Gary Reeder
hunting deer in Tennessee back in the late 80s I heard
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 12:59

a turkey gobbling somewhat nearby. Kase was with me and I told him to sit down at the base of a tree and let me see if I could crawl up on them close enough to get a shot with my 44 Auto Mag.

I got on my hands and knees and crawled up to about 40 yards and shot one of the big toms in the group. The flock scattered at the shot but I remembered seeing a couple of toms that were as big if not bigger than the one I shot. .

Late that day a bit before sundown Kase and I went back to the same spot as I had seen all of them scratching for grubs like crazy. I figured they would be back as I was the only numbnut hunting them in that area as it belonged to an old radio buddy who didn't hunt.
Anyway as I got closer sure enough I heard them talking about their buddy that had died a horrible death earlier that day and to be on the watch for a monster crawling around. Unfortunately they paid no attention and I managed to crawl up to them again and at about 35 to 40 yards just like earlier and in nearly the same spot shot one of the biggest toms in the group. At the shot they scattered and I am sure one of the big toms was telling them "I told you be be on the look out for this monster but no, you didn't listen".

At the shot the big bird I shot flopped around and Kase and I had to chase him down and I had to break his neck which calmed him down somewhat. We cooked them up a few days later and I guess I just didn't put enough butter or tenderizer or bourbon or whatever on them as I think my boots would have been more tender and tasty.