Becca Toney of Forest City, NC had a big day in the turkey woods on April 25, 2023. Here’s the story, in her own words:
I’ve always had health issues. I started having seizures in 2018 after a AVM cranial bleed. Ever since, I’ve dealt with on going seizures.
I sat through a thunderstorm on Tuesday for this guy. After the storm lightened up, I heard a gobble up the hill. As quietly as I could, I eased up the hill and sat down by a tree.
I heard him gobble, and I climbed up the mountain just a little further and sat down again. I heard him close by. I took my slate call out and starting calling for him. Next thing I know, I heard loud crunching coming through the woods. That lasted for about two minutes.
I slowly turned around to find four baby fawns. After looking at them, they spooked and ran off. I thought my turkey would’ve ran off too, but he didn’t. I kept calling and he kept coming closer.
As I saw his head poke out through the brush, I turned my safety off. After about a minute, he was out in the open and I took my shot and got him.
My adrenaline was rushing. After picking him up and hauling him about a mile to the nearest house, I got a good friend, Michael Whitaker, to come out and take some photos. I sat down, exhausted and dehydrated, and slipped into a seizure before I knew it.
Michael and my boyfriend David, who drove to me as quick as possible, took great care of me and kept me high in my spirits after my seizure ended by reminding me about the gigantic Tom I killed. 10-inch beard and almost 2-inch spurs. It is a day I’ll never, ever forget.
–Becca Toney; Forest City, NC
