Sam Ellison of Byron Center

I hunt every weekend possible on land that's been in my mom's family for over 140 years in Calhoun County, which is more than an hour from my home. I had decided not to hunt this particular weekend as it was very windy and rainy but on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, I traveled to a family wedding reception in Eaton Rapids and sneaked out early for a quick evening hunt. Even though I was deer hunting, I spotted some gobblers coming down the tree line toward me. Having a fall turkey permit, I picked a small spot out in the branches and waited patiently. I couldn't get a shot at the first two smaller birds but than came this big old Tom with his beard dragging on the ground that stepped right into the opening and at 6:25 p.m., 22 yards, I shot straight through the vitals. The Eastern gobbler ranked second largest on record taken with a bow in Michigan at the time (now ranks third) and the 11.375-inch beard is tied for 11th nationally with the NWTF.