It was evident the moisture we have received has made a noticeable impact on the land. Lakes we once viewed from the highway are filling again and the mines outside of Gillette are flooded.
We made it into the Hills way before dark and made camp on a very muddy logging road. We quickly changed and headed down the road to try to put a bird or two to bed. After making it to the edge of the mountain and crow calling we were able to locate 5 gobblers in the meadows below. There were two together near the fresh burn that we knew we could find in the morning.
The next morning we got going just as the sky was showing signs of light in the East. We worked our way down a canyon to get near the patch of trees we knew the birds would be in. Erik sat and called and Michelle sat back with camera on shoulder and gun strapped on back. A bird answered immediately. It is always hard to tell exactly where a bird is or what direction he is moving, but after some time we knew that the birds were heading somewhat away from us rather than toward. So we made several short moves in the direction we believed the birds were heading, calling at each pause. The gobbler answered every time. We shortly approached the side of a hill that bordered a meadow. The flock must be on the meadow heading our way! Erik set up against a tree close to the edge of the meadow and Michelle stood back standing tall and still, if anything came around the corner it would be dead before seeing anything. Sure enough the tom came into view and Erik blasted him at 11 yards. We then heard another gobble. Erik told Michelle to drop the camera and get the gun ready. Michelle did so and started forward heading around the base of the hill searching for a red head. She only saw three hens – but then a ‘put’ up the hill. She turned and ran strait up and met the other tom at the top. Michelle pulled up and pulled the trigger. Nothing happened. The safety. The tom started running and Michelle after as she took the safety off. Michelle unloaded her gun on the bird, who started limping and was unable to fly. After topping the hill Michelle saw the bird laying down and took a final shot to put him down.
WHAT A HUNT!!!! The bad news is all the footage is ruined because the mic came unplugged from the camera while Erik and Michelle were dressing it in camo the night before.
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