More or Less for Turkeys

[TrophyTracker]

With the season on the horizon,here is a question for you.

Are you more motivated this year to get out there and tear it up,less motivated,or the same(whatever that is in your own case)?

[TrophyTracker]

Let's bump this baby to the top...

[shaman]

The past few years, I've been much more motivated. I had years early on where I went out and did not hear or see a turkey for several seasons running. Now that I'm on my own place, able to manage the land and control access, I can now be treated to morning where I wake up and see 20 gobblers at once just behind the house. A lot of my early pre-season scouting now consists of going out on the front porch with a cup of coffee and owling. This makes a huge difference in my motivation.

Secondly, I'm now the guide for two sons. At 15, #2 son will have his last year as a yute hunter. Next year he hunts on his own. #3 son is 9. He nearly had a gobbler last year. He is absolutely a wonder at calling. Every weekend now, there's something to do to get ready for season. Yesterday, I assembled the pegs and sanded the poplar pots for new calls. Each of my sons is getting his own custom slate call and two pegs, and I'm going to make a glass-over-slate for myself.

The only limiting factor is the trophies. I'm running out of room for full fan mounts on the wall. I suppose it's time to start limiting myself to beards only-- either that, or I'm going to have to add a new trophy room. All I know is that when I sit in my chair I've got got the mantle filled to overflowing, and KYHillChick wants to know how we're going to make room for when the new buck mount comes back from the taxidermist.

[TrophyTracker]

Somehow,the room is always found!lol I'm at the point where I donate my trophies to my uncle's basement hideout in Pa. It' the best feeling in the world to just go downstairs and chill,looking at all of the achievments we have made as a family through the years.The basement is filled with nostalgia and momentos from past hunts from myself,my uncle and folks who are no longer with us.Looking at some of the history always takes me back to the root of why I do what I do.

I keep my hunting clothes down there,and suit up every morning while surrounded by these reminders.On my way up the stairs that leads to the walkway to the rig,I stop and grab an old Woolrich plad shirt that belonged to my Uncle Herman.I feel the material and think of all the action it's seen,I say a prayer for a safe hunt,and release my grip.I make my way up the 10 steps and open the hatch and walk into the adventure ahead.

My motivation stems from the need to add to the history.It's my drive.The Grind.Being down there is a pitstop for the soul.

Perhaps your lads will one day look around and reflect on the heritage you have blessed them with,and carry that with them into the adventure as well!


Roll on 2008!

[TrophyTracker]

Come on everyone, Let's hear your story!