pjhunt2

Thanks everyone for all the Birthday wishes. It was a good day and I had a great dinner at the Angry Crab. Thanks again, PJ

I also grew up a steelers fan as did most of the other folks in TJ and I's little town of Brilliant, Ohio. If ya wasn't a steelers fan then you were a browns fan. Football was a big part of my life growing up in the Ohio Valley. Chuck Noll became the head coach in 1969 after Joe Paterno turned it down. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. Peg

Happy Birthday Angie! I knew Tracy would treat you alright on your Birthday. He's a pretty good guy. So when is he going .................never mind but I keep thinking any time now. lol Peg

The dust has settled and now I can finally sit down and tell my turkey hunt story. One year ago I attended a turkey hunt seminar at Bass Pro put on by Colburn and Scott Outfitters. It was standing room only in hopes that one of the attendees would be leaving there with a free turkey hunt in Mexico with Colburn and Scott Outfitters. The seminar was excellent and the much anticipated drawing was ready to be drawn. They asked our friend Brian's (cwt aka My Rights As An American) 6yr old daughter, Amelia, to come forward and draw the winning ticket. I couldn't have been more surprised when she drew my name. I was yelling with excitement and Tom was so busy talking he had to ask what I had won. He should be with himself once in a while. lol After taking some pictures with Jay and Darr with my winning ticket it finally hit me that I was heading to Mexico in a year. The year flew by rather fast and before I knew it Tom and I was off to Mexico. We were to meet up with Jay and Darr in the Walmart parking lot at 10am Wednesday May 6th. After winning the draw I had ask Jay that a few women had showed interest in going and if there was any room for another? He said he would see and before I knew it Amanda was booked to hunt with me and I couldn't have asked for a better hunting partner and friend to share this with me. After a few last minute items in wally world we were at the border. Jay made the border crossing effortless and in a few minutes Amanda, Tom, and I was driving to our destination with Darr. We arrive at the ranch, where we were to hunt, 1 1/2hrs later. The accommodations were beyond my expectation. After unloading and grabbing a quick bite to eat Tom and I were off with Jay while Amanda went with Darr and Joe. Joe Bittner was one of last year's hunters, from California, there to lend Jay and Darr a helping hand. We drove about 2 miles and stopped several times while Jay called. After taking a side road Jay was telling me he had seen a turkey in this particular spot on another trip in there. He called and we immediately got a response from a gobbler. That tom was close, not my Tom, but the other turkey. lol Jay and Tom hurried to push the ranger back down a small hill while I tried to steer like a drunken sailor. We get it parked and we hurry to get to a spot Jay picks out for us to set up a blind and two small 3 legged stools. Jay sets up 20yrds behind us and starts his magical calling. His calling is unbelievable. Within 5 or ten minutes we have this tom walking in front of the blind at 10 or so yards heading to our hen decoy. Tom said I wasn't suppose to shoot until he taps me on the thigh. He was in full strut and my nerves were a wreck. We were hoping to get Jay some video of the turkey before lowering the hammer on this bird but he walked right on buy and circled our blind walking between us and Jay. I looked at my husband and said, "well?". Tom said sorry and if he comes in again you take him when you're ready. Jay keeps calling and the turkey does exactly the same route and I raise the gun and follow it to the decoy but never seemed to be able to keep the bead on his head. The bird again started to walk around us and I tell Tom to lower the side window. This bird is 10yrds or less and I stick the gun out the window. Tom says shoot and I pull the trigger. The next thing I remember is Tom helping me up off the ground. That gun knocked me right off my stool, up against the blind which then got tipped up on it's side knocking Tom off his stool and on top of me. There we both laid upside down and for a minute I didn't have a clue what had just happened. Boy did that gun kick. I shot over the turkey and it continued to strut all around on the hill side above us. I didn't mention before but the wind was blowing so hard Tom had to hold the blind down as it wanted to take right out of there like a kite. Jay runs up to see if we were alright and to encourage me that it was just a warm up. I felt so bad missing that bird. Not wanting to make excuses but I was using one of Jay's guns which didn't come close to fitting my short arms. I choice not to spend the extra money in permits to bring my gun across the border. So I paid price in a missed bird. I thank god I didn't wound it though. We head back to camp and Jay continues to cheer me up with words of encouragement that