Turkey Week

The State of Illinois doesn't give out turkey tags to anyone willing to buy one.  It's a lottery system: If you would like a turkey tag, you pay the tag money to the DNR (Department of Natural Resources), who basically puts everyone who paid's name in a hat.  Then they draw names out and those hunters are assigned a week long season during a five week period.  Last year Derek's name remained in the hat and his money was refunded.  This year, he got a tag!  Although the fourth week out of five, he still got a 'shot' at it.  (Ha)

You hunt turkey in morning in Illinois, the season closes for the day at 1pm. Most days last week Derek would arrive home mid-morning, take a shower and head to work. (Where he would work late to make up for it.)  Miles wasn't so sure about greeting a bearded man in face paint.

Cooper doesn't mind it.

The sixth morning, Derek woke Cooper up at 4am and took him along.

They set up the blind and were sitting watching while it was still dark.

So by the time the sun came up, they could see their decoy and try to call in some interested toms.

Keeping an eye on a turkey decoy makes a six year old a bit drowsy.

And even a real live turkey (although a hen)...

 ...isn't exciting enough to keep his eyes open. 

He told Daddy he was cold so Derek pulled him onto his lap.

Next thing he knew, Cooper was snoring.

 (best.daddy.ever.)

By the time they got home, Cooper was awake and ready to tell all about his adventure.  And was pretty proud of his face paint.

Derek didn't get his bird.  His co-worker, Mike, did though!

(It's Mike's land Derek hunts on.)

Derek didn't come home completely empty handed though. The last morning of his season he came home with a nice handful of morel mushrooms! YUM!

Derek really enjoyed turkey hunting despite not brining home a tom.  He had fun calling them in and heard quite a few birds...  just never got the right opportunity for a good shot.  So we'll see if he gets a tag next year and gets to give it another go!