You Gotta Be You - My take on Preaching # 1

 

The late, Pastor Warren Wiersbe once said of preachers, "The experiences we preachers go through are not accidents; they are appointments." He confirmed what I have experienced as a preacher for over thirty-two years. It is amazing how many times the week's circumstances, events, and lessons personally fell into place as practical illustrations for the Bible passage I was addressing. 

People connect with stories. Applying what I was learning through the week has often connected me with my audience. The longer I have served in one place, the more meaningful the illustrations have become. I have often wondered why things work out the way they do. My sermon have taken shape at the last moment. Early on, I assumed I was not very good at preparing. But over time, I realized it would take all six days after my last sermon to prepare for the next one. 

I embrace the process now. God uses my personality, experiences, and difficulties to connect with my audience. Philips Brooks said it best: "Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality. The divine truth never changes; the human personality constantly changes and this is what makes the message new and unique." This truth has helped me think about preaching in an entirely different way. I enjoy hearing others preach. It is not necessarily about just the content but rather the delivery. 

The best preachers are themselves in the pulpit. They have embraced who God has made them to be. Once a person realizes that God has put them in front of the right group of people at the right time, he can speak freely. There is a never-ending quest for men to follow men. I have seen people who attempt to talk like someone else. They use other guys' stuff; some even attempt to mimic another's tone, rate, and expressions. 

There is so much more to preaching than exegesis, hermeneutics, and scholarship. Those things are essential, no doubt! But, preaching is also about God preparing you. There is a big difference between a recipe and a meal. Every household has books filled with recipes. The best cooks don't get caught up in recipes because they are more concerned about the chief end of delivering a meal. Similarly, I  recommend that all those who prepare sermons prioritize evaluating the meals they deliver rather than following the recipes. 

Martin Luther once said three things that make a preacher: prayer, meditation, and temptation. If he is correct, it will take attentiveness during the week of preparation to identify what God is teaching you about the text you will deliver on Sunday. There are no accidents. Even the apostles spoke about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:20, 22:15). 

Discovering who you are is critical to become an effective preacher. I am an introvert. Most people are surprised to discover this. I need time to recharge and usually, I do it alone. I need time to sort my thoughts and revive my spirit. 

I can become very distracted, so working on a sermon in one setting is nearly impossible. I need a whole week to produce a finished sermon. I've also learned I work best in the late hours of the day. (I am writing this at 12:32 a.m.). These discoveries have helped me. I now lean into them instead of attempting to change because someone else does it differently. 

II Corinthians 10:12-13 says, For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God appointed to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 

Comparing yourself with others is a dead- in street. It will feed your insecurities and cripple you from being able to use your personality, experiences, and circumstances while preaching the word of God. Don't do it! 

We have to strike a balance. Some might think this is a permission slip for cutting corners. I strongly believe the preacher is to interact, study, and meditate on the biblical passage(s). Do all the behind-the-scenes hard work but do not forget to be yourself. We must never forget to bring our personalities, shortcomings, stories, experiences, and challenges to our people.  You gotta be you.

Provision

My passion for deer hunting came about much later than most. I had dabbled a bit in my early

thirties, but it wasn't til I moved to Adams County, Illinois, that I became hooked. My new

assignment as lead pastor at Columbus Road Church in Quincy placed me in the perfect spot,

and one of my parishioners was the one and only Mike Roux, a professional outdoor writer,

author, and guide.

We immediately connected. He began mentoring me in the ways of the woods. I was introduced

to bow hunting and began to learn about whitetail deer. It wasn't too long before I harvested my

first spike buck. You would have thought I had taken a Boone and Crocket. Mike field-dressed

the deer and instructed me to take it to a local locker. Little did I know then how venison would

become part of our family diet in the future.

I had not eaten much deer prior so I was clueless as to how it should be prepared. I was

captivated by all the sticks, jerky, and sausage. The entire deer was processed into what I call

“deer candy.” It cost me a fortune! This was what my children knew deer to taste like, but our

palate for venison would evolve over the years.

