, “look right, shift when he goes behind a tree”. Garry continued staring straight ahead. Two more mature gobblers floated down, both also within range but behind the group leader who was by now nearly in our laps. The first gobbler, the closest, was only 15 yards out now, in plain view and still closing. We were well hidden when suddenly and expectedly the gig was up! He saw us. “To the right, shift! Shoot him now!” I pleaded. Feathers flew and so did the two other gobblers that Garry never did see. Garry`s spot on shot had successfully concluded one the shortest and sweetest hunts of my 36 seasons chasing spring turkeys. Our superb 4 year old trophy Osceola gobbler tipped the scales at over 20 lbs., carried a 9 ½” beard, and wore 1 ½” curved needle sharp spurs. Any way you slice it spring season 2012 was a blast in my circle of turkey chasers. After two great missions safely accomplished I still had 27 mornings left to cash in on one more Osceola of my own. But now it was time to gather up fishing gear and pack for an Argentina Golden Dorado expedition with Chuck Larsen and David Morris. This will certainly be the subject of further discussion in the near future. With Chuck and David along adventure is always just around the corner! Hunting 2013-04-08T15:49:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/the_open_sepulcher/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/the_open_sepulcher/#When:15:58:00Z As you all know Easter was this past Sunday. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I like to call it Resurrection Day. Resurrection Sunday should be a time for us to reflect on the Passion Week and on all that Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary. We should do this every week if not every day, but this time of year is set aside for us all to remember that special sacrifice Jesus made for us. As we look back on the Resurrection we see many things that it teaches us about Christ and Christianity:  As you all know Easter was this past Sunday. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I like to call it Resurrection Day. Resurrection Sunday should be a time for us to reflect on the Passion Week and on all that Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary. We should do this every week if not every day, but this time of year is set aside for us all to remember that special sacrifice Jesus made for us. As we look back on the Resurrection we see many things that it teaches us about Christ and Christianity: It teaches us about the Love of our Lord. It teaches us about the Sovereignty of the Savior. It teaches us about the Gift of Grace. It teaches us about our Sin and Salvation. It teaches us about God’s Power and our Pardon. And the list goes on and on. Luke 24:1-6 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shinning garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why see ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. One of the biggest things we see and can learn from the Resurrection story is in the Open Sepulcher or the open tomb. I. The first thing we can see and learn from the open sepulcher is Jesus’ Absence. He was not there!!! He was risen from the dead!!! A. The Evidence left behind proves that Jesus surely rose from the dead. Many people outline this part of the story as the empty tomb. However, the tomb was not empty. There were some things left in there. Notice the grave wrappings that were lying there in their deflated, yet untorn, uncut and unwrapped. Notice the cloth that was put over his mouth was folded neatly and laid to the side. You see the tomb was open for all to see the evidence showing that Jesus is alive. B. The Testimony from those on the scene proves that Jesus surely rose from the dead. Notice in every account in the gospels that the angles had something to say about Jesus’ absence from the tomb. They were eye witnesses to what happened that day. They basically said that Jesus is not here among the dead, He is Alive. In redneck language, “He ain’t here, he got up and left some time ago.” You see the angles at the tomb testify to the fact that Jesus is alive. II. The second thing we can see and learn from the open sepulcher is Jesus’ Presence. In each account of the Resurrection story it starts off by telling us Jesus is not here (in the tomb.) However, also in each account of this story it quickly tells us where He Is! He came to the women as The Risen Sovereign in Matthew 28:9. “All Hail” He came to Mary Magdalene as The Risen Servant in Mark 16:9. He came to two of His disciple on the road to Emmaus as The Risen Savior in Luke 24:13-35. “Ought not Christ to have suffered” He came to all the disciples in the upper room as The Risen Son of God in John 20:19-23. “My Father” III. The third thing we can see and learn from the open sepulcher is Jesus’ Deliverance. This should be the focal point to all Resurrection messages. This should be the focal point to any Gospel message in general. Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, buried in a tomb, and rose from the grave. He did all of this for the sole reason to Deliver us from our sin!! The open sepulcher and the Resurrection story show us of Jesus’ exclusive Power of Deliverance. Matt 28:18 The open sepulcher and the Resurrection story tell us to Preach His Deliverance. Mark 16:15 The open sepulcher and the Resurrection story tell us of Jesus’ Promise of Deliverance. Luke 24:49. The open sepulcher and the Resurrection story tell us of Jesus’ Peace of Deliverance. John 20:19,21,26. Friends Jesus is alive today. He is living in my heart and I hope you can say the same. If not, I encourage you to reflect on the Resurrection story and allow the Lord to touch your heart today. God Bless and Happy Hunting. Man to Man Devotionals 2013-04-03T15:58:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/finding_a_gunsmith_you_can_work_with/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/finding_a_gunsmith_you_can_work_with/#When:18:57:00Z Looking for a gunsmith is very much like looking for any competent professional in any field be it a plumber, contractor, physician, architect, etc.  And like these other professions there are general practitioners (GP) and specialist (S). Finding the “best” gunsmith for your particular needs can be narrowed down in a number of ways. Word of mouth is in my opinion still one of the best means to start your search. Friends that you shoot and hunt with can be a great source for locating a good gunsmith both locally and nationally. Hunting and shooting magazines by nature have a wealth of information high lighting monthly proven systems and immerging products and those that install them. Looking for a gunsmith is very much like looking for any competent professional in any field be it a plumber, contractor, physician, architect, etc. And like these other professions there are general practitioners (GP) and specialist (S). Finding the “best” gunsmith for your particular needs can be narrowed down in a number of ways. Word of mouth is in my opinion still one of the best means to start your search. Friends that you shoot and hunt with can be a great source for locating a good gunsmith both locally and nationally. Hunting and shooting magazines by nature have a wealth of information high lighting monthly proven systems and immerging products and those that install them. Directing your search for gun work can be narrowed down rapidly in both print media and the Internet. While almost everything under the sun can found on the net we all know that a bigger circus has yet to exist? Careful scrutiny and communication with a human is essential regardless of what you might read on a blog or website. However the ability to find a gunsmith and a track record of their work history can easily be done with patience. Having said this there are a number of extremely talented GP gunsmiths and specialist that will never have a web site, blog or twitter account. Most of these craftsman wouldn’t know a Mac mouse from a geranium but could fix your ailing 870 Slug gun and in some rare circumstance your granddads H&H Royal under the same roof. If your favorite deer rifle is a Browning BAR a Remington 760 or Savage 99 you’ll need to find a good GP that is very familiar with these rifles. The same can be said for your period or modern muzzleloaders or shotguns specifically built for deer hunting. Taking a Ruger # 1 for ejector work to a Bench-Rest rifle builder is likely going to be an exercise in frustration for both parties. Pumps, autos, and lever actions are still very popular in certain parts of the country. Many thousands of trophy bucks have fallen to hunters shooting these rifles so their continued use will never be supplanted by the current craze in fluted barrel long range magnums. However finding a GP that has a main line to factory replacement parts or a deep reservoir of obsolete parts is becoming harder to find. Obsolescence in 70 plus year old gun parts is unfortunately a bi-product of innovation and progress. Today it is often impossible for the best of gunsmiths to obtain OEM bolts, ejectors, factory trigger or fire control parts due to our modern litigious society. When you find a GP that comes highly recommended and has that deep inventory of parts for a wide variety rifles or shotguns your search might be completed. Some great GP’s occupy a space in larger sporting goods stores. Others have their own commercial shop space solely devoted to gunsmithing activities and still others work from shops in quaint basements or a structure behind the barn. Quality and disaster can be found in every one of these locations. While first impression can effect your decision to even leave your favorite rifle with a gunsmith who’s bench looks as if a typhoon had just left the area, looks can be very deceiving. I knew two