The Thrill of a Lifetime: Shooting My First Turkey

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Shot My First Turkey Today

The morning air was crisp and cool, the sky a clear blue. I stepped out onto the porch and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air and the smell of the coming spring. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks, and now it was finally here. I was going turkey hunting.

I had been dreaming of this moment since I was a little kid, when I would watch my dad and uncles go hunting every year. I always thought it looked like so much fun, and I couldn’t wait to try it for myself.

I had been practicing my shooting all winter, and I was feeling confident in my ability to hit my target. But there’s always a little bit of nerves when you’re about to go hunting for the first time. You never know what’s going to happen.

I loaded my shotgun and headed into the woods, careful not to make any noise. I wanted to get as close to the turkeys as possible without spooking them.

I walked for a while, listening carefully for any sign of turkeys. Finally, I heard a noise in the bushes up ahead. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. I slowly raised my shotgun and peered through the bushes.

There, in the middle of a clearing, were three turkeys. They were beautiful birds, with their long, flowing feathers and bright red heads. I took a deep breath and lined up my shot.

I squeezed the trigger, and the shotgun roared. The bird in the middle dropped to the ground, dead. I couldn’t believe it! I had actually shot my first turkey!

I felt a surge of excitement and pride. I had finally achieved my goal, and it felt amazing. I walked over to the turkey and picked it up. It was heavy, and it felt good to have it in my hands.

I took a few pictures of my prize, then started walking back to the truck. I couldn’t wait to tell my dad and uncles about my experience.

I had shot my first turkey, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

Date Time Location
2023-03-08 10:00 AM Smithville, TN

Introduction

I’ve been turkey hunting for many years, but I’ve never been successful. This year, I decided to give it another try, and I’m so glad I did! I finally shot my first turkey today, and it was an amazing experience.

In this article, I’ll share the details of my hunt, from the planning stages to the moment I finally took the shot. I’ll also discuss the equipment I used, the weather conditions, and my overall strategy. I hope that this article will help other turkey hunters who are looking to improve their chances of success.

The Hunt

I started planning my turkey hunt months in advance. I did my research on the best places to hunt in my area, and I scouted out several different spots. I also started practicing my calling and shooting skills.

I decided to hunt on a public land property that is known for its good turkey population. The property is located in a wooded area with a mix of open fields and thickets. The weather forecast for the day of the hunt was calling for partly cloudy skies with a high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

I arrived at the hunting spot early in the morning and set up my blind. I then started calling for turkeys. I called for about an hour, but I didn’t see or hear anything. I was starting to get discouraged, but I decided to keep calling.

About 15 minutes later, I heard a turkey gobble in the distance. I quickly scanned the area and saw a gobbler strutting towards me. I got my gun ready and waited for the perfect shot.

The gobbler walked into the clearing in front of me and stopped to look around. I took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger. The turkey went down immediately. I couldn’t believe it! I had finally shot my first turkey!

The Shot

I spotted the turkey about 50 yards away. He was strutting towards me in a small clearing. I had a good view of him, and I knew that this was my chance.

I took a deep breath and settled my gun. I made sure that the crosshairs were on the turkey’s head. I took another deep breath and squeezed the trigger.

The turkey went down immediately. I couldn’t believe it! I had finally shot my first turkey!

I walked over to the turkey and picked it up. I was so excited that I was shaking. I took a few pictures of the turkey and then started to field dress it.

Field dressing a turkey is not a fun job, but it’s important to do it properly. I took my time and made sure that I did everything correctly.

Once I was finished field dressing the turkey, I put it in my backpack and headed back to my truck. I was so happy that I had finally shot my first turkey. It was an amazing experience that I’ll never forget.

I hope that this article has given you some insights into my turkey hunting experience. If you’re thinking about trying turkey hunting, I encourage you to do your research and get prepared. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience that you’ll never forget.

Q: What do I do with the turkey after I shoot it?
A:
Once you have shot your turkey, it is important to handle it properly in order to ensure that it is safe to eat. The first step is to field dress the turkey. This involves removing the internal organs and draining the blood. You can then cool the turkey by placing it in a cooler filled with ice. If you are not planning on cooking the turkey immediately, it is important to store it in a refrigerator or freezer.

Q: How do I cook a turkey?
A:
There are many different ways to cook a turkey, but some of the most popular methods include roasting, frying, and smoking. Roasting is a simple and straightforward method that produces a moist and flavorful turkey. Frying is a more intensive method that results in a crispy skin and juicy meat. Smoking is a slow and low-temperature method that produces a flavorful and tender turkey.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey?
A:
There are a few common mistakes that people make when cooking a turkey. One mistake is not brining the turkey before cooking. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Another mistake is cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature. This can cause the turkey to dry out. Finally, not letting the turkey rest before carving can also result in a dry turkey.

Q: What are some tips for making a delicious turkey?
A:
There are a few tips that can help you make a delicious turkey. First, choose a fresh turkey that is not too large. A turkey that is too large will be difficult to cook evenly. Second, brine the turkey before cooking. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Third, cook the turkey at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out. Finally, let the turkey rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more flavorful.

Q: What are some common health concerns associated with eating turkey?
A:
There are a few health concerns that people should be aware of when eating turkey. First, turkey can be a source of foodborne illness if it is not handled properly. Second, turkey can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Third, turkey can contain allergens, such as soy and wheat.

Q: What are some tips for avoiding foodborne illness when handling turkey?
A:
There are a few tips that can help you avoid foodborne illness when handling turkey. First, wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling turkey. Second, cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Third, do not let cooked turkey sit at room temperature for more than two hours. Fourth, refrigerate leftovers immediately after eating.

shooting my first turkey was an experience that I will never forget. It was a challenging and rewarding experience that taught me a lot about myself and about hunting. I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my family and friends.

I hope that this article has helped you to learn more about turkey hunting. If you are thinking about getting started in this sport, I encourage you to do your research and to take a hunter safety course. Turkey hunting can be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, and it is a rewarding experience that you will never forget.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!