This year I accepted the challenge of taking a trophy tom with a pellet rifle. Over the years I've taken quite a few trophy birds, and never wanted to go less than a 20ga, so I knew I had my work cut out for me.
After some lengthy scouting, I had some really nice birds patterned, and knew this might be possible. Got in earlier than normal, and located a group with 2 long beards and a few Jakes in tow. Got setup, and reached for my slate, and found out I had lost my striker in the poison oak, so I whittled one out of some dead oak and what do you know, it sounded great. First test, got a gobble back. Second test he's at 30 yds. Decided to give him the silent treatment. 5 minutes later, dropped him a 15 yds. 24 lbs, 9 in beard, 1 in spurs. First bird I've ever taken with an air gun. Still can't believe I pulled it off. Would I do it again? Not sure, but I can definitely say shot placement is everything. Always thankful to be able to take a nice bird to share with family. These are the good ol' days.
After some lengthy scouting, I had some really nice birds patterned, and knew this might be possible. Got in earlier than normal, and located a group with 2 long beards and a few Jakes in tow. Got setup, and reached for my slate, and found out I had lost my striker in the poison oak, so I whittled one out of some dead oak and what do you know, it sounded great. First test, got a gobble back. Second test he's at 30 yds. Decided to give him the silent treatment. 5 minutes later, dropped him a 15 yds. 24 lbs, 9 in beard, 1 in spurs. First bird I've ever taken with an air gun. Still can't believe I pulled it off. Would I do it again? Not sure, but I can definitely say shot placement is everything. Always thankful to be able to take a nice bird to share with family. These are the good ol' days.
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