Instagram story viewer> @docweddle> Posts

Doc Weddle

@docweddle

4K

followers

134

following

Unabashedly addicted to chasing the tantalizing gobble of the wild turkey all spring long. It's what I do, and who I am!

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

The internet is flooded right now with posts about Tom Kelly and what a loss his death at age 99 has been to his legions of turkey hunting followers. I stand proud as a member of that group, and I, too, mourn his passing as THE most influential writer this sport has ever seen, and will never see again. Mr. Kelly’s written words helped to mold and shape my own ideals and morals in the earliest days of me becoming a budding turkey hunter, and I read and absorbed every one of his books throughout the past 40-some years. They supplied valued guidance and support on both how to conduct myself in the turkey woods, and how to stand tall as a turkey hunter, and they did so in a style uniquely his own. Besides that, the pages of his books were chocked full of knowledge, wisdom, and humor. His stories were so relatable to any turkey hunter, while also conveying just how much of an “every-man” he was and saw himself as being, complete with all the warts and flaws possessed by all of us. He was, indeed, one of us, and yet, we of his “Tenth Legion” willingly and proudly followed behind this great man. Although I only met him briefly a number of times over the countertop of his NWTF Convention booth, I treasure those moments and memories, and I’ll never forget the time I “gifted” him a copy of my first book. I have no idea if he ever read it, but I like to think he might have. So, here’s my somber salute to you, Mr. Tom. Thank you for your service to our country, and to our sport. The world feels a little more hollow today, but your written words will continue to help buoy up the spirits of those who loved you today, and those who will get to know you in the future by your books and stories. by @docweddle

267

5

9 days ago

Some of the early reservations have failed to commit, so I have a few openings available. If you’re interested in an Osceola hunt during spring of ‘27, please let me know asap. These spots will fill up fast! by @docweddle

112

4

a month ago

Following a dismal 2025 season, my goal this spring was simply to turn things around. I think it’s safe to say that 2026 was a resounding success in that regard! New grounds tromped, a record number of days spent afield, friendships both old and new forged, and knowledge gained of not only my worthy opponent, but of myself. It was epic by all weights and measures. The final week was a capstone event put together by world renowned photographer/videographer and Chasing 49 owner Stephen Spurlock featuring 8 US Super Slammers in the same camp, along with a four-time Grand National Calling Champion, various other hunters/wives/girlfriends, at least 4 children (I could never get an accurate count, as none of them ever slowed to a walk), 3 dogs, and the foremost expert on the wild turkey, Dr Michael Chamberlain. We ate like royalty, laughed until our ribs hurt, and just had a marvelous time all the way around. We also spent many hours discussing the current status of the wild turkey, along with Dr Chamberlain’s ongoing genetic research project and hunting seasons across the country. It was wonderful, insightful, and we even killed a few turkeys in our spare time.

Turkey hunting as we’ve known it up to this point is going to see some changes in the future. It must. The resource quite simply can’t sustain the pressures now being put on them by all of the new hunters, the advancements in technologies, and social media. This whole new mentality of “making a stack” does not bode well for our beloved bird, and as an “old dog” in the sport, I must admit that I miss the sense of wonder and “mystique” with which the wild turkey was held in such high esteem back when I began hunting them in the 1980’s. If I could only wish for one thing, it would be that tomorrow’s turkey hunter could somehow experience that magic of what it used to be like, and learn to fully appreciate this bird for all that he is and what he brings to our lives. Slow down and savor every moment, guys and gals. It’s not about how many, but rather, remembering every moment spent with the wild turkey. It just doesn’t get any better! by @docweddle

476

9

4 months ago

A better man or a better turkey hunter might have stayed true to course and steadfast in resolute determination to best the obstinate old gobbler whom seemingly so effortlessly put the screws to me for over a week in Pennsylvania. And, I’m not gonna deny that I would’ve rejoiced at his demise; whether it had come about by my pure calling prowess, exemplary woodsmanship skills, or simply by shear shit-house good luck from stumbling into a situation more favorable to me than him. Truth be known, I maybe even would’ve pumped a fist Tiger-like and exalted an audible, “OH, HELL YES!,” if I’d found him dead in the ditch along the gravel road leading back to camp, missing his head, an entire half of breast flesh, all the meat from the leg and thigh on that same devoured side, and most of his guts and internal organs…….exactly the scenario which occurred on the third day of the battle. The particular circumstances surrounding the demise of my antagonist’s brother, cousin, son, or (great) grandson remain a perplexing mystery.

