Ray Eye Returns
A few months ago, Outdoor Life told you about the plight of turkey hunting legend Ray Eye. Severely injured in a freak accident, Eye battled the odds and takes to his beloved Ozark woods to hunt again.
Just a few short months ago, some of Ray Eye's closest friends feared the worst—Ray might not be able to climb the hills to chase turkeys again. Laid low by a freak backyard accident, it took several surgeries, skin grafts and physical therapy for Eye to get back on his feet. And on his feet he is. Here is the story and photos of Ray's first fall turkey hunt on the comeback trail in his own words... This is a short story, a fairy tale like story about an old, out-of-shape Gimp...and his wonder dog, Peanut.... at 6 AM on this morning, this old guy just wouldn't listen to his lovely wife Jan, and stay home...stay out of the pouring rain and cold and go back to bed... AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement |
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Comments (12)
the woods would be a little colder and darker if the infamous Ray Eye was not able to chase turkeys.He is a good man and great hunter thanks for running the article.Yes it is true you can kill big gobblers in the fall
It's great to hear that Ray is back in his beloved turkey woods! Anyone who has had the honor of sharing a hunting camp with "Uncle Ray" knows what a great, fun-loving, down-to-earth guy he really is -- not to mention that there's not a better turkey hunter around!! Kudos also to Outdoor Life for bringing us Ray's fantastic "comeback story" online!
Jimmy & Joe Harper
Glad to hear that you're back on your feet. Now you can come back and hunt with my dad and I. I didn't get a chance to use all of your things in Colorado being as we couldn't find the herd. Thanks for letting paps and i borrow it though.
Congradulations Raymond, what a fine turkey, but the photo's and story are awsome! Really enjoy your stories and photos!! Glad you are getting some strength back! You'll be doing those wind sprints in know time. Can I borrow Peanut, I think she is the real secret behind your turkey success. On serious note, those who don't go out and fall turkey hunt, don't know what they are missing! Your pictures point that out. Great job!!!
Ray, It's great to hear and see that you're back in the woods, and, what a way to start off! That's a beautiful fall Tom. The story and pictures are both great. You've inspired me to pick up the calls and give the fall birds a shot tomorrow.
ray eye kicks ass!! one show-me-boy to another. he is a true gentleman!! i've spoke with mr.eye at length at several turkey show's, he treated my buddies& i the same as his friends/other pro's!!! alot of fella's who make the BIG TIME sometimes swell up above the shoulders!! not ray eye!! enough of this typin, i'm goin BOWHUNTIN!!!! the rut is about to explode here in w. central missouri.
Not a bit of surprise from this corner. The only thing Ray likes more than chasing turkeys is eating. It would take a lot more than a backyard lawnmower accident to keep this guy out of the turkey woods, spring or fall. Thanks also to Gerry B. for remembering that there are more things to hunt in the fall of the year than those stinky old deer.
Great to see you are getting out Ray! Great story and keep mending.
Mike S.
The turkey woods just wouldn't be the same without the inimitable Ray Eye. Good to see he's back on track and has started out with a bang!
It was very admirable for Mr. Eye, under such adverse circumstances, to make such an effort to try to make this a fair fight. Anyone who's hunted with Ray knows that he could have called that bird from the blacktop road while seated comfortably in his truck!
The return of the almost extinct Ray Eye is equivalent to the return of his favorite game animal, the wild turkey. No hype or movie star here. Ray Eye is teh real deal, the hunting man's man. He's done more for the hunting industry and teaching people how to hunt than most people could ever dream about. Welcome back Ray!
Bill C.
Ray,
Good to see out and about. Fitting that your first hunt back was the boyhood haunts of Johnson Mountain. Even more amazing that birds cooperated in making a miserable looking day, into a successful adventure.
Nothing more beautiful and ugly at the same time as wet turkey... and they smell good too. Yikes!!
Gary J
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Ray,
Good to see out and about. Fitting that your first hunt back was the boyhood haunts of Johnson Mountain. Even more amazing that birds cooperated in making a miserable looking day, into a successful adventure.
Nothing more beautiful and ugly at the same time as wet turkey... and they smell good too. Yikes!!
Gary J
The return of the almost extinct Ray Eye is equivalent to the return of his favorite game animal, the wild turkey. No hype or movie star here. Ray Eye is teh real deal, the hunting man's man. He's done more for the hunting industry and teaching people how to hunt than most people could ever dream about. Welcome back Ray!
Bill C.
It was very admirable for Mr. Eye, under such adverse circumstances, to make such an effort to try to make this a fair fight. Anyone who's hunted with Ray knows that he could have called that bird from the blacktop road while seated comfortably in his truck!
The turkey woods just wouldn't be the same without the inimitable Ray Eye. Good to see he's back on track and has started out with a bang!
Great to see you are getting out Ray! Great story and keep mending.
Mike S.
Not a bit of surprise from this corner. The only thing Ray likes more than chasing turkeys is eating. It would take a lot more than a backyard lawnmower accident to keep this guy out of the turkey woods, spring or fall. Thanks also to Gerry B. for remembering that there are more things to hunt in the fall of the year than those stinky old deer.
ray eye kicks ass!! one show-me-boy to another. he is a true gentleman!! i've spoke with mr.eye at length at several turkey show's, he treated my buddies& i the same as his friends/other pro's!!! alot of fella's who make the BIG TIME sometimes swell up above the shoulders!! not ray eye!! enough of this typin, i'm goin BOWHUNTIN!!!! the rut is about to explode here in w. central missouri.
Ray, It's great to hear and see that you're back in the woods, and, what a way to start off! That's a beautiful fall Tom. The story and pictures are both great. You've inspired me to pick up the calls and give the fall birds a shot tomorrow.
Congradulations Raymond, what a fine turkey, but the photo's and story are awsome! Really enjoy your stories and photos!! Glad you are getting some strength back! You'll be doing those wind sprints in know time. Can I borrow Peanut, I think she is the real secret behind your turkey success. On serious note, those who don't go out and fall turkey hunt, don't know what they are missing! Your pictures point that out. Great job!!!
Glad to hear that you're back on your feet. Now you can come back and hunt with my dad and I. I didn't get a chance to use all of your things in Colorado being as we couldn't find the herd. Thanks for letting paps and i borrow it though.
It's great to hear that Ray is back in his beloved turkey woods! Anyone who has had the honor of sharing a hunting camp with "Uncle Ray" knows what a great, fun-loving, down-to-earth guy he really is -- not to mention that there's not a better turkey hunter around!! Kudos also to Outdoor Life for bringing us Ray's fantastic "comeback story" online!
Jimmy & Joe Harper
the woods would be a little colder and darker if the infamous Ray Eye was not able to chase turkeys.He is a good man and great hunter thanks for running the article.Yes it is true you can kill big gobblers in the fall
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)