Consolation Prize
Michael T Hahn
October 30, 2025
The New Hampshire shotgun season for turkeys lasted seven days. I hunted during four of them, two hours each day, for a total of eight hours. I spent another eight hours driving. Compared to other hunting adventures, such as pursuing elk in Montana, this was a relatively modest investment of time and gasoline. It might be an excessive investment of resources for the amount of sustenance that a turkey provides, but the benefits of hunting, including exercise, fresh air, and peaceful solitude, far exceed the meat harvested.
During the first two days, I hunted places where I¥ had success in the past. Reminiscing bolstered my confidence as the tranquil woodlands refreshed my spirits. Unfortunately, I didn't see or hear any turkeys, and I found little turkey sign. On my third attempt, undaunted, I drove to another property where I¥ found turkeys several times. I was barely out of the truck when I spotted a sizable flock of turkeys in a field. The turkeys saw me, too. They ran to the far end of the field, flushed, and flew out of sight. As I snuck after them, trying to arrange an ambush, a turkey suddenly flushed overhead, nearby. My shotgun snagged on brush when I raised it, momentarily impeding my shouldering of the gun. Flustered, I rushed my shot and missed. Regaining my composure, I took better aim and pulled the trigger. The shotgun didn't fire. I'm not sure what caused the malfunction, but it cost me the opportunity.J
On the final day that I hunted New Hampshire turkeys, I deliberated whether I should return to the place where I had struck out on the first day, or whether I should opt for a spot where I had earlier seen a flock of turkeys twice. I chose the new place, where I saw no turkeys. Meanwhile, my friend's trail camera snapped a nice photo of a big gobbler in the place where I didn't go.
Although I got skunked on turkeys, I did get a bonus bird. I stepped into a cornfield and heard a loud cluck to my right. Pivoting toward it, expecting turkeys, I saw a cock pheasant flush out of range. I watched it fly hundreds of yards and pitch into an alder swamp. Following it, I paused in the swamp to scan the trees. The pheasant flushed nearby and I downed my delicious consolation prize. J
https://www.thebridgeweekly.com/rural-matters
Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings, call 802-754-8889.JUpcoming Gigs:
Penelope NewcombàHalloween Party in Charleston, 6 to 9
First Night in St. Johnsbury/n New Year's Eve, time TBD
Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7
During the first two days, I hunted places where I¥ had success in the past. Reminiscing bolstered my confidence as the tranquil woodlands refreshed my spirits. Unfortunately, I didn't see or hear any turkeys, and I found little turkey sign. On my third attempt, undaunted, I drove to another property where I¥ found turkeys several times. I was barely out of the truck when I spotted a sizable flock of turkeys in a field. The turkeys saw me, too. They ran to the far end of the field, flushed, and flew out of sight. As I snuck after them, trying to arrange an ambush, a turkey suddenly flushed overhead, nearby. My shotgun snagged on brush when I raised it, momentarily impeding my shouldering of the gun. Flustered, I rushed my shot and missed. Regaining my composure, I took better aim and pulled the trigger. The shotgun didn't fire. I'm not sure what caused the malfunction, but it cost me the opportunity.J
On the final day that I hunted New Hampshire turkeys, I deliberated whether I should return to the place where I had struck out on the first day, or whether I should opt for a spot where I had earlier seen a flock of turkeys twice. I chose the new place, where I saw no turkeys. Meanwhile, my friend's trail camera snapped a nice photo of a big gobbler in the place where I didn't go.
Although I got skunked on turkeys, I did get a bonus bird. I stepped into a cornfield and heard a loud cluck to my right. Pivoting toward it, expecting turkeys, I saw a cock pheasant flush out of range. I watched it fly hundreds of yards and pitch into an alder swamp. Following it, I paused in the swamp to scan the trees. The pheasant flushed nearby and I downed my delicious consolation prize. J
https://www.thebridgeweekly.com/rural-matters
Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings, call 802-754-8889.JUpcoming Gigs:
Penelope NewcombàHalloween Party in Charleston, 6 to 9
First Night in St. Johnsbury/n New Year's Eve, time TBD
Bull Wheel at Jay Peak on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 7
Have a story?
Let's hear it!
(802) 757-2773
(603) 787-2444
news@thebridgeweekly.com
