I have gotten to the point in my life where I am no longer able to use a standard bow and arrow. Thus, this spring I purchased a Ravin R5X crossbow. This fall I purchased a fall turkey tag.
During a outing earlier in the season, I observed a turkey on the far end of an alfalfa field. This is in a public area in which I have made many successful spring time turkey hunts using a shotgun. It is around 640 acres and in the past I have always hunted the lower portions of the acreage closer to the river and river bottom. Unfortunately my current physical limitations do not allow me to transverse long distances on foot, especially up any grades. Therefore, I set up a stand 30 yards inside the timber edge along one side of this open alfalfa field.
From this stand just two days ago, I had watched a turkey , slip past me (no clear shot) thru the timber and into the field. This morning a bit of movement at the field edge caught my eye, and none too soon. A turkey was steadily walking along the field edge and would soon be a lost opportunity, if I did not act quickly. Just as the turkey stepped into an open lane, I let fly with an arrow. I lost sight of the arrow in flight but heard that satisfying "thump" of an arrow meeting it mark.
I watched as the turkey quickly disappeared (as expected) from view and did not see it cross another opening just a few feet ahead. I still could not see the bird from my present vantage point. Got down from my tree stand and walked the 30 yards to the timber's edge scanning the field edge for my bird. Not seeing the bird, I walked to where the bird had been, when I took my shot. Yep several severed feathers confirmed a hit. Following the intended path of the bird a a slight feather trail, quickly brought me to the very dead bird, just 13 paces away.
The feather evidence;
Thirteen paces away;
The recovered and tagged bird;
I was very glad to be able to recover a fully intact arrow. Broadhead to be replaced of course.
Now to go back out and see if I can fill my deer tag.
During a outing earlier in the season, I observed a turkey on the far end of an alfalfa field. This is in a public area in which I have made many successful spring time turkey hunts using a shotgun. It is around 640 acres and in the past I have always hunted the lower portions of the acreage closer to the river and river bottom. Unfortunately my current physical limitations do not allow me to transverse long distances on foot, especially up any grades. Therefore, I set up a stand 30 yards inside the timber edge along one side of this open alfalfa field.
From this stand just two days ago, I had watched a turkey , slip past me (no clear shot) thru the timber and into the field. This morning a bit of movement at the field edge caught my eye, and none too soon. A turkey was steadily walking along the field edge and would soon be a lost opportunity, if I did not act quickly. Just as the turkey stepped into an open lane, I let fly with an arrow. I lost sight of the arrow in flight but heard that satisfying "thump" of an arrow meeting it mark.
I watched as the turkey quickly disappeared (as expected) from view and did not see it cross another opening just a few feet ahead. I still could not see the bird from my present vantage point. Got down from my tree stand and walked the 30 yards to the timber's edge scanning the field edge for my bird. Not seeing the bird, I walked to where the bird had been, when I took my shot. Yep several severed feathers confirmed a hit. Following the intended path of the bird a a slight feather trail, quickly brought me to the very dead bird, just 13 paces away.
The feather evidence;
Thirteen paces away;
The recovered and tagged bird;
I was very glad to be able to recover a fully intact arrow. Broadhead to be replaced of course.
Now to go back out and see if I can fill my deer tag.
Last edited:
