Washington Chapter | Foundation for North American Wild Sheep ( FNAWS )

Toms, Toms, Toms
By Kurt D. Fisher

Rio Grand here we come! Recently a friend and I purchased a 3-day turkey hunt at the Eastern FNAWS. The hunt took place in the southern Blue Mountains of Washington State. It's here our outfitter Craig Martin has a beautiful private range with big toms for the taking. His ranch sits in the Tucannon River basin, the famous route used by the Lewis & Clark expedition. It was also here that I attempted to take my first turkey with a longbow. My hunting partner and long time friend Aaron has taken over 70 eastern turkeys and with Aaron by my side I figured the turkeys didn't have a chance.

After settling in to our private lodge we planned our morning hunt and hit the sack. We awoke at 4:00 am to the sound of brewing coffee and proceeded to consume Craig's outstanding down home cooking. After several hours and several hens we spotted a large tom but he would not come close enough to our position so we moved in closer and set up our decoys. The mid day sun had taken its toll, when I awoke, two young toms were within 15 yards and before I could react they disappeared as fast as they appeared. After such a close encounter I vowed not to let an opportunity of such slip away again. I didn't have to wait much longer when the dominant tom came into view fully strutting straight for our decoys. What a site to behold, he came within 5 yards of the decoys and within 28 yards of myself, but before I could shoot he discovered his future mate wasn't real. He tucked his wings in and scurried to hide along the fringe of the woods. About that time two young jakes came walking by within 15 yards but I decided to wait for a possible opportunity at "Mr. Big 10" beard plus. As fate would have it he slipped away without a scratch and disappointed we were. My friend Aaron had given the alternate sacrifice for his letting that big bird strut past within 30 yards just to give me the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm blessed to have a friend like Aaron and cherish our time together. We finished the day at another location where we saw many deer and several more turkeys including a gobbler that would not show himself because of nervous deer.

Day 2 had us up early and on the road for a new destination. Craig dropped us off and we proceeded to set up along a wooded lot and open field. We set up the decoys within 10 yards of myself and 30 yards of Aaron. We waited for 30 to 40 minutes before Aaron began to play his music. Within 10 minutes a gobbler began to close in on our position. Before I knew it a tom stood within 12 yards, I started to draw my arrow and the gobbler stretched out its neck catching my movement. Before he could react a blast came from Aaron’s 10 gauge and it was all over. What an exciting moment for both of us. I got to witness Aaron harvest his first Rio Grand turkey. A little time later Craig showed up and after all the back slapping and hand shaking, he took several pictures along with a short video of our story. It was during this time Aaron's true hidden talents were unveiled; talk about a ham in front of the camera. We hunted the rest of the day but the turkeys didn't cooperate.

Day 3 my 41^st birthday I was feeling lucky. Craig was right on cue, 4:00 am and off we went. He took us back into a mountain valley and we proceeded to set up our decoys. At approx. 10:30 out came a hen with a Hugh gobbler on her tail. I say Hugh because even the veteran Aaron was excited when he seen the long beard and large bulging breast. Aaron worked the bird within 36 to 38 yards but he would come no closer. This bird knew something wasn't right and after 4 years of experience decided not to pursue our position. We left the area and met Craig at 12:00 noon to have some lunch. It was at this time he reported his sighting of another big bird and I decided to sit where we had hunted the first day for a possible ambush toward evening. We finished lunch and I set off for the afternoon hunt. As I walked I took in the beauty of surroundings. Overhead a red tail hawk glided by blasting his familiar call. The rolling brushy mountain ridges projecting into the blue sky up and down the valley. The crystal clear Tucannon River seemed to glitter as the restless water reflected the rays of afternoon sun. This is what adventure is all about, exploring new country, wildlife, and nature. What a relaxing atmosphere.

I settled in and prepared myself for the reality of not having the opportunity of fulfilling my dream of a turkey with a bow. Within an hour turkeys began to appear from everywhere. I seen two gobblers and at least two dozen hens the first two hours, but none of them presented themselves for a shot. Eventually, the two big gobblers bumped into each other and one departed in my direction after deciding there was not room for both. My heart pounded as the bird drew closer he was in direct route of my position. As I got ready I prepared my mind for the perfect shot. As he neared I could hear him walking through the leaves, sweat was rolling down my face as the bird could be seen coming beyond the thicket I was tucked behind. As I started to draw my bow he caught some movement and started to putt and pick up the pace. He entered my shooting lane within 5 to 6 yards on a fast walk and at full draw I let it fly. It seemed like slow motion as I watched the arrow plow into the ground just under his feet. As I struggled to knock another arrow he started a full run and took flight. My heart sank as he disappeared over the tree line.

Several other birds could be heard gobbling in the distance as the sun dropped from the sky and disappeared into the Blue Mountain Range. What a memory to add to my hunting log. I did not fill my tag but it really didn't matter. We had a fantastic time eating good food, sharing time with friends, making new friends and sharing stories. Isn't that what life's all about? Craig has an excellent place to hunt turkeys; he takes just a few hunters per year. So, if you are interested in a hunt contact Tucannon Outfitters at 509-382-4930. Before our departure Craig extended the opportunity to Aaron to become his guide for next year’s hunts. This is a true honor, which Aaron has accepted. So not only do you have the honor of meeting Craig Martin, legendary sheep guide and outfitter but you get Aaron as your personal guide.

I myself look forward to -returning to hunting with Craig again until then may the ground be solid beneath your feet, and the sun shine brightly upon your face.