now deceased masters of the trade that could fix anything from a Stevens auto loading 22 long rifle to the space shuttle is asked to do so. If the GP has a lathe, milling machine and surface grinder one can assume he at least has a grounded background in the use of this equipment. He should be able to drill and tap actions, install or fabricate sights, scope mounts and other accessories along with fitting and chambering barrels and carrying one a wide variety of wood working skills and services. With the advent of synthetic stocked rifles and shotguns I wonder if the GP will be able to even recognize a walnut stock in the next 50 years let alone know how to repair or refinish one. You may be lucky enough to find such a GP in your area or the within a half days driving time of your location. Like a good mechanic word gets around quick when gunsmith is capable. The specialist (S) is just that. If you have a G&H sporter circa 1943 and want the rifles barrel replaced, the crack behind the rear tang repaired and a period recoil pad replaced and have it all look original you’ve got some work to do. Finding the right S will take some effort. You could call G&H as they’re still in operation or find a custom rifle maker or stock maker that does this type work every day and has for a very long time. If you own and hunt with such a rifle I’ll bet you have a better than average feel for what you’re looking for and know that type of quality and craftsmanship when you see it. If you just inherited uncle Bob’s G-33/40 built by Jerry Fisher and have never heard of a G33/40 or this Fisher guy it’s time to look for someone that does before you commit a crime against humanity. Once again the web can be of useful tool to locate such a specialist. The value of some of these firearms can exceed the cost of a good used truck and in some instances a brand new F-350. With the advent of readily available retrofit CNC’d custom rifle accessories and components a plethora of rifle makers and or custom gunsmiths have entered the industry. The talent pool in the USA now competes globally with the finest gun making firms found anywhere in the world today. Having said this not everybody with a new bastard file and a set of Buck chisels can do this type work, just as most of us are never going to pitch for the Yankees either. Like our GP, getting referrals is a must. Whenever possible hands on examination of the work should be considered before a commitment for the work is commissioned. If your passion is extreme accuracy coupled with extended range hunting you need to find a specialist that engages in this field as well. Taking your 40XB into Fred’s Bait and Gun Emporium to have your new Bartlien match grade barrel installed might not be a great move, unless of course Fred has at least competed and placed at Hawks Ridge in a 1000 yard match with a barrel he himself installed. The quality of accurate barrels, custom actions, bullets, scopes and the science behind building accurate rifles seems to advance exponentially every couple of years. It use to be that everybody was darn happy to have a rifle to hunt with that shot 3 rounds into 1.5 inches at 100 yards. In reality that level of accuracy is more than good enough for taking the biggest of bucks out to 300 yards but it won’t impress anyone at the target frame today. Likely you’ll hear, “bummer of a group dude” as you clean your frame. It is one thing to be a master at building a damn accurate rifle as it’s done every day in shops all over the country. Having one that feeds and functions well enough to serve the user unfailing in the field under all environmental conditions year after year is another matter. Putting the whole package together doesn’t always happen. I have witnessed a number of hunters that I have guided over the years making up excuses for their hiccupping rifle by saying “ As long as I hit him well with the first shot I’m golden at any range” I assume “any range” is supposed to extend beyond 6 football fields and that their rifle is only really good for 1 round so they’ll make it count when the time comes. I am not a fan of gunsmithing by committee. The more people involved the more the opportunity for the wheels to come off down the road. In this event safety is not found in numbers. Looking for “the” gunsmith, GP or Specialist will require time, effort, a large amount of patience and sometimes just sheer luck. Once you’ve found an individual or shop to do your work be prepared to expect labor cost that will parallel your plumber or IT serviceman’s hourly rate. The best of these craftsmen in both categories usually work long hours and have devoted a lifetime to perfecting their skills. Waiting until the week before the deer season will not make you popular with an already busy gunsmith. The gunsmith fixing the spool magazine on your Savage 99 RS has a skill and talent that is rapidly becoming a lost art. Likely