As I grew as a hunter, the bucks harvested became more and more impressive, and I have

taken more than my fair share of wall hangers over the years. Over time, my perspective has

changed primarily because of my children.

November rolled around again this year, which meant I would be in the deer woods. My passion

has grown to the point that I take a week off from work to take full advantage of the rut. I was

excited and ready for another successful year in the deer woods. November 5th has been a

good day for me over the last several years, and I knew this year would not be the exception.

I have a spot that has been very fruitful for seeing and taking big deer. It is a pinch-point

between bedding and feeding. It is the equivalent of an off-and-on ramp for an interstate

highway. The best part of this setup is that the hunter can enter and exit without being detected.

At first light, I looked to my left toward a cornfield across a county road. I noticed the silhouette

of a deer feeding at two hundred yards. The deer grazed the corn, moving inch by inch closer to

the road. I glassed the deer but could not identify whether it was a buck or doe. After fifteen

minutes, it got a bit lighter, and the deer got a lot closer.

I finally identified the deer as a buck with antlers. As I studied the direction he was feeding, I

realized this deer could be a possibility. He began to walk directly toward the road. As he came

into view, I saw he was a three-year-old nine-pointer.

This is where my children come back into the story. Since they have moved out of the house

and now pay for their own meat at the store, they have become deer meat eaters. All four of my

children anticipate their dad helping ease the burden of their meat budget throughout the year.

They come home for Thanksgiving in anticipation of taking home a cooler of deer burger to put

in their tacos, chili, spaghetti, and everything else you could mention.

As I glassed him, it became evident that he was the size of the other bucks that I had taken in

the past. Inside, I was a little disappointed. There is something about human nature that always

wants bigger and better. But once you have taken some large deer, you realize it is not always

feasible to wait for a bigger deer. Otherwise, a person could go a lifetime without harvesting

another buck.

The buck had made his way from the cornfield across the road and was now coming directly to

my stand. It was the moment of decision. He was going to come within ten yards of my stand

broadside. As he stopped in front of me, I took the shot, and down he went. It could not have

been any easier. No crazy deer store, no chase, no stalk, just God's provision.

As I began celebrating the harvest, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to God. He provided this

deer for us. My children would be very happy to hear that there would be meat for their freezers.

I felt the satisfaction of being the hunter-provider for my family, but most importantly, I was

reminded that God always supplies what we need. It may not necessarily be what we want, but

it’s always what we need.

Godspeed by Ayrton Breckenridge of the Daily Iowan

There are many things I could say about this short film but I will save it for another time. This captures the two worlds I live in very well though

Five Deer, Two Geese, Two Hens and a Tom

I have a spot. Many of us have that spot where we can count on seeing wildlife that could translate into a harvest. My particular spot in western Illinois is affectionately named the Honey Hole. I have been hunting this spot for about ten years. The craziest part of this special spot is it is only an acre. 

I have reserved this spot (which has only one tree stand) for deer hunting. I hesitated to set up at the Honey Hole because I did not want to educate the deer any more than I had to. This year I started hunting another part of the farm but I could not ignore hearing the gobbles from the Honey Hole for two mornings straight. I decided to take a chance and set up in the east corner of the field. 

On the third day, as soon as I got set up, I heard a gobbler directly behind me at fifty yards. I became excited about the potential. I hit my box call after he pitched off the roost. We began a long conversation over the next half hour but to no avail, he never came in. The fourth day was very slow due to storms in the area.

Day five he was back behind me gobbling early. We had a brief interaction but he quickly moved on to the east. I sat patiently waiting and watching. About seven thirty, five deer came across the field to get a drink of water from a small watering hole in the south corner of the Honey Hole. About the same time two Canadian geese landed about twenty yards from my decoys. Before I knew it the deer were within twenty yards from my set up. As I looked to the North, I saw a Bobcat, coming down the fence row from the north right toward me. He got within fifteen yards before busting me, scampering off quickly. 

