CA Archery Gobblers (pics)

I had the honor of being invited by two VERY seasoned archery turkey hunters in the Northern half of the Golden State to try and get this ol' BOHNTR a gobbler that would be big enough for the California Bowmen Hunters record book. You see, a book turkey is the only specie in the state I needed to receive the Whitney Hill Award which is the highest award given to a bowhunter in California. No matter how much I tried over the years, I never could pin down a gobbler big enough to qualify. Now it's not that the minimum score (beard length and spurs) is too high, it was simply a lack of hunting opportunities here in the Southern half of the state.

Chris and Joe invited my wife and I up over the weekend to hunt with them and split up the shooting opportunities between the three of us. Talk about an unbelievable two day adventure. The first morning out, I arrowed my first "book" turkey. With a 9" beard and 1" spurs, he will easily make the CBH minimum. Soon after I arrowed mine at 9 yards, we set up in a different location and Chris hammered a big ol' tom at 10 yards. A double in less than an hour and both captured on video!

The next morning, we set up in another spot and Chris called in a nice tom to 10 yards and I arrowed my second "book" turkey. This one was about the same size as the first, with a half inch longer beard (9.5"). I was stoked to say the least and very grateful for my Northern California hunting buddies (Chris and Joe) to show me the ropes on this turkey calling stuff. I think I'm hooked on this Spring turkey hunting.....it's addicting! Hope you enjoy the photos.

Saturday's bird:

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Sunday's bird:

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Chris' big ol' gobbler:

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