Nebraskaland

68 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2017 See Them Blink Tips for the 5-yard turkey. By Jake Jadlowski A s winter loosens its grip this time of year, it's time to grab the bow, reunite with the crew and head to the turkey woods. It's the perfect remedy for post- duck depression and just what we need to hold us over until the walleyes start biting. Like every turkey camp, we anxiously anticipate the opportunity to call in and harvest a mature tom. The only difference – we don't let the arrow fly until we can see them blink. It seems like everything I read lately is about how to pull off a long range kill. Guys are interested in the right gauge of shotgun paired with the best load to knock down a tom at 60 yards. They want to know what arrow, bow and broadhead combo can most consistently knock down birds at 40 yards. To each their own, but we chase the rush of having birds in the decoys at 5 yards. First, in order to fool a wise long beard into head shot range, decoy placement is critical. We typically use a half strut jake and a submissive hen, as full strut decoys can intimidate birds and prevent them from getting close. Set the decoys 4-6 yards out in front of the blind. In order to get toms close, the decoys have to be close. It's also important to set the blind strategically. Intentionally leave it visible. The more that toms can see the blind and identify it as a non-threat, the more likely they are to ignore it and focus on the decoys. Keep the sun in mind as well. It's important that the inside of blind remains "blacked out." Always set the blind with the sun at your back; it's better for video footage, too. Wear black – including facemask, stocking hat, sweatshirt and a black glove on the bow hand. Disappear in the backdrop of the blind. When the tom is in range, focus on a slow, smooth draw. Dial down your draw weight if necessary and fight the urge to rush. Oftentimes, as the bird struts among the decoys, they will turn away and allow you to draw undetected. Don't shoot until the GoPro is running and you have a clear view of their head. Hold your pin steady and leave no doubt. An important part of our equipment is the cut on contact broadheads that we use at this 5-yard range. Mike Sohm at Magnus Outdoor Products sells the best product on the market. With the Magnus Bullhead birds go down in the decoys and blood trailing is never an issue. Try one. Save the regular broadheads for an October buck, put the shotgun back in the safe until teal season, set your decoys at 5 yards and talk them in close. Good luck holding steady at full draw! The thrill is addicting. Heck, you might even forget the walleye are spawning. ■ Jake Jadlowski is a high school history teacher and freelance writer in Gretna who loves to hunt and fish. This is his first article in NEBRASKAland Magazine. When the tom is in the 5-yard range, focus on a slow, smooth draw with your bow. Magnus recommends full length Victory arrows when using their Bullhead to keep the blades from contacting the shooter's hand. PHOTO BY BOB GRIER PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS

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