It was an early April morning in 1999, and as an 11-year-old girl, I had no idea that this day would be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. My dad had arranged a guided turkey hunt in Suffolk, VA for my very first hunt. This is the story of my first turkey hunt, a day filled with anticipation, excitement, and an unforgettable bond with my dad.
The Early Morning Excitement
The day began with my dad waking me up, his voice filled with excitement. We quickly got ready and headed to the camp where we met our guide. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee and donuts, but my nervous excitement left no room for eating or drinking.
Into the Woods
As we walked through the dark woods, I wore my dad’s old, oversized camo jumpsuit, a camo hat, and a face mask. The guide led the way, with my dad following, and I brought up the rear. Suddenly, we heard the first gobble of the morning. The guide and my dad quickly decided on a setup: I would sit with the guide by a tree, while my dad would stay back 20 or 30 yards in case the turkey got past me.
The Anticipation Builds
Sitting down, I pulled up my face mask and set my 20-gauge Remington with a full choke on my knee. In the distance, I could hear the tom gobbling, each gobble bringing him closer. The guide instructed me to picture the turkey’s head as a pop can and shoot when it was between two trees in front of us.
The Moment of Truth
My dad was calling to the turkey with soft yelps and clucks, and after a few more gobbles, I saw a red head appear. The tom was in full strut, gobbling and drumming with every step. My heart pounded, and the barrel of my gun began to move in larger circles as he approached. I forced myself not to look at his beard to keep my nerves in check.
The Perfect Shot
After about thirty minutes, the tom was finally in the opening the guide had predicted. I beaded down, trying to steady my breathing and still the end of my barrel. Although the guide urged me to shoot, I waited for a better shot. The tom moved to a larger opening, and my dad hit him with aggressive calls, causing the tom to stretch his neck to look for the hen.
Success!
I inhaled deeply, let out half of my breath, and squeezed the trigger. The tom was on the ground, flopping around. I sat there in disbelief—I had done it! My dad reached the bird before I even stood up, his eyes filled with pride. He hugged me tightly, and we must have high-fived a hundred times before leaving the woods. From that day on, I was hooked on spring turkey hunting with my dad.
That early April morning marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for turkey hunting, creating cherished memories with my dad. The thrill of the hunt, the bond we shared, and the pride in my dad's eyes are moments I will always treasure.
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By sharing this story, I hope to inspire others to cherish their hunting experiences and the bonds they create with loved ones. Happy hunting!
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