In this excerpt from the Jay’s Outdoor Magazine television show, Chad Stearns is chasing turkeys in southern Michigan.
He’s set up in a ground blind on the edge of a wood lot when two longbeards come in to the decoys strutting and gobbling.
The veteran hunter makes a great shot, but has an interesting recovery.
You’ll be able to see the entire hunt soon on The Sportsman Channel, broadcast stations in Michigan and the Outdoor Magazine website.
Chad – Congratulations on a great bird! It’s funny watching your video, I had a similar experience this year in Wyoming. I shot a bird head on right through the chest at 12 yards, the shot looked good but I must have just missed the vitals, We couldn’t believe he walked away! We started to question the shot. My outfitter watched him bed down but we couldn’t retrieve him because we didn’t want to disturb the birds in the field surrounding us. His head stayed up for 45 minutes before he expired! Tough animals! It was a great video. Congratulations again!
Gus,
Thanks for the nice comments!
I was amazed at the punishment that bird absorbed with little adverse reaction. There was a massive blood trail and upon recovery, the arrow went directly through the vitals with gruesome entry and exit holes. I think it passed through so quickly the bird only reacted to the bow noise.
Thanks again Gus…good luck this year!
Best Afield,
Chad