At 1630 ET last afternoon, I looked at the updated forecast and saw the following progression:

Thunderstorms, high wind and rain before sunset
Overnight wind and falling temperatures
Low was to be in the low 30’s
First light: Snow, wind, cold
Changing over to wintry mix and wind
Changing to rain by 1100 ET

Something snapped. I’d just spent too many days this season with too much cold, rain, wind and wintry mix for there to be anything left in me. What’s more, I’d not seen a gobbler, nor had one honor my calls. My son got his gobbler in the rain on Sunday. My other hunting buddy had to stay home with pneumonia.

I packed up, locked up camp and drove out. I was in my bed at home by 2100 ET, and went to work this morning. I figure I can bank two vacation days for later in the season and still get out and hunt this weekend. This is positively the worst Opening Week I’ve had to endure this century.

This is my first weather-related wimp-out.  I’ve turkey hunted in colder temperatures, higher winds, more rain and worse behavior from the turkeys.  However, I don’t remember a time when they’ve all come together like this.  The last time I wimped out was 2011 when I hunted Opening Day with pneumonia coming on. At least the turkeys were cooperating that year.

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