you will receive a bill that will reflect the degree of precision you requested that is not only based on the time to complete the job but the knowledge to operate his equipment, the outlay and expense for that discontinued inventory and the skills honed by years of diligence and hard work. The same can be said for the gunsmith building your next pear flat marauder or checkering that last panel on that Turkish walnut blank you’ve hoarded under the bed for 10 years. Once you have found that smith treat him with respect and he will do the same in kind. When it’s all said and done and the season rolls around. The last thing you want to worry about is the firearm in your hands that you should have fixed when that toad steps clear of the brush. http://echolsrifles.com/ Tecomate Tips 2013-04-02T18:57:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_tennessee_april_1_5th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_tennessee_april_1_5th/#When:19:19:00Z This past Saturday was the season opener for the Volunteer State. The weather was a little rainy and a little cool, but nothing was going to stop me from missing opening day in Tennessee. For the past two weeks or so Mr. Latch, the land owner who’s property I was hunting, had been watching turkeys on his place and in the agriculture fields that bordered his property. “There are more turkeys around here than I have ever seen before,” said Latch. This had me full of excitement when I stood in the very dense fog Saturday morning awaiting the day’s first gobble. As it started to sprinkle a little around 6:20 I had my doubts in hearing any gobbles, and just as that thought went through my mind a bird fired off up a wood line that separated two big fields. I knew exactly where he was so I quickly made my way to the field edge I hoped he would fly down in. As I positioned myself in a small clump of sweetgums I was amazed how much fog had filled the field. As I was awaiting the bird’s next gobble before I started my calling, I quickly caught movement about 150 yards straight out in front of me. It was a group of deer feeding in the field. I could barely see them as the fog would fade in and out. As the deer moved off to the left another figure appeared in the haze. It looked like a turkey. I thought to myself, “there is no way that can be a turkey, it must be a deer just turned at a funny angle.” And just like before, as soon as that thought pasted through my mind the fog faded away just a little and a big gobbler came into full focus through my Leupold binoculars.  This past Saturday was the season opener for the Volunteer State. The weather was a little rainy and a little cool, but nothing was going to stop me from missing opening day in Tennessee. For the past two weeks or so Mr. Latch, the land owner who's property I was hunting, had been watching turkeys on his place and in the agriculture fields that bordered his property. "There are more turkeys around here than I have ever seen before," said Latch. This had me full of excitement when I stood in the very dense fog Saturday morning awaiting the day's first gobble. As it started to sprinkle a little around 6:20 I had my doubts in hearing any gobbles, and just as that thought went through my mind a bird fired off up a wood line that separated two big fields. I knew exactly where he was so I quickly made my way to the field edge I hoped he would fly down in. As I positioned myself in a small clump of sweetgums I was amazed how much fog had filled the field. As I was awaiting the bird's next gobble before I started my calling, I quickly caught movement about 150 yards straight out in front of me. It was a group of deer feeding in the field. I could barely see them as the fog would fade in and out. As the deer moved off to the left another figure appeared in the haze. It looked like a turkey. I thought to myself, "there is no way that can be a turkey, it must be a deer just turned at a funny angle." And just like before, as soon as that thought pasted through my mind the fog faded away just a little and a big gobbler came into full focus through my Leupold binoculars. I could not believe he was on the ground so early and especially in this thick fog. I made a few soft calls and the gobbler "blew up" strutting. He would strut a little and walk toward me a little. The good ole turkey do-SE-do. Finally he slowly and carefully made his way to about 35 yards and my Remington 870 did its job. It was the earliest I had killed a turkey in a long time, 6:45 am. Just one of those unbelievable hunts where I was glade to be in the turkey woods. Later that morning after I relived my hunt with Mr. Latch and checked my gobbler in online, I made my way to town to find some breakfast. As I rode around the country side taking back roads into town, I was amazed at the turkeys I saw in the fields. It had started raining pretty steady by then and turkeys were all over the place. Some strutting their stuff and others just enjoying their life as a turkey. Tennessee is full of birds this year and I can't wait to get back to the Volunteer State and chase some more gobblers. Strut Report 2013-04-01T19:19:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/gobblin_in_dixie/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/gobblin_in_dixie/#When:15:26:00Z Once again, spring has sprung in the South and turkey season is open in Alabama.  