Nebraskaland Magazine
Maybe it was the lack of beef that led me to think I would never make this morning hunt past 9am but this short fat guy was starving. I had not eaten for 10 hours (a feat rarely attempted by me). In fact, my stomach was making so much noise, groan here, groan there, I could not imagine a turkey getting within 50 yards of my blind. I had watched turkeys earlier in the morning perform their ritual strut in front of the ladies but nothing too close. Then it happened! That close gobble every hunter dreams of. Man this bird was close and I mean CLOSE! Then another gobble…getting closer. Soon I could hear foot steps. As I peered outside the blind window I saw a nice Tom just out of range. Unfortunately another Tom was trying to pull him away. I purred…nothing. I clucked…nothing. I even let loose with a few soft yelps followed by more intense purring. Still nothing. In fact, he was leaving. Then, without warning, my stomach let out a ridiculously loud groan (did I mention I was hungry?). That Tom actually gobbled and began walking back to me. I sat there dumbfounded, praying for another groan from the gut. No need! There he was at 25 yards staring down on me. I clicked off the safety and spent the next half hour plucking feathers.
I have made a lot of turkey noises but the turkey gut groan is something even Primos doesn’t market. Not sure how I made that call nor if I could ever duplicate it again, but for opening weekend, for a moment in time, it was what I needed.
The rut is definitely in full swing and the action should be good right with latest temps climbing. I would make a point to be out this weekend (and I will), as things could heat up fast. Have fun and be safe!
Jeff