So I have five deer, two Canadian geese, and a bobcat around the decoys but no turkey. As I pulled out that morning, I thought to myself, "What an amazing picture of God's creation for me to see and enjoy."

By Friday of that week, I had logged about eighteen hours in the Turkey woods. I did not take the week off, just went in late to the office. To say the least, I was one tired hunter. My mind began to tell me to take a couple days off and hit it again at the beginning of the next week. The conversation I had had with "that Tom" inspired me to give it a go on Saturday morning. 

Saturday morning was perfect. No wind, no weather, and the Tom gobbling from the roost again. I got set up and waited for him to pitch off the roost. Once he was on the ground we picked up where we had left off the day before. He stayed behind me for at least an hour before he went silent. I was committed to waiting him out.

Around seven thirty the five deer that I saw the morning before came across the field to the watering hole. As I watched them the two geese flew in and landed near my decoys. I could not believe my eyes. The same thing was happening two days in a row. As I surveyed the field two hens came out from the tree line that I was sitting in. I was just excited to see all of the creatures in one place at one time. 

It wasn't two minutes before he joined the hens in the field. He was at full strut. I pulled out my Strut Li'l Deuce slate call and began to purr to get his full attention. He was on a rope to my set up which is a submissive hen, a jake, and two feeding hens. He walked right to the jake. He was not having it! He was on the ground moments later. This guy had a nine-inch beard and three-quarter-inch spurs, weighing twenty-one pounds. 

I texted Kevin the land owner and told him where I took the Tom. He texted back, "The Honey Hole does not disappoint." Boy was he right about that. 

By the way, the geese never left the field. As I pulled out and drove away, they were there. 

How to Look Ahead

 2023 has been a year for me to step back and seek a little direction for the journey ahead. A lot of things have happened over the last twelve months for me to take a pause to look around a bit. I am fifty-eight years old and have been doing some of the same things in the same spot for many years. 

Birthplace Home 

Back in May, Lisa and I spent a day traveling back to my birthplace. I showed her where I went to elementary school, drove around telling stories about my childhood, and visited my first house. The house looked a lot smaller than I remembered. That day was a time to reflect not only where I was raised but how I was raised. Going back to my roots helps put a perspective on where I am and what the future might hold. 

I was raised in a home where there was much love and nurture. My parents encouraged me to pursue my goals and dreams. They made it possible for me to get where I am today. My interests, passions, and hobbies were all birthed at a very early age. It is important to remember where you came from to be fully present where you are.

First House Purchase

Lisa and I were able to travel to Ohio in June for a family reunion. It was a time to catch up with family members that we have not been able to connect with regularly. As a part of the trip, we took time to visit some spots that reminded us about the steps in the journey, the first coaching assignment, the first pastorate, the first home purchase, and all the memories that go along with it. For the most part, it was good to look back. Some of my memories reminded me of failure, frustration, and loss. It can be difficult to look back, especially when there are things that you want to forget. 

Looking back not only reminds us where we have come from but also is a reminder not to make the same mistakes again. Boy, there were decisions and actions that I would love to have a do-over on but we all know that is not how life works. It is important to look back so that if there are mistakes made in the past, we will not make the same decisions again. 

The Present Crib

Living in the moment is probably the hardest thing for people to remember to do. Being fully present is very difficult. It is a tricky balance to know where you came from, be fully present, and know where you are going. One of the keys to success is to regularly review. 

This takes place when you create a series of goals. I like to make a list of the three most important things that I must do each day. I usually make that list before I go to sleep each night.  Knowing what you are doing tomorrow in terms of priority is critical. I also set annual goals I set is yearly goals. I have been doing this for the last twenty-three years. The old saying comes into play, if you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time. I usually break my goals into four major categories; personal, family, ministry, and interests. Under each category, I write down specific, measurable goals to work toward over the entire year. This helps me to be fully present with the opportunities and responsibilities entrusted to me. 

