I went to a friend's 200 acre cattle farm this morning just outside of Ft. Inn. I had heard a gobbler there yesterday morning at about 9:30 AM on the lower end of the property where two creeks meet so I backed out quietly to return today. This morning before daylight I was back. I sat on the ridge between the forks this morning and did the usual routine. I had a decoy out, tree yelped, flew down (with turkey wing) and sat tight for over an hour calling lightly without hearing a thing. About 8 AM I eased up the ridge to a pasture and saw a hen slink off through a thicket. From there I worked my way up to the highest point on the property over looking mixed pasture and hardwood stands. I sat against a big pine and called lightly on my slate. I was answered by a faint gobble. After about three more gobbles I could tell he was up and across a creek over 300 yards away. I moved forward about 50 yards to a group of cedars and had a nice view of a pasture bowl bordered on the lower side by hardwoods along the creek. I put my decoy out and got comfortable. I again used the slate to cutt lightly and was immediately answered with a closer gobble. About 5 gobbles later I saw the tom clear the woodline and stretch up to see the decoy. He broke down and strutted in all his glory. He then worked his way up the hill to the decoy and strutted sideways into the sunlight several times. At about 40 yards he stood on his toes and really checked my camo blob out. I held my breath and again he strutted closer. When he seemed to be well within range I waited till he raised his head again before making a solid shot at 36 yards. He seemed much closer but it was no matter. The #6's from the newly polished barrel and lengthened forcing cone that Mr. Johnny Stone ( http://www.shotgunchokes.com/index.html )did for me a few weeks back really put the whammy on him. It all ended at 8:45 AM. He weighed 18 pounds, had 1 1/16th" spurs and a 9 3/4" beard.

Though I don't deserve it the Lord has yet again blessed me.