May 08

Hollys' First Bird - Pennsylvania

Sharing the outdoors together, that's what it's all about!


Hunter – Holly Spittler

Cameraman – Adam Spittler

Usually we head out west each spring for turkey season. This year Adam and I decided to stay at home in Pennsylvania for our turkey season. We spent a lot of time putting up our stealth cams and scouting. To our surprise we saw and heard a lot of birds. It is the best thing to get up in the morning, go out to the fields and hear those gobbles. Then seeing them fly down and strut in an open field just as the sun comes up. We had off work the first week of turkey season. The weather was cool, and dreary. We would get up bright and early and head out to our Ameristep blind. Adam took his bow and I took the shotgun. I was determined to get my first bird this year. Well the days are creeping by us. We would see and hear them, but nothing would give us a clear shot.

On Thursday May 1st, Adam shot a great tom with his bow! It was exciting and I enjoyed sharing that experience with him. After that we decided to go home for the day. We got a good night sleep and before we knew it, Friday was here. It was now my turn. I always wanted to kill one with my Hoyt bow…but thought maybe I better use the shotgun. Well we headed out to the blind. We heard gobbles and saw 2 long beards pretty far away. One minute they were there and the next they were gone! Well here came a hen and she decided to dust herself in front of the blind. That was a neat thing to see! She finally walked off. I was getting a little tired, so I decided to take a little nap. No sooner did I close my eyes when Adam said, “Holly here come two long beards”!! I got the gun in position and I see them coming in. Adam is telling me to go for the first one. I aim and fire. What—I missed!! Well when I took the shot and missed, he flew up and then came back down and started to walk off. Well I had a second chance. I aim and fire once, again, and he went right down. I was in shock and amazement (I still am)! I can’t believe that I FINALLY shot my first turkey! He weighed 18.5 lbs his beard was 9 5/16 and had 1 1/8 inch spurs. It was an awesome experience. The best thing is, I experienced that moment with my best friend…my husband Adam. It is awesome being able to hunt with him!!! We got both hunts on video and it is something that I will always treasure.

Happy huntin'

Holly & Adam