Gobblers mourn the loss of ol' Tom

[Haggis]

Breaking News!

Today, 4/18/08, in the Northwest woods of PA, at approx. 10:00 am EST, Ol' Tom was taken in his prime by the huntress of Clan Haggis, Allison. Using her new Remington 870 in 20 guage and utilizing a 3" Winchester Supreme Magnum in #5 shot, Old Tom was harvested with one well placed shot, much to the excitement of Allison's Dad.

Tom lived a full life in the woods of Plum Township, roostin,fighting, feedin' and chasing hens when the warm spring air stirs, but now will serve as a few tasty meals on the Clan's dinner table. At the time of his death he weighed 20 lbs, had a 9 1/2 " beard, and had spurs in the length of 1"an 1 1/4". Tom will be missed by his gobbler friends who are now abit more sneaky travelling thru the woods.

1st photo: Allison with her bird. 2nd photo: Allison, Tom and her happy old man.

[Ursidae69]

Excellent! Tell her congratulations!

[calamaridog]

Good shooting Allison!

[snipecatcher]

Nice. Turkey hunting is something I'd like to do one of these days. I hunt most everything else, and there are many turkey around here, I just haven't ever done it for whatever reason. I hear it really gets your heart pumping though. Nice tom.
-Dan

[jim65wagon]

Nice going Allison! Don't let your Dad eat all that bird himself. Make him share some with you!

Now I know why you put that bumper on the Jeep! It makes a nice "bird prop"....

[Haggis]

Now I know why you put that bumper on the Jeep! It makes a nice "bird prop"....

Allison says that her bird was so big that we had to use the winch to drag it out of the woods.

Allsion and I thank you all for your kind words. I so proud of this girl.

We had two gobblers and a jake (young gobbler) coming in to us. I told Allison to take what ever bird she wanted and she whispered back that she wanted the big one in the back. Just then it went into full strut, all puffed out, wings arced, tail fanned, and head blazing red. The classic strut you see in magazines. The two other birds where milling in front of the big boy and Allison had to be patient. Finally the smaller birds started to move off, while Tom was still strutting around. Allison whispered that she could take him and then eased her gun into position as all three birds where looking away from us. It's hard to position yourself when you have three set of eyes as sharp as a turkey on you. She squeezed of the round and down went Tom. Upwent Dad's whoop of delight.

Allison handled herself like she's been doing this for years and was calmer and more patient than some hunters I've seen that have hunted for years. It reaffirms your hopes for your kids to see them act with so much self confidence displayed and makes you feel like you've been raising them right.

After the hunt the whole family went out for a hike and then our local ice cream joint opened up this weekend and we had some great homemade ice cream. What a great day!