Yeah, I could’ve devoted the entire season to killing that ornery old cuss. However, I ain’t that guy. Or, at least I wasn’t that guy, THIS time! He’s not the first tom I ever got hung up on, and hopefully he won’t be the last. Heck; maybe I’m just finally acquiring some wisdom after so many years afield. You’d think it might happen sooner or later, if only by accident.

For whatever the outlying reason, I abandoned that evil, heinous bird and went elsewhere. Good ridence!! Atrocious weather and silent birds continued to plague my efforts, but the sun eventually shone down (both literally and figuratively) upon my efforts, and the turkey gods granted (albeit; reluctantly) me one of those rare and yet oh-so appreciated 5-minute victories on the twelfth day of the trip. by @docweddle

330

3

5 months ago

Someday I’m going to face up to the fact that I’m the worst turkey hunter who ever slobbered up a diaphragm call. I’ve been after a particularly hainted old gobbler in PA for a week, and although I haven’t gotten him killed, I was fairly proud of the fact that up until yesterday, I hadn’t boogered him. He’d survived my assaults only through the slightest slivers of bad (good, for him) luck or unfortuitous circumstances. But, I’d been building an intel base on his peculiarities and habits, and felt like it was only a matter of time before I capitalized. And, as I said, I hadn’t spooked him and he didn’t (so far as I could tell) even know that I existed.

All that changed yesterday morning.

I knew approximately where he preferred to sleep, so I got in there early. Real early. Had to use a flashlight a little bit, since it was dark as the inside of a cow, but I’d slipped in to a pre-chosen hidey-hole by 4:00 am, with anticipated gobbling time of around 5:35 or so. Beautiful weather after a week of horrendous conditions. My hopes ran high as I tried to relax in nervous anticipation. Then, at 4:24 in the damned morning, the peace and tranquility was suddenly shattered by the sounds of crashing limbs and heavy wingbeats powering a big bird up and out of his roost tree some 70 yards from where I sat in the dark. My heart dropped into my left sock. Stuck around till 9, hoping he would eventually forgive my ineptitude and go back to being a tom turkey in spring, but he held a grudge and I packed it in.

Once again (for probably the thousandth time in the past 43 years), I’m quite certain that I’ll never, ever, be able to call in another wild gobbler. I’m just not good enough. I suck.

The picture is of my host Bill George. We shot this bird on the first morning of my PA hunt, two minutes after he flew down and landed only 45 yards away, following zero gobbling. Sometimes it pays to get close, so long as you don’t shine a danged flashlight in their eyes……… by @docweddle

192

3

5 months ago

As an avowed traveling turkey hunter, I don’t always get the chance to spend any of these precious and magical springtime days in my very own home state. It seems like Indiana often gets edged out and overlooked as I galavant around the nation seeking unheard gobbles in as-yet unexplored lands. In fact, I hadn’t even intended to hunt here at all this spring, but after riding out Florida’s entire turkey season (including their final six days when the emerging and despised “yellow” flies nearly drove me insane as they itchingly devoured my flesh and blood), I drove home to drop off a trailer full of camping/guiding gear only a few days post-opener. Exorbitant gas prices made me less than eager to hit the road and travel far out west to meet up with the Chasing 49 crew, so I decided to hunt closer to home for a bit. Man, am I ever glad that I did!!

The following six days weren’t easy, but as I’ve often said, it’s the tough hunts which leave the most indelibly etched memories, and that time afield allowed me to focus on what makes Indiana special in my eyes. A freak wind storm two years earlier had toppled so many big trees that getting around in the woods was like fighting through the most brutal obstacle course imaginable as I climbed up, over, around, or under tangles of massive trunks and limbs, and the super henned-up toms coupled with cold/rainy weather had the birds clammed up tight. But, I finally got on a good’un yesterday, when a bird started gobbling early at the crunching gravel of a hunter getting into the area much too late. He then proceeded to rip out almost violent protestations to ANY loud noise until far beyond when he should’ve already flown down, but after pitching out 60 yards away from me, silence. Not another peep!

