RFactor Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Opening day up north was beautiful. Birds gobbling from first light. We got into a big group of birds, a little too close and spooked them. We did get to see three long-beards strutting side by side by side. After they scattered I told my buddy that we should sit, make a few calls and eat lunch and see what returns. A nice gobbler tried to sneak back in ten minutes later and met his demise. That was all we saw the rest of Friday. Saturday the gobbling birds gave us the slip and the snow storm moved in, we decided to go into town for a warm lunch and try the next morning. Sunday was very nice, we got into the big group birds again and had one so close that when I made a call he nearly blew my cap off. He was probably 20 yards above us on the flat. My buddy tried to sneak up for a shot and they moved out very quickly, busted by the hens. We left them and went about a 1/4 mile and had a couple more birds gobble. I told my buddy to move around a rock out crop and be ready to shoot that he was coming and should be close. He did but was not expecting him to be that close and he missed the shot. OH Well! I have been hunting in Arizona most of my life since the mid-70's and have never seen a bear in the wild until Sunday morning. What an Awesome animal, it was right below me maybe 60 yards when I went to a look over a cliff. There should be a lot of successful hunters over the next couple weeks, the birds are putting on a show. Good luck! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Exciting stuff. I saw a bear while driving to scout for turkey so I bought a tag, just in case but I did not see one while on my hunt last week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ8 Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Congrats! Glad to hear they're still active. My hunt starts in a few days. Looking forward to it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randyolson Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Great!! Congratulations on getting your TURKEY!!! Sounded like a super time and lots of animals!!! Thanks for sharing your story and pics!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
My Rights As An American Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Congratulations! Hoping to take my first turkey this weekend. Sounds like you guys had a really awesome time, birds gobbling and chances to fill tags. Cannot ask for more! And at least a little precipitation fell, that may help delay major fire seasons a TINY bit more! I like the snow picture, those flakes look like baseballs!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Congratulations on your bird. Sounds like you hit the right spot with alot of action. Thanks for sharing. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
couesmagnet Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Awesome, congrats to you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wrk2Hnt Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Good pictures, Congrats on the bird. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted April 30, 2014 ya baby Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rombo Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Congrats on a great bird.... Let me guess, bet that lunch was at Bear Wallow!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RFactor Report post Posted May 1, 2014 Congrats on a great bird.... Let me guess, bet that lunch was at Bear Wallow!! Not a bad lunch at the Bear Wallow Cafe. It was good to see you guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
capoeirajosh Report post Posted May 2, 2014 Sounds like you had a fantastic time! That is pretty cool with the bear! What color was it?! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted May 2, 2014 Great job!!! 2 thumbs up for bear wallow cafe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