I have the privilege to hunt the famed Tombigbee River bottoms in southwest Alabama.  This area is rich in whitetails, turkey, wild hogs and basically all game native to the South.  I started my hunt well before daylight in an area that hasn’t been turkey hunted for a couple years.  I stood on the edge of a whitetail food plot (Tecomate Monster Mix) and decided to just listen for a gobble.  At 6:30 a.m. all of nature was starting to come alive.  Cardinals were chirping, owls were softly hooting, and geese were flying up the river.  This morning the honking of the geese set the gobblers to gobbling.  I could hear four different gobblers sounding off to the geese approximately 200 yards off the back end of the Monster Mix field.  I quickly moved to the back of the field following the gobbles still on the roost.  Once I hit the hardwoods surrounding the field, I began to carefully ease through the woods so not to spook the gobblers.  It was still very dark but the woods were starting to illumine with day breaking. By Bert Moore Once again, spring has sprung in the South and turkey season is open in Alabama. I have the privilege to hunt the famed Tombigbee River bottoms in southwest Alabama. This area is rich in whitetails, turkey, wild hogs and basically all game native to the South. I started my hunt well before daylight in an area that hasn't been turkey hunted for a couple years. I stood on the edge of a whitetail food plot (Tecomate Monster Mix) and decided to just listen for a gobble. At 6:30 a.m. all of nature was starting to come alive. Cardinals were chirping, owls were softly hooting, and geese were flying up the river. This morning the honking of the geese set the gobblers to gobbling. I could hear four different gobblers sounding off to the geese approximately 200 yards off the back end of the Monster Mix field. I quickly moved to the back of the field following the gobbles still on the roost. Once I hit the hardwoods surrounding the field, I began to carefully ease through the woods so not to spook the gobblers. It was still very dark but the woods were starting to illumine with day breaking. After quietly moving towards the gobbles, approximately 100 yards, I decided to set up under an old live oak tree. The gobblers were gobbling to owls now. I pulled out my old favorite Cody slate call and quietly yelped a few times…nothing. More owl hoots, more gobbles. So then I hit a couple strokes on my 1966 Lynch Fool Proof (this was my grandfather's favorite turkey call…it has fooled probably 100 longbeards in its career). My grandfather passed away in 1986 and this call is my favorite inheritance. Anyway, with a couple strokes, all four turkeys started cutting me off with their gobbles. This was awesome! Within a couple minutes, I heard two gobblers fly off the roost but I couldn't see them. A few strokes on the Lynch and I instantly knew they were close and coming quickly. Through a tangle of Spanish moss and hardwood vines, I could make out a gobbler in full strut and the subordinate next to him. The subordinate attempted to strut but the dominant bird quickly put him down. Here they came. When they got to 40 yards, I could hear a hen yelping to my right and knew that I needed to act fast. The situation worked out perfectly, the old tom came out of strut and was peering through the tangles to find me when the younger one let out a putt. BOOM from my Mossberg 935 and the old tom was down. Prayers of jubilation were said as I stood over the old tom. I believe that the Eastern wild turkey is the hardest game to hunt in the South and when you are fortunate to harvest one, the good Lord is smiling down on you very favorably. We are so blessed to be able to experience God's wonderful creation and we should always offer thanks to him and never take anything for granted. This old tom weighed 22 pounds, 10" beard, and 1 1/16" spurs. When cleaning this bird back at camp, I noticed lots of green "grass" in his craw. Upon further examination, I could tell that he had been taking full advantage of the Monster Mix field a couple hundred yards away from his roost. So, Monster Mix is not only good for deer, but the turkeys like it too. What a trophy for opening weekend. Strut Report, Hunting 2013-03-26T15:26:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/open_season/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/open_season/#When:15:23:00Z Here in Mississippi turkey season is in