Missouri Turkey Hunt 2012

As a gift to Jay to celebrate his 40th birthday (and because I'm awesome), I planned a turkey hunting trip for him.  He and his friend and favorite hunting buddy, Jason Brennell, have always talked about doing a turkey hunt in Missouri on 100 acres of property that Jason and his dad own.  So, back in January I secretly emailed Jason and we started planning the trip at that point.  Jay never in a million years would've guessed that I would be in contact with Jason, so I was never concerned about the cat getting out of the bag.  I just told Jay I needed him to put in for leave for these certain dates and not to ask questions.  Once leave was approved and Jason had his plane ticket in hand, I booked Jay's ticket so they would arrive and depart from St Louis within an hour of each other.  It was hard to keep it a secret from Jay for over a month until his birthday, but I did it and Jason was a good sport and kept it on the downlow, too, even though he says it was tough.  I ended up surprising Jay a week before I was supposed to because I just couldn't take it anymore!  And he was definitely surprised, more like shocked.  As mentioned, he's been talking about doing this hunt with Jason for several years now but life and jobs always made it impossible for them to plan.  Immediately Jay called Jason, who is currently stationed in Juneau, Alaska, and they started planning their trip.  Here are some pics from their 10 days on a 'little piece of heaven' in the middle of Missouri:

Jay didn't get this 'Tom' until the 7th day of his trip and he gives all the credit to Jason, who has been hunting turkey since a very young age and "knows turkeys better than turkeys know themselves" 

Jay brought home the two turkey breasts and the two legs and one of the wings.  The other wing Jason's dad, Charlie, is making a turkey call with and will send it to Jay.

 Jason's dad is also taking the "fan" of the bird and having it mounted at a local taxidermist and will send to Jay once it is finished.  Jay will then add the beard and the shotgun shell to the mount.  If it looks nice enough, I may allow it to hang in my home to join the other animal remnants...

Poster boy for Cabela's?? 

Since hunting really only takes place in the early morning hours, a week and a half was a lot of time on their hands.  Jason's family is from around those parts and his dad had some work that needed to be done to the small house that is on the property, where they stayed.  Jay loves doing that kind of stuff, especially with the experience he has acquired from our two houses in Washington.  So, during the week they replaced a roof, put up a new wall and installed windows and a door.  Here's the crew in front of the newly finished wall.

(L-R: Uncle Steve, Uncle Bill, Cousin Ryan, Jason, Family friend Vic, Jay and Dad Charlie) 

To wind down the end of the trip, the Brennell's came out and did a "fish fry"

Jay says this was the best, most intense hunting he's ever done.  He had a great time getting to know the Brennell family, doing labor to help a friend, and just hanging out with "good midwestern folks".  Needless to say, it was a great trip that he will never forget and they are already talking about next year. 

Point for Shon :)