The last set of goals is a one to three-year plan. Looking ahead is not an easy thing but it can provide clarity and direction. I have a saying that I use often, (not sure where I got it from) "Everything you need to see is right in front of you." Ask yourself, what do I think will happen over the next few years? I am talking about major events like; births, college, marriage, home purchases, downsizing, retirement, etc. You can be certain that the future will be different than the present. Gathering all the information around you as you look into the future is important. This will provide enough information to make intelligent goals and objectives moving forward. 

For Lisa and I, we are only nine years away from retirement.  She can retire as an educator next year and we do not own a home. Information like this points us in a direction. It isn't all we need to know but one cannot turn a blind eye to the future. For you, it may be that your children have entered high school or you are anticipating starting a family. Just look ahead and see the obvious. Many people are so into the day-to-day that they forget about looking forward. 

As we enter a new year, it is good to set new goals, pursue dreams, and prioritize your life. I have found the best way to look forward is to look at where you came from and realize where you are. 

What Might Be

For Ever In Blue Jeans

 

I took the week off work with the thought of spending every moment of the rut in the deer woods. I had planned the week ahead of time - clearing the calendar from any appointments or meetings. As the week approached a couple of people needed to speak with me at the office. I did the responsible thing and made the appointments even though it was November 7th. 

This day is special because I have taken two big bucks off the same stand in the same spot for two of the last three years. What would it hurt to have a mid-day meeting? I would have plenty of time to get back into the woods early in the afternoon. 

I hunted in the morning only seeing a few does. As planned, I headed into town for my meeting. Once I entered my office, issues, conversations, and challenges were added to my appointment. The meeting ended up being longer than I thought. Now I was rushed and I would get in very late for a prime hunting opportunity.

A seasoned hunter, I've learned to leave all my gear in the truck so I do not have to gather up my gear every time I go out. All that stood between me and my hunt was a thirty-five-minute drive to my stand. When I arrived, I realized that something was missing. How could this have happened? In my hurry to get to my meeting, I left my camo pants at home in the laundry room. 

Now what? 

I was running late and now I have the wrong clothes. I decided to put on the rest of my gear and take a chance of hunting in my blue jeans. No scent control, dirty blue jeans would have to work.

I walked to my stand and sat down to look at my phone to see what time it was. It read 4:30 p.m.. Did I mention that it was seventy degrees with a ten-mile-per-hour east wind? Nothing seemed to be going right. I decided to just enjoy the sit. I chalked it up to poor planning and learned my lesson.

Fifteen minutes after I sat down, a doe came from behind me from the south. She walked past me to begin feeding in a cornfield twenty yards in front of me. She didn't wind me so I thought to myself, "This might work after all". Another deer came out from the same spot, then one from the north and another one from the west. I had four deer at twenty yards. I had successfully hidden my scent and my blue-colored jeans from the deer.

I thought about harvesting one of them and even raised the bow for a shot, but something inside of me said to just hold tight. My gut feeling telling me to wait would prove to be the correct decision.  I sat and watched the does feed for about fifteen more minutes. After only a half hour of being in the stand on a seventy-degree day with an east wind in blue jeans, I heard something to my right.

I slowly turned slightly enough to see a set of antlers at twenty yards in the pine trees. This buck was doing the same thing I was doing...looking at the does feed. He slowly began to walk up the trail which passed by my stand. His was in full sneak mode, slowly moving toward the field's edge. 

I was fully ready when he stepped into my sights at eight yards away - and I smacked him good. He ran thirty yards into the field and collapsed. Four doe still in the field, a guy in blue jeans, and a dead eight-point buck.

Ninety percent of success is just showing up.... in blue jeans or whatever it is you have on!

Unleashing the Church Podcast - Recruiting

Recruiting Volunteers

An Easter Guide to Church Attenders

 Recently, I had the opportunity to do something rare for me. I visited a church. For more than thirty years now, I have been involved in the leading of church services. For most of those years, I have been the speaker. We have gone on vacation, but it seems like we are traveling a lot on Sundays, so visiting churches has not been a thing.

