The bear created an impossible situation -- for me, at least. But just because something spooks a tom into silence doesn't always mean that the hunt is over. A tom may dash for safety, but usually he won't go too far. He may very well open up again later that day.

Another time, my son Mark and I were working on a pair of gobbling toms together, when we accidentally jumped three deer. That trio ran right toward the turkeys and scared them away.

A half-hour later, we were still discussing the turn of events when one of the toms suddenly opened again, probably looking for his buddy. Mark made some hen yelps with his box call. The tom was glad to settle for a hen, which was unfortunate for him. A few minutes later, Mark was showing off the longbeard prize to me.

During every spring season, most of us will experience frustrating days when the toms gobble very little -- if at all. Sometimes it's indeed impossible to switch things in your favor.

However, there are also times when a slight adjustment in tactics will lead to success. The key, then, is to stick with the program and try to make something good happen.

One thing is certain. Sooner or later, a silent tom will gobble. But you'll never know it if you're not out there among them.