I was looking for turkeys

Turkey season opens Monday morning so we’ve done a little scouting. There aren’t many out here. I’ve seen three toms (including these two) and eight hens in the last two months. The two bachelor toms were here about a week ago, fighting my Bourbon Red tom. It’s the last I’ve seen and heard of any turkeys in the area since. They disappeared like this last year, too. I’ll find one. I’m determined.

My Bourbon Red tom and two Eastern Wild turkeys.

My Bourbon Red tom and two Eastern Wild turkeys.

That’s the only picture of a turkey you’ll see here today. We saw one hen. In the spring season, hens are off-limits.

We rode up one road through the woods to get to a clearing. Steve said, “Look at the deer!” It took me a few seconds to find her through the trees.

We watched her for a moment. She was far enough away to not be too concerned by us. She looked back over her shoulder several times. I looked but saw nothing.

We drove away after a lot of photos and a couple of minutes and continued on to the clearing. We found no signs of turkeys and turned around to go on to the next place. On the way back Steve spotted the doe close to where we’d seen her earlier, and she had company. This is what she was looking for over her shoulder.

Her yearling fawn is still with her. They look good. If she’s pregnant now she’ll deliver in about a month and a half.

They’re not what we were looking for but I’m glad we found them.

Robin Follette

About Robin Follette

Maine Press Association award winner, 2013. Robin's Outdoors, Bangor Daily News, third place in Sports blogs. I grew up with a fishing pole in my hand and have always loved the outdoors. From gardening to hunting and fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking and foraging, most of my time is spent outdoors. I teach outdoor skills as a volunteer instructor for Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs and Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. Pro-staff at The Limb Grip. My personal blog is here. I'm currently working on my first book, a collection of short stories based on my outdoors experiences.