The turkey weighed 21 pounds
Cole McCallum, 9-years-old of Blenheim, S.C., killed his first turkey during this past weekend’s youth season in Game Zones 3 and 4. And the young hunter didn’t get things started by killing a jake. His gobbler weighed 21 pounds, had a 10 1/2-inch beard, and sported 1 1/8-inch spurs.
McCallum was hunting in Dillon County with his dad Creighton McCallum. Aubrey Brunson and Brian Strawderman helped with the calling. They were overlooking a decoy that proved too convincing for the big gobbler and his posse to resist.
“It was an awesome hunt! The birds did it right, came in and started beating the decoy up. Then little Cole laid one of them to rest! He’s 9-years-old and killed his first hammer. He smiled ear to ear all morning,” said Phillip Brunson, who sent us the video and photo.
Who’s more excited, the young hunter or his dad?
The video leaves no doubt that the young hunter was plenty excited. And as is often the case, the adults that took part were just as excited. You only kill your first turkey once, and it’s great that this family caught the moment on video. The young hunter’s dad, Creighton McCallum, believes Cole is hooked for good now.
“They gobbled 100 yards out. And Cole said ‘daddy, my stomach hurts. I’m excited but nervous I’m gonna miss,'” he said.
Once the hunt was done, Creighton told Cole that feeling is natural, and is the mark of a hunter.
“I said ‘that’s the feeling we all yearn for son. That and the all-day grin after. That’s why we do it,” he said.
The regular turkey hunting season is now on in Game Zones 3 and 4. Youth season in Game Zones 1 and 2 is set for March 27 – 28. The regular season in Zones 1 and 2 begins on April 1.
For more information on South Carolina’s 2021 turkey hunting season, click here.
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