The spring turkey hunting season is over for me, and I couldn’t be more relieved. I went out thinking that I was going to get my turkey on the first day and be done for the year. But that didn’t happen.

I’m supposed to say that I enjoyed the wonders of the woods and beautiful sunsets. Yes, I did enjoy those moments, but that’s not why I was out there with a bow and arrow. I was out there to shoot a turkey, and I didn’t get the job done.

I’m a competitive person by nature, and it can be seen in things that mean the most to me. My real estate clients rely on my ability to passionately represent them. That spirit, or competitive nature isn’t something I can turn off and on at will; it’s who I am as a person. So, you can just imagine how frustrating it was for me to come home without a mature Tom Turkey.

Ok, I’m done complaining now — just had to vent a little.

The truth is that I had an amazing time out there. I went out with a good friend on the first two days of the season. We saw some of the coolest things, like watching three inches of snow fall on opening morning. We had numerous deer and hen turkeys within five yards; it was awesome! We then saw a couple of record book toms just outside of bow range.

Neither of us harvested a turkey but we had a great time, none the less.

The best part came when my son went hunting for the first time. He did what I couldn’t do; he got a turkey. Those people who say that turkeys are “dumb as a post” obviously don’t hunt. The success rates for harvesting a turkey are a mere 21 percent. In other words, 79 percent fail to shoot a turkey.

That number should make you think twice about how “dumb” they are. These birds have to outwit coyotes, eagles, hawks and owls every minute of every day. They’re constantly looking for threats and are very skittish by nature.

The good news is that I’ll get another shot this fall. Unsuccessful spring hunters can apply for the fall turkey hunt. You can bet that I’ll be back out there during the fall season. Stay tuned… Don’t forget that my son’s turkey hunt will air on Michigan Out Of Doors TV in the next week or two.

Your story ideas and comments are warmly welcomed. Feel free to email Rick at rtaylor@reinhartrealtors.com or call him at 734-223-5656.