NJ youth Turkey. 2019

jode hillman

jode hillman

Well-known member
My kids have been chasing Gobblers with me at least 5 years now. We have misses, lost birds, no birds and call shy tons. My son Ethan especially has put in his time.
This year it all came together for him. Im not usually a blind hunter. I hate it. But given the co conditions and camera gear, it was our best option today.
We had Tough conditions. We went from monsoon rain to high wind. A small break came about 7:00 AM. Shortly after Ethan says ? Dad I see one!?
A big gobbler heard my light calling, saw the decoys and cautiously worked his way in to 30 yards, where Ethan took his time, and made the shot count! Awesome limb hanger son! I couldnt be more proud of his first Gobbler.

Thanks to my friend Joe Pio for the great pics.

A little video joe also put together.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k89MdAC7-A4&feature=youtu.be

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That is awesome! Beautiful bird.

Good timing on the post, this will be Gus? first season with a tag. He can?t hunt until the middle of May - has to wait until his birthday.
 
Jode & Ethan

Congratulations!

Now that the first bearded turkey is under his belt, more will follow.

I have a feeling that you will be posting more photo's, and info before the season ends.


Rainy days and long hunts usually pay off, one way or another.

I like the way the rain is beaded up on the head, and back of the hen decoy. That's my kinda decoy.


Best regards
Vince
 
Vince Pagliaroli said:
Jode & Ethan

Congratulations!

Now that the first bearded turkey is under his belt, more will follow.

I have a feeling that you will be posting more photo's, and info before the season ends.


Rainy days and long hunts usually pay off, one way or another.

I like the way the rain is beaded up on the head, and back of the hen decoy. That's my kinda decoy.


Best regards
Vince
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Thanks Vince, he sure has put his time in.

Thank goodness a duck decoy maker carved that hen!😂. I bet she?d float to, probably just not very well
 
tod osier said:
That is awesome! Beautiful bird.

Good timing on the post, this will be Gus? first season with a tag. He can?t hunt until the middle of May - has to wait until his birthday.
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Thanks Tod.

How long aftrr the opener can Gus hunt?
I?m sure you get on birds anyway. I like our last 2 weeks here in NJ. Most of the hens have been long sitting and the Toms are desperate
 
Steve Sanford said:
Happy Easter, indeed!


(We're waiting for May 1. Plenty of gobbling right now.)


All the best,


SJS
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Best of luck! Our adult season opener is tomorrow. Maybe I?ll find another bird to go after!
 
jode hillman said:
tod osier said:
That is awesome! Beautiful bird.

Good timing on the post, this will be Gus? first season with a tag. He can?t hunt until the middle of May - has to wait until his birthday.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tod.

How long aftrr the opener can Gus hunt?
I?m sure you get on birds anyway. I like our last 2 weeks here in NJ. Most of the hens have been long sitting and the Toms are desperate
Click to expand...

He just gets to hunt the last week or so this year (middle-end of May) but the youth season usually begins the full spring break week before our opener, so great hunting in the future.

I absolutely love late May for getting nice committed big birds.
 
tod osier said:
jode hillman said:
tod osier said:
That is awesome! Beautiful bird.

Good timing on the post, this will be Gus? first season with a tag. He can?t hunt until the middle of May - has to wait until his birthday.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tod.

How long aftrr the opener can Gus hunt?
I?m sure you get on birds anyway. I like our last 2 weeks here in NJ. Most of the hens have been long sitting and the Toms are desperate
Click to expand...

He just gets to hunt the last week or so this year (middle-end of May) but the youth season usually begins the full spring break week before our opener, so great hunting in the future.

I absolutely love late May for getting nice committed big birds.
Click to expand...

It?s a start! As you said many great years ahead
 
J. Overland said:
What a great bird, for a first bird or a 100th bird! The decoy is also very impressive.
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Thanks. He was pretty happy. That?s one of my suitcase hens, about 5 years old and starting to show a little wear. But I?ve killed plenty of tons over her
 
That's great! I know Ethan has certainly put his time in and it's well deserved. Congratulations to both of you!
 
Great stuff Jode, a memery that will stick with both of you forever. And over a great decoy just makes it all the better.
 
KThompson said:
Alright! After all this time it finally came together... so pumped for yall!
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Thanks Kyle. It?s been a great season already, even though NJ regular season just opened today.
I got a jump on my season by heading to TN for their opener as the guest of a couple AL guys. Much to my surprise, they were good people! ( lol)

I bagged my heaviest Tom ever, a tad under 25 pounds!

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