full swing. This is my favorite time of the year and you can bet that I will be wide open chasing turkeys till the season ends. However, no matter what game animal you enjoy hunting; they all must be hunted during a specific season. Spring turkey season across the nation is typically set during the months of March, April, and May. Whitetail deer season typically runs somewhere between September and January. Each state agency’s are responsible for setting the seasons for each and every game animal that is available to hunt. The days available to hunt in each of these seasons may change from year to year. These changes come from studies and surveys done by state agency biologists and staffers to better manage the wildlife animals we all love to hunt. Here in Mississippi turkey season is in full swing. This is my favorite time of the year and you can bet that I will be wide open chasing turkeys till the season ends. However, no matter what game animal you enjoy hunting; they all must be hunted during a specific season. Spring turkey season across the nation is typically set during the months of March, April, and May. Whitetail deer season typically runs somewhere between September and January. Each state agency’s are responsible for setting the seasons for each and every game animal that is available to hunt. The days available to hunt in each of these seasons may change from year to year. These changes come from studies and surveys done by state agency biologists and staffers to better manage the wildlife animals we all love to hunt. II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. As Paul writes to young Timothy in this text he is simply encouraging him to spread God’s precious Word when times are good and when times are bad. He is telling him to scatter the Living Seed both: when conditions are delightful and when they are dreary, when circumstances are pleasant and when they are painful, when challenges are favorable and when they are failing, when confrontations are harmless and when they are harmful you are to share the Good News. I like to look at this text in this way: it is Open Season on spreading the Gospel for the Christian. There are no seasons, no limits, no specific hours, and no restrictions of any kind in telling the world about Jesus! Don’t look at proclaiming the Gospel as an obligated duty, which it is; however look at it as a privileged delight. In our county we as hunters have a great privilege in our hunting heritage, in which we find great pleasure in. As Christians we should view spreading the Gospel in the same way, but with no seasons to limit our efforts and endeavors. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior today? He is the Messiah who came down from heaven as 100% God and 100% human. He came to live among us and die for us. He died on Calvary’s cross, was buried in a borrowed grave, and after three days arose from that grave. He is alive friends and wants to live in you! You were born into this world a sinner and it is only though Jesus that you can be saved! If Jesus is calling unto your heart today please say “Yes!” to Him today. Christians it is Open Season on sowing God’s precious seed into the world today. There are no bounds to limit our privileged pleasurable pursuit in proclaiming the Gospel and testifying to His Glory. We are to be proudly open about our belief in the Lord, our stand for what the Bible says, and always be ready to publically make known these facts. The world is in desperate need of saving grace today, regardless if they admit to it or not. It is up to us to tell them about the One who can only give them that gift of saving grace. His name is Jesus! Proclaim His wonderful name today! God Bless and Happy Hunting. Man to Man Devotionals 2013-03-26T15:23:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_march_25_29th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_alabama_march_25_29th/#When:15:19:00Z Turkey season is full swing in the “Heart of Dixie”. Turkeys have been a little sluggish due to lots of cold weather, but thanks to good hatches during the past two years there are lots of gobbling birds to pursue. With a very liberal limit of five gobblers available to the hunter to take in a season, one can chase turkeys all they want in the Yellowhammer State. Here is a bird I took this past week one cool and wet afternoon. I heard a gobbler fire off one gobble earlier that morning in the poring down rain. He never answered our calls and went somewhere my friend and I was not. I went back to the area to glass some of the fields that was nearby. I had lots of Reconyx game camera pictures of turkeys using a particular corner of one of the fields in the afternoons. I quickly spotted two long beards and twenty something hens with my Leupold binoculars. After a long crawl to a cedar hedge row I was ready to intercept one if they would come into range before they went to roost. At around 6:00pm they broke off from the flock and headed my direction. I never called to them, but I knew some of the routes that the turkeys used in the past as they headed to roost. Luckily they took the route that I was setup in and was able to put one on his back just seven minutes later. My Remington 3.5 inch 870 super magnum preformed great killing the bird easily at 45 yards.  