My wife and I went to see one of our daughters and planned on attending her church. I was excited to join my daughter in worship. It was out of state and a different experience. We really enjoyed our time. The music was inspiring, the message was convicting, and our overall experience was outstanding. This is not an evaluation of those upfront but rather an observation that all who attend church might want to take to heart as you attend services this weekend. Here are three simple things you can do not to wreck the church service you attend.

1. Come on time. We were not early, but we arrived right on time. The singing was just starting as we entered. For the next ten minutes, people continued to enter the auditorium. People were attempting to find places to sit, many doors opening and closing, and people going in every direction. I have noticed this at our church but had never realized its impact until then. 

I was totally distracted. I found myself people-watching. The song faded, and I was a spectator of the crowd. Something as simple as getting to your place five minutes before the service starts can lessen the distractions immensely. Being aware of how we impact others is a start. It comes off the wrong way for someone who doesn't regularly attend. 

2. Sing  As a person who has spent the last thirty years in the "worship wars" era of the church, I have a couple of observations; people have preferences for various reasons, and singing is more about us than God. I have heard every excuse in the book as to why people do not participate in singing at church. If confirmed in other contexts, I might go along with some of them...People pour into countless concerts, karaoke, and other music venues.  Music is a multi-billion dollar business. People are used to singing but not so much in church. It is a distraction to watch people who are not engaged. Sing the best you can by singing to God. 

3. Engage the speaker. This church service was laid out like most; songs, communion prayer, and message. The pastor was well-prepared and a practical Bible teacher. I thought he was exceptional. As the speaker moved further into the sermon, I became distracted by those around me. Some were busy on their phones, while others were distracted by little ones who were fidgeting. Nothing new and expected in a church service; as a speaker, I couldn't help but think that the audience has more to do with "my" effectiveness than I ever realized. Do your best to lock into what the speaker is saying and avoid the unnecessary. 

We all must consider what part we contribute to the overall experience of corporate worship. Consider these three behaviors that might make all the difference in someone receiving the message they need.

Send a Picture

I am sure many who will read this story have talked themselves out of a hunt before. This year I have just not felt the desire to deer hunt like in past years. The weather had been unseasonably warm. My personal work schedule had been exceptionally busy, preventing me from preparing correctly. As November neared, the landowner where I hunt sent me a picture of a bruiser he had just taken. (Picture above) His message was, "You need to get out here." 

This was all it took. I was in the stand the following evening. There was not a lot of action that day, but the deer woods was awaking, and so was I. Over the next week, I went out one or two more times but still, it was not my usual obsessive daily trip to the farm. 

Monday, November 7th, rolled around. I was somewhat excited to get out, but after a long day of work on Sunday and getting to bed late, the demon of laziness was talking to me. I had set my alarm for 4:45. As I went to turn the alarm off, I noticed a text message from a dear friend and hunting buddy, Mike Roux. He simply had sent me a picture of me with a buck that I had taken two years ago on the same farm and on November 7th. (Picture below)You guessed it! I jumped up and began to get ready. It was all the motivation I needed to get to the deer woods.

I didn't get into the stand any too early. It was about fifteen minutes before shooting hours. Because of where I have my stand, I had plenty of time to get set up early for deer traffic. I began to glass the cut bean field in front of me. (There are about a hundred acres of bean field in front of my stand and a big timber behind me.) I noticed a nice-sized buck chasing a doe across the field, headed for a cornfield to the south. I began to think, "This could get interesting".." 

After about ten minutes of watching the chase, a four-pointer came out of the woods behind me. He passed in front of my stand, heading toward the hot doe. As soon as he got to the cornfield, I noticed a group of deer making their way toward me through the cut beans. At that moment, I didn't know precisely how many deer there were or if any of them were bucks.

I began to glass them. I couldn't believe it. It was another hot doe and three bucks. Two of them were pretty nice-sized, and a third was a tag-along. These deer closed fast and right where I have harvested many deer. I began to realize that it was going to happen. I decided to harvest the buck when he got seventy-five yards away from me. 