the best is yet to come. Later that evening Jay puts a couple birds to bed while Tom and I wait for him to walk back to the ranger well after dark. It must have been after 9pm when we arrive at camp for a late super. As I lay there trying to sleep all I could think about is how I just blown maybe my only opportunity after waiting a whole year and how bad I felt for all the hard work Jay had put in to this Day. Day 2: I hear a voice saying time to get up. It's 2:30am and I wake up Tom. I'm not a morning person but somehow I manage to get dressed and stumble to the kitchen where Darr has a cup of coffee waiting for me. Tom and I only drink about 1/2 a cup when Jay says it time to load up. The morning is pretty nippy and the ride to our destination was cold but the excitement over come the cold. After arriving to our parking place we turn on our headlamps to gather all our gear before our walk in the dark to where Jay thinks we need to be. Tom's got the blind and two chairs while I carry the gun. Jay has asked us to walk without the aid of our headlamps and assures us our eyes will forcus after a while. I can't see a thing and I seem to be tripping every other step. Jay starts out and we try to keep up. Tom and I hold on to a chair between us so we won't separate. We continue to get off track a few times but always manage to find our way back to the two track we are trying desperately to follow. I ask Tom if he can see and he said not very well. What seemed like an eternity we finally reach Jay and he said to get the blind set up and get comfortable. It's pitch dark and Tom and I wait an hour for light so we can make the final adjustment to the blind in reference to the Dave Smith decoy. The tom first gobbles at 4:30am and continues to test my nerves. We actually walked by him on the way to our set up but went undetected with Jays guidance. The bird finally flies down and heads the opposite way until Jays sweet talks him in heading our way. It took about 20 minutes when I see him heading for the decoy, which is 15yrds in front of me. He struts around but doesn't stand still for me to get a comfortable shot and before you know it he walks out of my shooting lane and takes his 6 or 7 hens up around us. Jay has it all videoed on a previous post under Peggy's Turkey Hunt. Tom looks at me and says what was wrong with that shot and I say I wasn't comfortable. I know he rolled his eyes even though I didn't see him do it. My head is starting to spin with thoughts of the night before when Tom taps me on the leg and whispers another gobbler is coming in. He hadn't made a peep and was approaching from the same direction as the one that just left. When he saw the decoy he didn't make any hesitation and was on a mission to protect his territory. I raised the gun and knew I was running out of chances and had to make this count. He started to strut but the decoy blocked my view. Just as he starts to strut around to the side of the decoy I let him have it. I make a perfect shot to the head and my nerves just about had the best of me. I don't know when I ever was as excited as I was at that time. I'm sure Jay was relieved that I had finally harvested a bird. As I walked up to that bird I was in total surprise when I couldn't pick it up. Between my nerves and all the excitement that bird felt like 50lbs. Tom actually shed a tear or two even though he will tell you it was the dust in the air. Amanda shot a beautiful turkey later that night and her and I celebrated with some bacanora, moon shine tequila, which was shared with us by the owner of the ranch. Thank you Jay and Darr of Colburn and Scott Outfitters for your generous Mexico Turkey Hunt Give-A-Way. I had a blast and to have shared it with Amanda made it all that much more. There are a lot more I need to thank but I'll leave it for another follow up post since I already have made this a really long read for whoever braved it all the way thru. I will try and share some different pictures other than the ones Jay and my husband already post in their post. The rooms were great. The riparian area was beautiful to say the least. I'm happy! I feel blessed! Took a piece out of Jays decoy. Oops! I know Jay was so relieved I tagged out. The owners Chompo and Norma beside 1 of their fish ponds. My new friend Cayo showing me how he makes tortillas. Jay and Darr taking care of my bird. Joe helping Jay with the finishing up of my bird. This was Amanda's bird's craw. Grasshoppers! The three amigos. Darr made sure we didn't go hungry. I was just amazed how beautiful the whole area was. It was a pleasure sharing it with my friend Amanda. Me and a couple turkeys. Could not have done it without the help of Jay's great calling and his knowledge of the birds. Jay took a lot of pictures. Thank you Jay. Amanda's beautiful bird. Celebrating our success with Chompo and his bacanora moon shine tequila. As I leave this ranch I can't express how humble and grateful I felt to have won this hunt. Thank you Colburn and Scott Outfitters!

