Jared Bloomgren writes, "I was finally able to get out and make it happen with this big Merriams. I set up in a known strutting ground about 100 yards away from a roost area and was unsuccessful on my first trip. A week later I was back and snuck into the blind in total darkness while numerous Toms gobbled nearby. Shortly after daybreak I had 8 full strutting toms within 30 yards of my blind and I picked out one of the bigger birds and smacked him from 30 yards. I then watched another Tom come over and beat him up while he was helpless. This Tom was sporting a 10" beard and 1 1/4" spurs. What a great start to the 2011 season!"