The doe was headed directly to the woods behind me and on the main trail right beside my stand. She was moving at a pretty fair pace, and he was behind her by about twenty yards. I got ready to shoot. A quick little bleep stopped him, and I let him have it at twelve steps. When the arrow hit, he just turned around and began to walk into the bean field. I thought, did I somehow miss him? or not hit any vitals?" After about two minutes and forty yards away, he dropped. 

It was over and not even seven thirty yet. With two bucks around the down deer, I decided to just sit. As I looked back onto the bean field, I saw four more deer. I couldn't believe my eyes; another hot doe and three more bucks chasing her. (This made a total of nine bucks and three hot does.) This time the lead buck was the biggest guy I had ever seen in the field. Watching him chase her into the big woods, I began planning for the next hunt. I didn't need another picture!

The deer I took was a nice mature nine-pointer who field dressed at two hundred and thirty-five pounds. We were able to donate ninety-two pounds of venison to families who are in need of meat this winter.

30 Years

 Thirty years is a long time. Thirty years ago ministry was different. I am taking a few moments to reflect as Lisa and I celebrate longevity in just two churches. I am extremely grateful for the first ministry I was involved in. I was afforded the opportunity of sitting under the ministry of Jim McClain in Norwalk, Ohio. He began his ministry there in 1979 and retired from the same church in 2021. Can you imagine forty-two years in one place? I can because I got a front-row seat. I was able to watch a man faithfully love a group of people through teaching and training them. Sure there were hard times but Jim and his wife personified Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, 'Well done good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter the joy of your master.'

If this sounds remotely attractive to you, then take a quick look at what I am about to say and seriously challenge your thinking.

There have been a lot of changes in the ministry over the last thirty years. The advent of specialization in ministry has professionalized our purpose. Once upon a time churches were filled by ministers (lay people) within the church, We have successfully fragmented the fabric of the church which God perfectly designed the church to function effectively through the gifts within the body.

The quest for significance in ministry has created ego-centered pastors. With books, podcasts, conferences, and training centers fueling the need to be known, we have lost our way in what we have been called to do. I have fallen prey at times to this insidious disease. I have to fight the urge to be known and be heard. The only thing that matters is that He is known and heard. 

As I get older, I find it more important to tell my story to help others stay grounded and not follow the current trend or path that leads to nowhere. I challenge those who are pastors to stop and think about what they are doing and think about the path of ministry. 

Here are three observations that will make pastors more effective in the years ahead.

1. Pastors stay put. I am amazed that guys don't account for their families when considering a move. The best advice I ever received from another pastor was to stay put. He gave me the illustration of a tree. It can only be replanted once, maybe twice before it will die. Children are much like a tree. They can only withstand so much uprooting. Sometimes you have to withstand some challenges to get to the point where fruit is produced. 

How you start is usually how you finish. I would suggest that you start with loving the people God has called you to. When you get to the finish line you will love them more and they will love you. 

2. Pastor don't fall into the trap of "more". You may be asking, more of what? It is rather simple. More people, more significance, more popularity more power, more control, I could go on and on. We all have fragile egos. We all want to believe that what we do matters more than it actually does. Contentment in our culture is nearly impossible without a single focus. I have had to drop off boards, stay away from discontent pastors and surround myself with reminders that God has a plan. 

I think sometimes that we believe that God really cares about how significant we become. In reality, He really cares how close we walk with Him. 

3. Pastor become an equipper. Ephesians 4:11-12 clearly lays out the role of a pastor in the local church. 11 And He gave some as apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some as pastors and teachers. 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; This is missed at the highest level of training. Young men who are gifted are trained in using their gifts but often are not trained in how to train others in their gifts. This, in my opinion, is a major flaw in the church today. When was the last book you read on how to train people to minister? What is your process? How do you measure success? These are very important questions we all should be asking ourselves. 

