Hunters and campers are greeted with beautiful scenery and sounds of the river that they will be sleeping beside.  The camp was thoroughly organized and included a cowboy fire pit, benches and tables to sit on and eat at, and propane lanterns to help us see at night.  Under the live oaks and the stars, we set up cots and sleeping bags around the fire pit.  After several minutes of taking in the atmosphere, we started to get ready to hunt.

Friday evening, May 5th, we showed up around 6 pm. Destination: Live Oak Ranch in Crockett County Texas in search of trophy Rio Grande turkeys.  That is what we set out to do and that is exactly what we accomplished.  I was able to shoot two Rio Grande turkeys, while Jason Parrish was able to kill one. Imagine two turkeys, one with a 9 ½ inch beard and one with a 9 inch beard.  The first one I shot weighed an impressive 50 pounds, while the second one weighed 40 pounds.  Jason got himself a tom with a 9 inch beard, also weighing in around 40 pounds.  It took timing, precision and patience to bag these birds.

After we got settled in at camp, we wanted to make sure that Jason's rifle was sighted in because he had just changed scopes.  We also hoped to do some varmint hunting.  Jason and I got in the Polaris Ranger, the Live Oak Outfitters got in their new Kawasaki Mule, and we went to go sight in the Remington 700P .308.  "Gadget Man," Jason Parrish, pulls out a silver briefcase and gets his laser range finder, marks off precisely 100 yards, grabs a hubcap as a target, extends the bipod and lays down in the dirt, lets everyone know he is about to shoot, takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger.  Note to self: SIGHT IN RIFLE BEFORE GOING ON A HUNT.  I couldn't help but laugh while Jason's face turned red, and you know the Live Oak Outfitters were wondering what they had gotten themselves into when the bullet hit the ground 20 feet in front of Jason.  Jason stammered and promised that it really was the first shot since the new scope was put on the gun.  Brian, from Live Oak Outfitters, said, "I hope you didn't pay for that since it looks like the gun wasn't even bore sighted."  Ten bullets later, Jason was able to shoot out the center of a water bottle from a hundred yards away.  After all that, I must admit it was a very impressive shot.

On our way back to camp we decided to take some target practice on some Jack Rabbits as we passed them.  The Jack Rabbits proved to be worthy opponents, as it took all five of us 32 shots to shoot just one.  "Now don't be fooled, these rabbits were super rabbits, and some were even bullet proof," we told ourselves.

Upon returning to camp, Patrick Meadows suggested that we try and sneak up on some turkeys which normally feed down at the creek.  Suddenly, while sneaking through the mesquite, cactus, and cow manure, Patrick told us to drop down.  We had successfully snuck up on 3 toms and 5 hens.  We continued to creep towards the turkeys on all fours. Unfortunately, they had sensed our presence.  Even as we lay still, the turkeys spooked and flew away.  The five of us sat together along the creek bed, thinking about why the turkeys had busted us. Storm clouds threatened in the distance while we discussed the mishap that occurred with the turkey stalk.  Though the storm never hit us, we marveled at the light show that it provided in the sky.  We finally came to the conclusion that "Safety Man" Jason Parrish’s hunter orange Browning cap was the cause of the fleeing turkeys, "Way to go Jason!"

Back at camp, our mouths watered for the steaks that Patrick Meadows was grilling.  While waiting to eat, we sat around the camp fire and told stories. Part of the whole experience of hunting is getting to know the people you are hunting with.  As we were getting ready for bed Jason and I agreed that the three guys with Live Oak Outfitters were definitely experienced and good guys to book a hunt with.

Saturday morning started dark and early. Jason Parrish's alarm rang with a piercing tone that resonated in our heads.  We got out of bed, dressed in our gear, and broke up into three groups.  Jason Parrish and Jason Ashley decided to go east of camp, Patrick Meadows and I decided to go down to the creek and set up, while Brian Thomas went back to bed.

I decided to take the Winchester 1200 and the Remington .308. Patrick brought along his shotgun as well.  Being the experienced hunter, Patrick decided that we should set up by the creek, where he knew turkeys would be coming down from their roost for us to shoot.  As the sun started to rise, the Toms began to come down to the creek bed, 100 to 150 yards away from us.  We counted 6 Toms walking towards us and attempted to use the slate call to get them to come closer, but none were responding to the call.  They slowly started to walk away from us, so we decided to cut through the brush and try to head them off.  We were successful in coming right in on them.  They were still 60 to 70 yards away and instead of trying to make a long range shot gun shot, I decided to use the Remington .308.  I'm not going to try to make excuses as to why I missed the largest Tom in the bunch, but in my defense, I was shooting free hand with Jason's 16 pound rifle with a mesquite branch in my left ear. Missing the shot cut deep and hard. We headed back to camp for breakfast and found out that the two Jason’s and Brian had the same bad luck that we did.  The two Jason's saw several turkeys but were unable to get a clear shot.  Brian saw nothing at all, for nothing came by his tent.  We decided to go to several other feeders in hopes of finding some turkeys.  Still unsuccessful, we headed back to camp for lunch and made some gourmet ham and cheese sandwiches.  As we were eating, we discussed plans for the evening turkey hunt.