Forty minutes later the tom gobbled 250 yards away, and after a quick repositioning to a better looking setup spot, he ripped into my first call offered on a Kloakal Kiss Kall Kompany (thanks Brandon Ziegler) Ghost Cut. Three other distant birds hammered out in answer, too!!! Ten minutes later this fine old gobbler made his glorious entry into my life, and almost reluctantly, I put an end to the battle.

Home turf ROCKS!! by @docweddle

415

5

5 months ago

I got lots of responses to my last post, but zero takers, so I’m giving it one last try before I pack up and head north out of Florida. Their turkey season ends a week from tomorrow; Sunday, April 26. I’m willing to stick around if anyone wants an Osceola and can hustle on down here. Right now is the right time, because my schedule is already full for next year. This hunt will cost $3500, and I offer it with a no shot/ no pay guarantee. Lodging furnished in a great tent camp. Let me know ASAP. by @docweddle

184

2

6 months ago

I know this is last minute, but all of my hunters have taken their birds and there are still two weeks to go in the season. If anyone is interested in taking an Osceola, get ahold of me quickly and get on down here. My hunts are guaranteed no shot = no pay, and you’ll be staying in the deluxe tent camp pictured with this post. We even have a hot shower! Please: serious inquiries only!! I don’t have time to field “just curious” or general questions.
Thanks in advance!! by @docweddle

277

4

6 months ago

Another public land Osceola taken due to acquired knowledge, woodsmanship skills, and patience; all while my favorite turkey hunting partner filmed directly over my shoulder and right down the old Benelli’s barrel. Unfortunately, the video gets a little shaky just prior to trigger pull, because there was a scorpion crawling up the pine bark about 3 inches from Trev’s face! This hook-spurred old tom gave us a great show and memories that we will long cherish and laugh about. by @docweddle

325

3

6 months ago

Trevor Bays and I have had a tremendous month of March guiding turkey hunters in Florida, with a goodly number of those days afield culminating in Osceola toms flopping in the sand. However, it wasn’t until today that we had the opportunity to carry guns and actually hunt with one another. This young man and I have been chasing turkeys together since he was just a little squirt, and we have seen and experienced a truly vast array of wondrous turkey behavior in each other’s presence. However, I don’t believe either of us has ever encountered a bird so willing to gobble at any little sound even slightly resembling a turkey call. When Trev and I started cutting hard in tandem, I thought this old boy was going to gobble himself into unconsciousness and we could then simply walk over and pick him up without expending an expensive TSS shell. Such was not to be the case, however, so Trev capably put the hammer down on him with his trusty old Berretta. It was a great hunt, with a great friend/brother/son, and I couldn’t be more tickled. by @docweddle

287

4

6 months ago

I missed a turkey on the last day of the 2025 season in Michigan, so it’s been with both a little bit of anxiety and a great sense of anticipation that I’ve approached this spring. Mostly, I’ve just been really eager to get started and make amends! Trevor Bays and I spent the first couple of weeks guiding for Everglades Adventures, Inc. (a great outfit run by Mark Clemons) down in south Florida, and then we guided a few clients of our own in the central zone with such positive and quick results that it freed me up to carry a gun on Monday. I won’t go into all the details of what happened to make that hunt so memorable and fun, but suffice to say that I’m back on a hot streak of 1 in a row and hoping things hold steady throughout the rest of the 2026 wild turkey season. Bring it on!! by @docweddle

341

3

7 months ago

Time is running out to buy the gifts your loved ones want to see under the Christmas tree. Better order a few of my books now and avoid the holiday rush to the post office!

My email for PayPal is tdocweddle@comcast.net. Please utilize their “send money to friends and family” option so that I’m not charged fees on my end, and don’t forget to include the name of your loved ones receiving the books in the notes section, along with your mailing address. Paperbacks are $25 per copy for Volumes 1, 2, and 3, and $29 per copy for Volumes 4 & 5. Hardcovers are $35 each for Volumes 1, 2, and 3, and $39 per copy of Volumes 4 & 5. You can also send a check or money order to me at PO Box 7281, Bloomington, IN 47407. I pay for postage delivered.

Thank you very much, and Merry Christmas!! by @docweddle

65

0

10 months ago