Over Twenty Years in the Iowa Woods—And This Hunt Still Tested Our Grit

There’s nothing quite like the crisp air of an Iowa spring morning, waiting on that first gobble to shatter the silence of the timber. It’s a feeling that never gets old, and it’s exactly why we keep putting in the miles year after year. For our latest trip, we met up with our close friends Jon and Heather Behrle for a turkey hunt that put every ounce of our patience to the test.

The morning didn't hand out any favors. Jon and Heather started the day crawling through muddy creek beds, putting in the miles to close the distance on a few stubborn birds. But hunting rarely follows a script. Despite hours of careful maneuvering, the gobblers refused to cooperate, leaving them empty-handed but far from defeated. In this game, a slow start just means it's time to adjust.

Refusing to head home, they transitioned to a fresh setup, staked out the decoys, and waited. Turkey hunting has a way of turning from absolute silence to pure chaos in a matter of seconds. With some expert calling, Jon managed to turn the tide, coaxing two mature longbeards to break their stride and commit.

As the birds stepped into range and the tension inside the blind hit a breaking point, everything lined up perfectly. Jon and Heather executed a flawless double, dropping both longbeards right there.

Moments like that are the absolute best part of this lifestyle—sharing the grind with good friends and watching a tough day turn into a total victory.

Stay Driven,

Pat & Nicole Reeve