The structure of your church will dictate what your church will ultimately become. If you find yourself frustrated, burnt out, and stressed out over the pressure of performing.... you're doing too much. Let the church be the church and start training.

If you reading this and you are not a pastor, maybe this would be helpful to share with your pastor. 

It's a Bunch of Manure!

 

When I was invited to a turkey hunt in Iowa last fall, I had no idea that I was in for the hunt of a lifetime. Chris Leppert is one of our staff members at Columbus Road Church in Quincy, Illinois. He was fully aware of my love of hunting and passion for mature toms. After applying for a first-season tag and a quick trip to his parent's farm, I was pretty excited about the possibilities.

Passion week is not the best time to take an out-of-state turkey hunt but having the opportunity to hunt in Allamakee County, Iowa in the middle of April was too hard to pass up. I could not make it in on opening day due to work responsibilities, so I drove up to the farm from Illinois, getting in around midnight. 

Chris gave me a quick review of the Grand View Farm layout from a satellite image as well as where he had seen the 30 turkeys the day before. The farm has deep ravines and arching pastures surrounded by mature trees. Chris also told me that his dad Duane had just spread manure on the top of the ridges of the pastures. My dream of hunting in my home state was about to come true.

We got up plenty early after a short night of sleep. Chris and I decided to hunt across from each other, having just a crowned pastures and three hundred yards between us. As we got close to the place we were to split off, he gave me a general idea of where to set up. We said our well wishes and broke off, leaving me to find my set up tree in the pitch dark. Not to mention, it was the first time on the farm. I walked in and found a tree with two bushes on both sides of the tree creating a perfect window to set up my decoys at twelve steps. 

My setup was a submissive hen a Jake approaching her, and two other hens one feeding and one upright. I got my set up the way I wanted it and got settled against the tree facing the pasture. It is April 12th, 2022, the second day of the first season in Allamakee County, Iowa and my dream is coming true. 

As it began to get a bit lighter, I heard my first gobble. It was over my left ear about 200 yards. Quickly, another one directly behind me, then another over my right ear. At this point, I am not believing what I am hearing. My heart begins to accelerate. Another gobble to my right, and another and another and another and another and another and another..... you get the picture? I was sitting in the honey whole of honey wholes. Turkeys were in every direction, a three-hundred, and sixty-degree enclosure. I was exciting and the smile on my face had to have shone through my face mask.

The gobbling continued for a good bit but as the Tom's found their dates the gobbles faded. I did hear a lone gobble at 7:00 that was worth noting. He seemed to have made some steps closer to my position. This made me turn to my left a bit more and kept my attention. I waited for the next hour with an occasional Jake cluck and hen purr. 

After what seemed to be an eternity, I see a mature Tom to my left pop over the crest of the pasture. He saw the setup and heard my date with his own eyes. He began making his way down the hill toward me.

 This is it, I thought. Get your gun up and be ready to seal the deal. 

He came right into the decoys but a little left, right in front of the bush I described earlier. He stopped, looked, and did an about-face at fifteen yards and walked back up the hill. 

I wondered if that was going to be my only chance, but something in the back of my mind told me that I would see more action. A half-hour later I saw four Jakes walking at the top of the pasture, about eighty yards out. It then dawned on me what was happening. All those turkeys that I had heard earlier, had made their way to the manure. They were feeding on the top in the manure. All I needed was for another Tom to come to my side of the pasture to see and hear my set-up. 

What needed to happen, happened! At ten o'clock he popped over the hill. He looked big from a long way away. The beard was super thick and it was evident that was a shooter. I hit the box call followed by my Jake cluck from my Mountain Screamer box call. He slammed with a hard gobble that I could see. He then made his descent down the pasture and directly to my setup. I got the gun up and my eyes on the prize. Moving from my right to left, he walked right into my window at twelve steps and stopped. It was over. I nailed a twenty-three pound, ten-inch beard, mature Iowa gobbler at ten a.m. coming off the manure at Grand View Farms in Allamakee County, Iowa. My dream had come true.  

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