CALEDONIA, Minn. _ There's something about that gobble, when the tom is getting close and answering your calls, that seems to shake the ground like thunder.
Sitting on the ground, back against a tree, you're on the same level as the bird. In his territory.
If all goes well and you can get your heart out of your throat and he keeps coming closer and your aim is true, well, that's the big close. And you get to take a photo and brag a little and plan a great feast.
If not, well, it was still one heck of a show.
There's something about being in the woods in spring when everything comes alive around you; so many songbirds and waterfowl it's impossible to distinguish between the singing, flowers trees and bushes sprouting new green and now _ across much of Minnesota, more of the state than anyone ever believed possible _ the sound of gobbling tom turkeys looking to mate.
This spring marks the 40th anniversary of modern turkey hunting in Minnesota and the 30th anniversary for me hunting the big bird. And it never gets old. The interaction between the calling hunter and the responding tom is truly unmatched in the outdoors. In only took one gobble answering my imitation hen call 30 years ago to hook me for life.
But it wasn't always possible here.
