Buffalo Springs Outfitters

Last week, I paid a visit to Buffalo Springs Outfitters in Gallatin Missouri to chase big Missouri Toms and do an inspection report for Outdoor Connection. Judd Whitefield has a great operation at Buffalo Springs and while I did not get a turkey, I do have one of the better equipment failure stories of all time:

I was met by owner, Judd Whitefield, at the Kansas City International Airport for the 90 minute ride out to Buffalo Spings. We made a quick stop at Walmart on the way to pick up my Missouri over the counter non-resident turkey permit. The next morning, I was met at 4:30 by head guide, Bob Peetom. He told me he expected a quick hunt as he had roosted a big tom the evening before. We snuck thru a pasture and set up about 100 yards aways from a hillside overlooking the creek where Bob expected the big boy was snoozing. As the morning was turning light gray and the birds were singing, one tree yelp from Bob elicited not a gobble but a roar from the bird. He quickly flew down and marched into our decoy set where he was determined to beat up our gobbler decoy. He had a paint brush for a bear, big spurs and was standing about 17 yards away. I slowly sighted down the barrel of my gun and was just about to pull the trigger when the lens of my glasses fell out! I went from “focused” to “blind” just like that. I whispered to Bob: “I can’t see him!”. He whispered back: “What the heck you mean you can’t see him? He’s right there!” With that, the tom did his Roadrunner imitation and was gone. Bob turned to me wide eyed and with a question mark in his eyes. I slowly put my finger through the opening in my glasse’s frame and he understood. We both burst out laughing. This trip proved that you don’t have to kill a turkey to have a good time. Over 3 days, Bob and I roosted, yelped, cackled, fighting purred, and gobbled at multiple Toms over the leases that Buffalo Springs controls. I had several opportunities to take a Jake or a smaller Tom but that is not what I was looking for. I never got the big one but I had a great time. This place has got turkeys and some big ones. I saw several Toms weighing in excess over 25 lbs. and one pushing 30. Their lodge is small but immaculate and the food wasl outstanding. Judd has a real eye for detail and wants you to be as comfortable as possible. I’ll definitely be back!