I went deer hunting early this morning and no sooner left the truck and I pushed at least 9 big birds off roost. I was only about 75 yds from the top of the ridge and they were on top. Apparently 2 birds did not follow the rest and landed on top. As I got to the top the calling started. It was a deep raspy yelp and I figured it was a tom. It stayed ahead of me calling all the way. When it crossed the path infront of me and I got to that point I could see wing drag marks in the little bit of snow cover. As I started to cross the top a huge ruckus errupted from the other side. I heard every sound I believe a turkey can make. Yelps, cackles, fighting purrs, and even several gobbles. I walked part way down the other side and sat down. After about 10 minutes a turkey called from above me on top and at least one answered from below. As I watched, about half a dozen or so came down from the top and met with the ones below. I sat there for several hours then got up and went back to the top and walked further. Man there were turkey tracks all over but only a couple of deer tracks. At about 10 or so I retraced my path back to the truck. I had only walked about 100 yds when I saw more turkeys. This time I counted 19. There could have been more but that is what I saw. I walked all the way back to the truck and a little beyond and the woods again errupted with turkeys galore. I believe it was the same 19 flock but could be wrong. In all that time I did not see a deer. Now when I was there in turkey season I saw deer. Go figure.

Paul, I think I would be on that ridge come Spring...... :gun2:

Herbie you are absolutely right. I do believe that the first flock I scared out of the trees is a batchelor flock of longbeards and there are 9 or 10 in that flock. I also know of many more turkeys just across the valley on the next mountain and there are a bunch of gobblers there too. I hate to wish my life away but is it spring yet.