I started chasing turkeys with my dad in 2001. Neither of us had the slightest clue what we were doing, and we made about every mistake possible to turkey hunting. It wasn't until 2005 that I finally killed my first bird, a jake, in Highland county. Since that year I killed 2 birds every year that I can remember, mainly gobblers from 2006 to 2017. In 2018 I self limited myself to just one bird due to lack of sightings and reduced bird numbers. I still managed to kill one bird reactively easy each year, and I am sure I could have killed 2 most years still if I would have pursued them. The state should have already had the one bird limit in place around this time, but we have to remember that the state is all about "opportunity", even if its not good opportunity. This is the first year that I still haven't punched a turkey tag since I killed my first bird in 2005. I have worked a total of ONE gobbler, and that was an incredible hunt on opening weekend where I could have busted him, but thought I'd get an even better shot which obviously never came. Since that time the birds have either vacated, been killed or gone completely silent. This isn't just one property either, it's across several producers I have and know very well. Im sure I could probably kill one if I had more time or patience, but the older I get the less patience I have to hunt silent birds. Sitting in one spot for hours on end waiting on a bird to gobble just isn't my thing anymore. Seems I get less patient as I get older, maybe I just value my time more, idk. Or maybe I just remember how it use to be and get pissed its not that way anymore. There is also the factor that I do not feel like I NEED to kill a bird anymore, which probably takes some motivation away as well. Still, having opportunity would obviously be nice. Either way, with my schedule this year its looking like its going to be the worst turkey season ever, and thats sad to say about my absolute favorite thing in the world to hunt. I'm not sure id want to kill one right now if it spurred me in the face. Its just sad. I really hope we can right the ship on this one, and quickly. But experience robs me of hope that it will be quick or simple.
