72 year old notches bucket list item

[Stlbaseball1]

My Granfather-in-law decided at age 72 that killing a turkey would be a bucket list item for him. He's had 8 heart attacks in his life and nearly died of COVID-19 in December 2020. He's always been an avid duck hunter until slowing down 10 plus years ago but never got into turkey hunting. As the Spring approached and his health strengthened he told his son (my father-in-law) about this bucket list item. Plans started coming together: trail cams, ground blind set-up, and scouting. As opening wknd would have it the cold temperatures prevented him from going. Well, Monday mornings forecast was perfect. The excitement during the night prior to the hunt must've been high as none of got much rest. We headed out that morning at a much slower walk than the two of us were used to but nonetheless, we made it to the blind and settled in. Side note, the blind and a chair were a necessity for him. Long story short, we heard him gobble a few times, got to watch him strut within 50 yds, and at 8:15 he aimed and killed his first wild turkey -23.2 lbs, 1 1/8 in spurs, and 9 inch beard. I'm not sure who out of the 3 of us were most excited. What an accomplishment on his first ever turkey hunt! We asked him on the way home if he wanted to go again and although he was as tickled as he could possibly be, he said nope, "I've checked it off my list and I'm done."
Thank God for the wild turkey!

 

[Setterman]

That's bada$$, really cool story. Would love to see pics if you've got them

 

[deerfever]

Good deal! Congrats to each of you .

 

[Stlbaseball1]

 

[THE DUKE]

Congrats to him, l like these stories.

 

[cbhunter]

That is awesome. Congrats to all of you and especially him

 

[megalomaniac]

I hope somebody takes me to the woods when I can no longer do it myself. Thank you for letting him experience how wonderful turkeys are, esp since he may not get to do it again.

 

[PossumSlayer]

Best story of the season!

 

[Andy S.]

This is a great story on so any levels. Tell him we are as excited for him as well. Thanks for taking him and sharing this story. Kudos to all of you!!

 

[Wrangler95]

That is great,congrats to all!

 

[tree_ghost]

That is just awesome!!!!!

 

[RUGER]

Congrats to all of you !
Very very cool.

 

[DoubleRidge]

What a great story....thanks for sharing....and congrats to all involved!!

 

[tndeerman]

Awsome,great memories made

 

[thirdwilliam]

That's awesome and a great story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[PalsPal]

I'm not sure who out of the 3 of us were most excited.

I can answer that, it was you!

Each season, one of my goals is to put a gobbler in front of the old Winchester gun barrel of an early 80s gentleman that we have hunted with for a few years. It's an hour and a half drive, but my dad & I make the trek each Saturday. When it comes together, it's a memory for a lifetime from the hunt itself to seeing his face light up when retelling it.

He didn't get to go at all last year for fear of Covid, and didn't get to go last Saturday because he was feeling the effects of his second vaccine shot, but he is gnawing at the bit to get out there. I admit that there are limitations, but they just add to the satisfaction when it comes together.

Sorry for the hijack, but the story was so similar. Congrats again!

 

[Stlbaseball1]

You're right - Probably was me!
No need to apologize. I remember your stories from seasons past and thoroughly enjoyed them. Thanks for all the congrats and kind words guys. Means a lot!

 

[rifle02]

Absolutely a wonderful bucket list story!

 

[Hymie3]

Very cool. Great story and thanks for sharing.

 

[TDW05]

That's awesome! Big congrats to all of y'all.