Checking the Toms

[ozark]

It is still 13 days before season opens but I spent the afternoon in my hunting cabin watching and listening. They are gobbling and strutting already. One longbeard displayed and sounded off for nearly an hour within my view. Seen several hens alone so the flocks have evidently scattered. We seem to be about two weeks ahead of normal spring season here. One tom I watched had a nine or ten inch beard but I didn't get to see his spurs. Watching the bird ignited the hunting fever in me. I suppose that was the purpose.

[redneckrob]

I WAS IN MY GARAGE TWO DAYS AGO AND HEARD ONE GOBBLE ON THE HILL IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, SO I DECIDED TO TRY MY NEW SLATE CALL. I GAVE A COUPLE OF CUTS AND THE RACE WAS ON. THREE TOMS CAME FROM SEPERATE DIRECTIONS. MY NEIGHBOR HAS BEEN BUILDING A SHED ON THE HILL AND THEY CAME IN TO THERE AND HUNG UP. THEY ARE A LITTLE EARLY IT SEEMS TO ME AS SEASON IS STILL ABOUT 3 WEEKS OFF.