Eastern Wild Turkey Gobbler Taxidermy KENTUCKY RECORD "Full Strut" Mount

Description

Eastern Wild Turkey Gobbler Taxidermy KENTUCKY RECORD "Full Strut" Mount
This incredible Eastern Gobbler was harvested in Grayson County, KY at the Circle-G Ranch.
Here's how it happened:
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On a beautiful spring morning, I got into my location early enough to setup my two hen, and single Jake decoys.  I had recently read that Gobblers cannot stand the sight of young birds getting any action in early spring and would fight to push them away from the hens.  So, I tried it out and setup the Jake in a close mounting position behind one of the hens.  As I positioned myself in the into the lower-inner part of the horseshoe shaped 10 acre field, I could see my setup perfectly and within range.
Just as dawn broke, I head a ruckus up on the hillside ahead of me and soon after, several birds (Turkey) were flying over the field.  A few must have noticed the "mock" action in the field below and decided to land amongst the seemingly friendly crowd.  The remainder continued overhead into the wooded area behind me.  It was just light enough to make out that it was two more hens and one Jake that had stopped for a visit.  Literally just a few minutes later, a VERY large Gobbler appeared from the left side of the horseshoe and was literally running towards the Jake!  This guy had to weight approach 25-30 pounds and had what I would estimate to be a 9 or 10 inch beard.
I've heard about how viscous Wild Turkey can be and boy, they were right!  This behemoth absolutely destroyed the poor love-seeking Jake.  They were only momentarily hovering above the ground as they flapped their wings and repeatedly attempted to jab each other with their spurs.  Well, it didn't last long as the monster pinned the Jake to the ground.  Once he was let up, the little guy was barely able to fly into the safe cover of the woods.
Just then, the "big guy" darted towards my Jake decoy.  I remember thinking, "Well, there goes !"  And just as I envisioned, he was quickly shredded by the beast.  Once the coast was clear, the victor blew up into a full strut and focused on the prize hens.  So I decided that this was my opportunity to "take him"!  Just as I started to line him up in my sights, turned my safety off and began to position my finger on the trigger, something started moving at a high rate of speed from my right and into the position of the crowd!  "What the heck," I thought..."is this Jake coming back for another round?"
The movement was so close that I was not able to even turn my head enough to see what it was.  Seconds later, it made it from my peripheral view and into clear sight.  IT WAS ANOTHER CHALLENGER!!!  IT WAS ANOTHER BIG GOBBLER!!!
The new contender took no time to reach the champ.  However, I did notice that this one was not quite as big as the other.  Well, they fought and fought...and fought for what had to be 3 or 4 minutes as the other hens dispersed!  Finally, the original victor decided to escape to safety in the same area the Jake had earlier.  Even though this new guy was not as sizeable as the former champ, HE WAS MINE!!!  Already positioned, I took aim as he, himself decided to focus on the fake foam fantasy that I had displayed.
"BANG!!!"
THE END
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A good friend of mine talked me into submitting my harvest to the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) for record status.  My "TOM" was recorded into the record books and is still there today and will be forever.  He did not make the highest score for the state, but I was still happy to have it entered into the record books due to how exciting the experience was.  I've also enjoyed having him in my office ever since...and after many years, I've decided to let him go due to needed space in our home.
I do have the official record certificate and will be keeping it.  However, if the winning bidder choses to have a copy, I can email a color copy (or place it within the shipment) with the personal details masked, but it will need to be requested immediately following auction close.
Weight: 21 pounds 8 oz
Beard: 12-10/16 inches
Spurs: 1-1/4 and 1-3/16 inches
Total Score: 71.125
- Condition is best described as seen in pics.  There is no damage to note beyond normal wear, but as seen in pics, some of the feathers are split, but most of this is as he was found.
- Tail will be removed for shipment, but is very easily replaced into the foam body.
- I will do my very best in packing the mount to prevent any damage during shipment.
- Smoke-free home
- Mounted to a heavy, treated wood base
ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR BID OR OFFER.
FREE SHIPPING TO LOWER 48 ONLY.  IF YOU REQUIRE SHIPPING ANYWHERE ELSE.  PLEASE CONTACT ME PRIOR TO BIDDING.  OTHERWISE, DO NOT BID.