PA State Land Bird Down

[RUSS0079]

Headed out late today, cause I had to take the Princess to school. But I like the late hunt anyway. Prior to that met up with the best Turkey Hunter I know. He said that the birds are not talking and that the woods were quiet. Not one to stop hunting for nothing. I hit the State Lands by me. Was in the woods by 0910 HRS. Had 3 gobblers nailed down by 0930 HRS. Cut real hard after I set my decoys. I had 4 gobblers respond. After calling for a min. I had another gobbler about 150 yards respond. I had made my mind up the first legal bird that responded and gave me a shot, I would kill. The 4 gobbling birds, that's right I said 4 gobbling birds were together, and they hung up at about 100 yards in some think green briar. I figured they were Jakes. That was until I unhinged them with my Challenging Jake gobble. To say they got pissed off was an understatement. I had double, triple and quaddrupple gobbles from these birds. The 5th bird, which I'm sure was the boss Tom, sounded off, but would not close the distance. I moved approximately 5 yards back to move the birds. After the move the birds were quiet. I thought they saw me as they would not respond again. I cut real hard again and the boss Tom sounded off. I thought I had only one bird interested again. That was until the 4 birds showed up with out a sound right in front of me, about 40 yards out. Each one anounced his presence by gobbling and strutting for my hen and jake Decoy. I screwed with these birds for about 10 mins. Setting them into a gobbling frenzy everytime I cut. Eventually they lost interest. I picked the largest bird and squezzed a 2OZ load of number 5's through a deer fence and leveled this fat bird, at 40 yards. :shoot:He only had a beard of 4.5 inches, but he tipped the scale at 18 lbs. Largest Jake I've ever shot. Only reget was that my daugher Jocelyn wasn't there to share in the fun. She took one hell of a picture though for Daddy,at 5 years old. The birds are back. You want to take a bird next year in PA? I'm thinking of adding Turkeys to the upland hunting guide service next year. :thup:I got Ray on board for next year. Any takers? Either way the end of the season shines on Russ again. I'll take these birds everytime.:razz:
Get out there guys.
Russ Hittle

STEADY POINT UPLAND GUIDE SERVICE
Morgantown, PA

[EJSP850]

Im surprised the turkey came in with that mug looking at it. Congrats bro, great looking bird. :thup:

[RUSS0079]

I had my face mask on!!! Don't worry he didn't see it coming, BLAM!!!!

[ACEarcher]

I didn't know you were allowed to shoot polts:eek: Nah nice bird bud! Congrats!

[RUSS0079]

Nice. I definately am getting that second tag next year. As far as waiting for a long beard or chasing them around. Been there done that. I've got a few nice ones. This sucker is going to taste good. He is now resting comfortably vacuum sealed in the bar freezer.

[Esetterman]

congrats! nice bird! i might have to have you show me the way next spring

[honeybrookhunter]

Russ,

Nice bird!!! Since you live in Morgantown,I am assuming he was shot on SGL 43?

I live over in Honeybrook, and was planning to either hunt SGL 43 or French Creek this Saturday and next.

As this will be my first time turkey hunting, it is going to be trial and error.
Hopefully I will get lucky trying to call them in and getting a shot.

[RUSS0079]

Ah that would be spot burning my friend, But I'm sure that if you check out the map you'll be able to figure the gameland out. I'm not sure about French Creek for birds though. I hunt the back side there with the guide service during the woodcock migration and Haven't seen any turkey sign there, but I'm sure there are a few around. Where I live most guys hunt on private land for birds, that's why I love going on the state land and killing birds. Either way, If you don't call well, you may want to befriend someone that does, to teach you or hire a guide. I've been calling since I was 12 years old and I'm still learning. Lucky for me, I befriended a turkey guide upstate and another very good friend who has killed more turkeys that I care to think of. Either way, The birds are still on and off this way. I'm headed out late this morning guiding a guy for his first turkey. Hopefully the birds are talking. I can still get one if not, It won't be as exciting if they aren't gobbling, though.
Get at them birds,
Russ Hittle

STEADY POINT UPLAND GUIDE SERVICE
Morgantown, PA

[honeybrookhunter]

I wasn't asking you to pinpoint your EXACT latitude and longitude where you shot that gobbler at. All I was asking if it was that specific gameland since there are a few others around here.

The gamelands are big enough as not to give away your EXACT location.

Just trying to get an idea if there are Turkeys on 43, or would I be wasting my time.

As for befriending someone, I am trying to find someone who would take me out and show me the ropes, but am not having any luck.

ACEarcher offered depending on his schedule, but he hasn't responded back to the e-mail I sent him. Also someone on another board offered , but I haven't heard from him either. Everyone keeps telling me just to go out myself.

[RUSS0079]

I can tell you this, every game land in Berks county has turkeys on it. It is a wonderful thing.Anytime in the woods is not wasting your time. I would love to show you the ropes, but like Adam(AceArcher) my schedule is pretty tough. I suggest buying some DVD's on Calling from Primos. Most of them have really good info. Don't feel bad about that. I self taught myself, until I was in my 20's and met some folks. If you get time off, other than weekends, feel free to send me an email. I don't hunt weekends, as I don't like to compete withother callers. I just got done guiding a guy for a bird in the State Lands. The birds aren't talking today. We hunted from 0800 until 1200. Not A peep. I felt bad taking his money, but that's how the business is. Send me an email and I'll tell which game land. You can get the maps on the State's Game Commission website. Since you are soo close to me, maybe we could meet up after the season at Beltempo's in Morgantown and get you set up.

Russ Hittle

STEADY POINT UPLAND GUIDE SERVICE
Morgantown, PA