I recently spent two of my most rewarding days in the woods since I began photographing wildlife over two years ago. Since just before turkey season started in Louisiana I have been attempting to locate turkeys on lands that are accessible to me. Often as not when turkey season starts it is not possible for me to be on the land. One location is an exception because the landowner is attempting to build up a fledgling flock of turkeys and allows no hunting. I had attempted some calling in two or three other locations without success until this past week. I was camped out next the Bayou Bonne Dee in Northeast Louisiana when late in the evening near nightfall 3 gobblers began to call within a few hundred yards of me. I really got excited about the coming morning. However, I find that turkey hunting is more difficult than most other forms. Success is usually measured in days and not in hours. Often, in difficult circumstances, I have to use whatever means I can to get the shot. I had left my camo tent near a deer feeder that had been left on the land after hunting season. Having had no success at calling in the morning, I retreated to the tent to wait to see what would happen. At a little past 1:30 p.m. the action began and turkeys began arriving. First two big gobblers came, then another tom, and then later two hens and a strutting tom. I did some calling at the big gobblers who had been alarmed by the shutter clicks and had move off to about 20 yards behind me. I have not been a turkey hunter so I have to say I have never heard this sound up close before. If you haven't you have missed one of life's greatest thrills. It is truly an awesome experience. Also, when a strutting tom is hot on the trail of a hen he begins to "Drum" and it was also an experience I will not soon forget. I am still in awe of how God made things. I can only say when the gobbler makes those sounds when seeking to mate you have to stand in awe of the powerful force that God put into nature. To me it reflects the power and glory of God. Also, the turkey is, to some, a very ugly bird but when taken up close like this they are beautifully arrayed, don't you think? Also there is nothing more beautiful than the metamorphosis that takes place when a tom struts his stuff. I hope you enjoy the photographs. One more day in the life of a wildlife photographer.