Thanks Ilene n Neil. I still can't believe I actually shot me a gould's turkey. It was a great time and to share it with Amanda was the icing on the cake. Give us a call when you get back this way. Peggy

Peg and I enjoyed talking with you Cliff at the banquet. It was so nice to finally connect you with DCS. It was an honor for us to meet so many vets and my hat goes off to you Amanda for making such a generous donation along with all the other members who donated to make for a great night. I believe there were at least 5 guns won out of the 3 cwt tables. Thanks Amanda for all you do. TJ

Thanks everyone, It took me longer to write up the story than it did to get the turkey. Colburn and Scott Outfitters were great to hunt with and they really know these turkeys. Jay was really patient with me after I missed the first evening. Hopefully Tom learned a thing or two from him. lol Just kidding honey! I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this hunt with Darr and Jay. I can't wait to get my turkey back from Southwest Wildlife. Peggy (PJ)

Thanks for all the Happy Birthday wishes. It was a nice day spent with family. One more year till medicare. Yahoo!

The cwt get-together is less than 48hrs away and Tom & I are hoping the weather cooperates for us. So far we have 28 yes shows and 10 maybe. We are looking forward to meeting everyone and dress warm. We have some room in the house but most will probably be hanging outside around the fire if it doesn't rain. Bring some antlers to share with us. See ya Friday night. Peggy

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. Had a nice day and then went out for dinner with Tom,his dad, and Jutta at Texas Road House. Now he has me busy doing laundry for the elk hunt. He is packing e verything he owns and I have to wash it all HAHAHA!!!!! Chris...... Yes the social security checks r all mine. Have a new car to pay for so there it goes already spent before I get it LOL!!!! And he will continue to do the house work as I delegate it. LMAO. SURE SURE he will!!!! PJ

Thanks Amanda for offering the help. Tom walked me through it from work while I was talking to him. Give them a try they're easy:)

Hey guys, What were you thinkin asking TJ for the receipe? I'm the cook of the family:)). Pencils ready? Stuffed Mushrooms: 1# large mushrooms, clean and remove the stems, (save stems) 1# bulk Italian sausage, I use javelina sausage when I have it, 1 small chopped onion, 1 8oz cream cheese, 3 Tbls. butt Kickin Roasted Garlic Hot Sauce. Chop the mushroom stems and saute them with the chopped onion. Remove from pan when the onions are soft. Cook the sausage well, drain and break into small pieces. Return to pan with the onion mixture. Add cream cheese and cook over low heat till the cheese melts. Add the hot sauce, be careful its really hot, I usually don't add all 3 Tbls. Add it a little at a time until it is as hot as you like. I taste as I go. When you get the heat to your likeing stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture and place them evenly on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and enjoy You can find the butt Kickin Roasted Garlic Hot Sauce at Bass Pro and also at the Sportsman. The receipe is on the back of the bottle also. Good Luck they're easy, Peg

I have been looking at this site from over my husdand's shoulder for way to long and finally decided it was time to get on here myself. I recently went with Tom (aka tjhunt2) on the Women's Javelina Hunt that Amanda put together. Since the outing I have been asking Tom has anyone else posted anything new about the hunt. He finally told me why not get on here for yourself so that's how I've become a new member. If I become the cwt addict my husband has turned into we are in alot of trouble in this hoesehold. I do wear the pants and I will control the computer so he might not be on as much as he likes. Just kidding dear. PJ

I would like to thank all you for the warm welcome. I look forward to spending time on here and finding out what made my husband just an addict. lol PJ

Congratulations Angie on your pig. Tom has been working on setting me up with my own profile member name for over 2 hours now so I could get on here and congraulate you. I guess I'm now a member. Tom sure is slow on this thing. lol Not sure he has figured out my avatar picture yet but he's still working on it. I really enjoyed the story and the pictures. You and Tracey sure didn't have the weather on your side. Way to stick in there girl. PJ