Search the Community

Early on in the year I gradually figured out that I had a unique opportunity to try and take a Single Season Grand Slam. With some hunts booked and other work trips that would put me in areas at the same time as season was open, I decided to go for it. After my recent trip to Texas I am half way there with two more to go. Texas was a blast, the birds were fired up and hammering. I should of had two on the ground but just couldn't make it happen on the second bird. The first afternoon I got to the ranch I set up on a fence line that several groups had been using to feed down on the way to their roost. I wasn't even settled in when a big tom snuck by me at 5 yards! I was completely caught off guard! I was kicking myself so hard I almost didn't hear the gobble behind me. I gave a few sequences on the pot and got tucked in tight with the ole 20. Not long after I had two gobblers coming from my left and two more coming from my right. I could see the biggest was on the right and just about ready to duck under the fence. Of course the video camera was on the birds coming from the left and I didn't dare move (sometimes you have to decide to film or hunt and I chose the latter). The big bird cleared the fence and met a face full of mag blends that ruined his day and made mine. The one that snuck by me. The two from the left. My first Rio Grande 10 5/16" Beard, 1" spurs, 21.4 lbs. He also is sporting a second beard which is another first for me. 4 1/16" I'm looking forward to chasing Merriam's here in AZ and then onto Eastern's in Missouri.