Blane and I were out looking for birds and saw 3 jakes working a tree line, we were able to sneak in on them, and Blane was able to get a draw, but decided (wisely) they were just a bit out of range, and didn't want to stop.
--Jim
We took a quick tour of the area, as Aaron was the only one who had ever paid eyes on the place he was the tour guide. We got the lay of the land and split up to try to roost some birds. We all found birds, and felt we had a decent chance the next morning. Blane and I sat together, and those guys each had seperate spots. Sure enough lots of gobbeling from the roost, and as day light came we could see a few in the trees not 150 yards behind us.
Blane and I had high hopes, and sure enough we saw them fly down into the field we were sitting on. The 3 Jakes saw our decoys and came running in. Blane offered me the first shot, and I decided I better not pass up a bird in the hand so to speak. It was pretty quick and I whacked the biggest bird. Blane had second shot, but the birds were spooked and a bit farther out and missed his chance.
--Jim
I'll shoot you a message.
--Jim
The Colorado boys had a good morning and saw birds, but just wouldn't work in real well. Blane and I tried to make a few moves on some birds we spotted from the road, but that didn't pan out. Long odds sometimes pay dividends though.
We met up for a mid day pow-wow, and Blane ran me to town for another tag. That was an experience in itself, gotta love small town out there. And I mean that in a sincere way, not to be snide at all.
We headed back out to try to find Blane a bird, and saw several in a spot we thought we could cut them off. We were not quick enough. They were coming over the hill when we were running 50 yards from out target set-up tree. Oh well..
--Jim
How'd you guys find this place ;)
Sorry you could'nt make it too, but I look forward to meeting you next week in AZ.
--Jim
Well, maybe not the greatest, but probably the shortest. Some cedars grow in the most advantageous places :) Drew while kneeling, stood up behind a cedar, and let her fly. Resulted in a nice 2 year old
Then we had to go back to town to get him more tags! Another adventure in inself!
First day and already 2 birds down!
--Jim
They were just west of us, for those following along, we talked a couple times, but just couldn't make a meet up work. It was Nebraska too, bring the pics guys.
--Jim
We were just sitting in the blind staring at the decoys, well, we may have been having a bit more fun than that. And 3 jakes walked right up to our decoys, totally silent. Of course we were totally unprepared when I saw them 10 yards out coming from behind us! I think the laughter or swearing scared them back to where they came from. Saw them an hour or so later headed to roost.
That finished off our first day. I'll take a break and let Aaron or Bake put a little in the story if they get a few minutes this evening.
--Jim
That was worth the whole trip :) :)
I'm sure it wasn't as funny while it happened :)
--Jim
Will's bad luck didn't end with the dead Subaru. We were up at the butt crack of dawn for our SF3BSU (Single Flock Triple Blind Set Up). I was loading up my truck when Will comes sauntering over...."I locked my key in my room."
me..."Damn, anything in there you need?"
Will..."Just my bow."
Kentucky critters beware!
Here's the Only thing I killed. I never become attached to "things", but it broke my heart watching her go. Endless hunting memories with that lil car
It died only 35 minutes from our destination. Had to spend the night in the middle of nowhere before being towed back to Scottsbluff (1hr20min) to pick up a rental the next day.
That said, yes, it pretty funny now so laugh away :) I hope Aaron told the whole story including the dude who picked us up and dropped us off!? Thats the best part, but not for bowsite ;)
After the first day, Jim and I decided to head back and hunt the same small alfalfa field.
Since I have never bowhunted spring birds before (just a little scattergun experience), I had to follow Jim around like a puppy and use his decoys, John's blind, etc.
The same 3 jakes from the morning before made a short appearance, along with a single hen, but they were 80 yards away
We decided to make a late morning set there. Jim and I were sitting there, joking, laughing, trading hunting lies and exaggerations when a gobble danger close interrupted us.
4 jakes snuck in and were now a hair less than 10 yards from the blind.
I got on a knee, waited, and then drew as they came by the window. I don't know what bothered them, but they ran by at 30 yards and I could never get a good shot.
After buggering the jakes (do you see a theme here?), Jim and I went for a big drive into some country neither one of us knew anything about.
Saw some turkeys. I'll let Jim furnish the details here. . .
But, interesting little sidenote that might give you an idea of what some public land hunters go through. . .
Driving down a road, we were stopped by some other hunters from Colorado that we'd already met. They were parked right in the middle of the road, on top of a hill. Blocking the road. They walked back to the truck, and had been making a plan to stalk a big group of birds with several strutters. . .
The gentleman asked if we were wanting to drive through to the end of the road. I said heck no, we'd just back out and leave them to those birds, so we didn't spook them driving by.
I thought that was the most natural thing in the world to do in our situation, but he looked surprised that we'd do that! I can't imagine wanting to drive by and ruin their chances. Plenty of birds to go around
That's kind of stuck with me. Nice folks
--Jim
So Saturday morning was out last day to hunt. Blane and I were really hoping that Aaron and John would have a bit more luck, and we all had some decent plans for the morning.
On a side note we had an Excelent show of the lunar eclipse, simply awesome in that early morning sky. We had no idea to even be looking for it!
--Jim
Then as the mornig started to pass the Nebraska wind started to blow. Aaron and Jobn had to start back to CO, so we met up to say the good byes and safe travels about 10. Blane and I decided we had not had quite enough punishment though, and decided to try out little hilltop from the afternoon before, as we thought we had those birds kinda patterned.
Of course those "dependable" birds didn't show up, and after being about blown away we decided to call it a day about 2.
--Jim
Thanks for reading along. I hope that we can do something similar next year, and maybe be able to meet up with the b-team somewhere along the way.
Thanks to Aaron and Will to make it possible and share their places/knowledge with the rest of our group.
--Jim
--Jim
--Jim
Good job guys.
My best, Paul
Aaron extended me an invite, but I just couldnt make it. Maybe next time