Turkey season is full swing in the "Heart of Dixie". Turkeys have been a little sluggish due to lots of cold weather, but thanks to good hatches during the past two years there are lots of gobbling birds to pursue. With a very liberal limit of five gobblers available to the hunter to take in a season, one can chase turkeys all they want in the Yellowhammer State. Here is a bird I took this past week one cool and wet afternoon. I heard a gobbler fire off one gobble earlier that morning in the poring down rain. He never answered our calls and went somewhere my friend and I was not. I went back to the area to glass some of the fields that was nearby. I had lots of Reconyx game camera pictures of turkeys using a particular corner of one of the fields in the afternoons. I quickly spotted two long beards and twenty something hens with my Leupold binoculars. After a long crawl to a cedar hedge row I was ready to intercept one if they would come into range before they went to roost. At around 6:00pm they broke off from the flock and headed my direction. I never called to them, but I knew some of the routes that the turkeys used in the past as they headed to roost. Luckily they took the route that I was setup in and was able to put one on his back just seven minutes later. My Remington 3.5 inch 870 super magnum preformed great killing the bird easily at 45 yards. Strut Report 2013-03-26T15:19:00-05:00 http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_mississippi_march_25_29th/ http://www.tecomate.com/content/index.php/site/comments/tecomate_strut_report_mississippi_march_25_29th/#When:15:17:00Z We are over a full week now into the Magnolia State’s turkey season. Turkeys are starting to come around and act like they suppose to this time of year. However, the cold temps the past few days and even more cold temps in the future may be a factor this up coming week. But you never know if you don’t go. This past Thursday I had an awesome hunt with two of my good friends from Northeast MS. It was a cold 28 degree morning, one of the coldest days of turkey hunting in Mississippi I have ever experienced. The birds did not gobble right away at the normal early morning sounds of owls and crows. I ended up having to make several series of hen calls to get a gobbler to respond. We quickly repositioned ourselves to an area where we knew turkeys liked to use. Thirteen-year-old Eli and I setup quickly by a big pine tree, while Bro. Kerry positioned himself about 10 yards or so up the logging road we hoped the turkeys would come to. The birds were all alone and responded great to all of my calls. It didn’t take the two birds long to come into view both strutting and gobbling. When they got to where Bro. Kerry, Eli’s dad, could film them I counted to three and we put both gobblers on their backs. What a literally “cool” hunt, one I will not soon to forget because this was Eli’s first turkey and was part of a double at that. Check out my nose in the picture, you will see where my trusty Remington 870 left its mark. Ha, it happens.  We are over a full week now into the Magnolia State's turkey season. Turkeys are starting to come around and act like they suppose to this time of year. However, the cold temps the past few days and even more cold temps in the future may be a factor this up coming week. But you never know if you don't go. This past Thursday I had an awesome hunt with two of my good friends from Northeast MS. It was a cold 28 degree morning, one of the coldest days of turkey hunting in Mississippi I have ever experienced. The birds did not gobble right away at the normal early morning sounds of owls and crows. I ended up having to make several series of hen calls to get a gobbler to respond. We quickly repositioned ourselves to an area where we knew turkeys liked to use. Thirteen-year-old Eli and I setup quickly by a big pine tree, while Bro. Kerry positioned himself about 10 yards or so up the logging road we hoped the turkeys would come to. The birds were all alone and responded great to all of my calls. It didn't take the two birds long to come into view both strutting and gobbling. When they got to where Bro. Kerry, Eli's dad, could film them I counted to three and we put both gobblers on their backs. What a literally "cool" hunt, one I will not soon to forget because this was Eli's first turkey and was part of a double at that. Check out my nose in the picture, you will see where my trusty Remington 870 left its mark. Ha, it happens. Strut Report 2013-03-26T15:17:00-05:00