 (That is Brett's very big shoe)

To kill some time, we decided to get in the Hummer and take in the sights that Live Oak Ranch has to offer.  We went to see the famous Texas Rock. After seeing the Rock, a group of Javelinas ran out in front of us.  We slammed on the brakes and jumped out of the Hummer with our rifles, pistols, and shotguns ready to kill.  They were cornered by the hill that they had run up.  Patrick decided to go in the brush and flush them out so we could get a clear shot.  As he was walking into the brush, one of the Javelinas jumped out in front of the Hummer.  Jason Ashley and Patrick began their rapid fire on the hog’s tail end.  We found the blood from the javelina, but didn't find the body.  Patrick then continued to flush out the rest of the Javelinas.  As he did, two young Javelinas ran out 50 yards behind the Hummer.  Brian Thomas attempted to kill them with the pistol in his hand. Ten bullets later, we still had no lavelinas. While Patrick kept running them out of the brush, two large javelinas kept on running back and forth.  Finally, Jason Ashley was able to make an impressive shot on a 75 pound male Javelina, running full speed in brush.  It was awesome!

We returned to camp for a little R&R before our evening turkey hunt.  As the evening rolled around, we decided to separate in the same groups and hunt in the same spots that we did in the morning.  The only difference in the evening hunt, was that Patrick and I used the .22-250 rifle and Jason Parrish took to the Remington .308 with him.  Patrick and I went further down the creek this time.

After staking up the camo around us and getting in our gear, we only had to sit 20 to 30 minutes before 6 good-looking Toms appeared from the brush.  As they got closer to us, two wild sheep also appeared and started walking towards us.  Before too long, the sheep were in between us and the turkeys.  The turkeys had walked about 70 yards from us and appeared to be getting spooked.  Patrick asked me if I was ready to shoot, as the turkeys were starting to walk the other way.  I sat up on one knee and shot.  After I shot, Patrick and I began to shoot rapid fire and the first turkey fell down.  We then unloaded our magazines on the remaining five turkeys that were running around.  Since Patrick was standing above me, I was getting knocked in the face with his empty shells.  After emptying our guns, we retrieved the monster Rio Grande turkey and walked off the distance he was at.  The shot had been 90 yards away, (yeah we couldn’t believe it either).  As we sat down, we did not figure that we would see any more turkeys.  As we were talking, 3 more turkeys landed around 130 yards away from us.  I then decided to take out the trusty .22-250. Lying down, I shot the turkey right below the neck.  Redemption &emdash; that was what I felt.  We walked back to camp carrying the two Rio Grande turkeys and all of our supplies.

Patrick and I stood over our turkeys with a very proud look on our face.  The two Jason's and Brian had not really seen anything again and they all were very excited that I had taken my first, and second, Rio Grande turkey.  We took the birds down to the river for cleaning.

After cleaning the birds and then washing up, Patrick threw the rest of our steaks on the grill and once again had us eating gourmet food.  After dinner I was feeling a little dirty since I hadn't showered in two days, so I asked Patrick were was a good place to get cleaned up.  He pointed to the creek and said there was a good, deep hole that was perfect for bathing!  I realized that I was going to be bathing at midnight, in the dark, and in freezing cold water.  I jumped in and the coldness of the river was a bit strong, but all in all it was a memorable experience.  I had not bathed in a river since I was a senior in high school. It felt good to do it again.  I then crawled in my sleeping bag and got some of the best sleep I have ever had.  Falling asleep to the sounds of leaves rustling, crickets chirping, and the river flowing is AWESOME!!

Since Patrick and I had already taken two beautiful turkeys, I told him we needed to sleep in a little bit.  He had no problem with that. I think Brian wanted to get up early and hunt, but he also decided to sleep in.  Jason Ashley also agreed to sleep in, but not Jason Parrish.  Jason just could not allow himself to sleep while there could be a huge Rio Grande out there.  So Jason got dressed up and headed out to find him a big Tom.