But the gobblers suddenly stopped and began moving away from the decoy. Laying the shotgun across my lap, I made a few soft clucks to reassure them everything was fine. The decision was a good one. One of the gobblers broke away from the other two and turned back toward the decoy. I shouldered my shotgun, picked an opening, spotted the beard on the bird, then dropped it. I checked my watch. It was just past 11 o'clock. MAY 2016 The downed bird completed my most challenging, yet most rewarding spring gobbler hunt. Although I have shot gobblers with beards longer than the 7½ inches sported by this one, none have brought me greater satisfaction. The balancing act between the use of my call and having my shotgun in position and ready gave me a new perspective on what is necessary to be successful in the turkey woods. And it was all made possible by following the 11 o'clock rule. 29