Bowhunting my first turkey
4/4/2021
We packed a daypack with some rain gear just in case, I was super excited. After being trapped in Auckland on our boat, we finally got an opportunity to go turkey hunting. Our first stop was to pick up Conor Watson (Advanced Archery) and then our turkey contact Jay Johnson (Face of Ridgeline). After sighting in our bows on Jay's 3D deer target and then checked our broadheads.
was about a 40 minute drive south of Auckland to a rural farm block. we probably spotted 100 turkeys on the drive, the excitement was building. As we drove in the driveway there were about a dosen road turkeys within 20 yards, we decided to leave them and unpack all our gear. We put on our boots and grabbed our bows, we were off.
My Pa (Glen) was on filming duty, We sildeded around a hill and stopped to glass this big open country. My eyes were moving so fast, eager to find the first turkey. Having had no luck and kept moving down into a cluster of mature willow trees. Jay pointed out that this was a good place for turkeys. The shade felt good on my neck, finally getting shelter from the hot sun. Coming to the end of the cluster of trees, we stopped and glassed the open contrary. Shortly after, Conor spotted a turkey but it was up on the highest ridge. This is going to be a good climb.
We were on high alert in case there was a turkey hiding in the long grass. We were nearly there when we spotted a big group just over the small mound about 200yards, we stopped behind a tree and made a plan to stalk them. Two turkeys split off and for a minute came towards us, we used the scrub as cover. Approaching the point we pinpointed with our bows at the ready, my Pa spoted them running about 100 yards away. Dam, my heart was pounding with the close encounter.
Moving on, we crossed a small running stream. Now our climb started, we sidled up in a zig zag. Stopping about 150 yards from where we saw the turkeys earlier. Jay spotted them about 400 yards away under a couple of trees, they jumped up and down trying to eat something in the trees.
We got within 70 yards as they ran down into a gut. Repositioning ourselves, I drew back my bow with my sight set on 30 but they were running too fast and were soon at 40 yards. I adjusted to 50 and drew back, but before we knew it they were at 60 yards! Then they went under the boundary fence. Disappointed we walked up and over the ridge before stopping for a break.
Jay and Conor then spotted a small group of turkeys close to the car. After crossing the stream we walked up towards the car, I was thinking this might be my last shot at a turkey. I approached an old fence corner and used my range finder to range a bush about 25 yards away and set my sight to 20. A group of about 5 walked into sight and I drew back, my heart pounding. Then they ran and were at 40 yards, I thought it was over when suddenly one lonely male came into view and started walking towards the running group. With my bow drawn I aimed and squeezed off. I couldn't believe it, the turkey ran about 10 yards before dropping. I couldn't believe what just happened. I just shot my first turkey.
I crouched down beside the turkey and ran my hand down the glistening feathers. Spreading out his tail feathers, I couldn't have had this amazing opportunity without Jay Johnson and Conor Watson. I also have a video on this hunt on my YouTube channel FilmMakerNz give it a like and subscribe.
