10 Things to Say After Your Turkey Bud Misses

The gobbler, amazing thing that he is, stands in range and we whiff. The sight of a longbeard running away will sicken most of us far worse than any tilt-a-whirl ride at the country fair. Been there?

Most times, right after, we don't want to hear anything from the person next to us; not to mention the professional/amateur "film crew" behind us (captured forever for all to see). Everybody's got a camera these days. It's hard to hide, especially if you miss.

Silence. It's never quieter after you send a volley of pellets over a big tom's head. Still, sometimes we need to hear something, anything. Try out these 10 responses this turkey season, even if you're alone and have to mutter versions to yourself.

1: Hey bud, I'm buying at Waffle House. You ready?

2: Aw, that turkey will be back tomorrow.

3: My bad. I thought Bubba patterned that shotgun before he loaned it to us.

4: Spring gobblers are overrated. Let's go catch some hawgs at the pond.

5: That ugly bird was missing a half-dozen tail feathers and had a beard like a stubbed-out cigar.

6: Never liked that dang turkey load anyway.

7: Your misses are almost as impressive as your kills.

8: Didn't look like you even cut a feather, so no worries.

9: Hey, don't sweat it. In fishing, they catch-and-release.

10: I ever tell you the joke about . . . ?

What's your favorite response when a buddy misses a shot? Comment below.

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Editor's note: This evergreen turkey blog was first published Feb. 20, 2016.