Hunting On Purpose

Hunting On Purpose
by Tim Smith

The Story: Twelve hours later, I'm still riding a wave of emotion. For the last 5 days we've had one close encounter after another.  We just haven't been able to seal the deal; until today.

Had I been by myself, I think I would have stood a better chance of putting one in the bag earlier; not because I'm a great or even good turkey hunter. I just think it's simpler by yourself--less movement, less logistics, less commotion, fewer moving parts, etc, etc. Most times less is more in the turkey woods. However, this season is different. I'm "hunting on purpose" and I'm committed to doing it with my best friends. Together we are part of something bigger than just the chase.  

There's a little girl in the country of Moldova by the name of Ana. She is an orphan. For now she's safe. She's in an orphanage. However, in a few years she'll turn 16 and she will be sent out into the streets alone and desperate. Ana, along with thousands of girls just like her, don't stand a chance. In fact, 7 out of 10 of the girls like Ana will be sold into sex slavery. You read that correctly, 7 out of 10. You may be asking yourself "what has that got to do with turkey hunting?". Here's the answer.
 
"On Target Outdoor Ministries" has partnered with Jason Cruise and "Mission" to bring you "Spring Chronicles", a daily video, Turkey Tip, or tactic published on the "Mission" Facebook Page. We call it "Spring Chronicles" because it chronicles the turkey season of four different teams across the country. It's our collective prayer that after checking out the hunt, viewers will take time to check out the "Mission" website. "Mission" sells hunting gear that every hunter can use. Seventy percent of the proceeds from the sales of this gear go to fund efforts to stop the tragedy in Moldova; thus allowing all hunters to "hunt on purpose".

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I mentioned that this morning was different. As the big Tom gobbled on the roost, I thought of Ana. As he made his way through the Alabama woods I prayed this hunt would all come together and maybe help her in some small way. I also thought of the memories I've shared with my buddies this season. Shortly after, the old Tom came to the decoys as if he were on a string. It was at that moment I introduced him to #6 Winchester Supreme Elite Turkey Load. To top it all off, this experience was all captured on video with my buddies.

The Word: The writer of Ecclesiastes was one of the smartest men the world has ever known, King Solomon. In his wisdom I believe Solomon understood the power of brotherhood. He wrote "For two are better than one because they have a good return on their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls where there is not another to pick him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11).

Field Tip: Go to Mission Facebook Page and the Mission Website. There you'll find a plethora of tips and tactics for Spring Turkey Season. You'll also find out how to "hunt on purpose". Together with you we can make a difference. Together we can "hunt on purpose."

Making Him known,
Tim

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