Tuesday, May 5, 2009

In Time…

by Barry F. Yancosek, Pennsylvania Native


Slowly the gobbler continued up the faint grass trail, cautiously stepping his way towards the decoys.  The extended standoff with our arsenal of calls was over and the Tom was finally committed.  I watched Joshua clench his shotgun a little tighter and on my cue he slowly moved his gun to the left.


Another spring gobbler season was upon me, and this time it’s the one I’ve been waiting my whole adult life for.  My oldest son Joshua, 9 years old, was sitting beside me watching my every move.


It was still well before fly-down and the gobbles were picking up in two different locations, the closest being just down the valley from us on a neighboring farm.  This was the first time we were on this farm so I wasn’t sure what to expect since I only received permission to hunt the day before and had no time to scout.  It was Kentucky’s youth season, and we were ready as can be to match skills with our adversary.


I slipped into the field and set the decoys among the dew-covered grass.  I looked back and saw Joshua darkly nestled into the trees.  The joy of experiencing this with him was overwhelming, and soon filled my mind with past hunts with my Dad especially my first gobbler hunt when I was 12 years old.


Growing up and hunting the Alleghany Mountains of Pennsylvania is completely different than stalking the open fields in central Kentucky.  We only had permission to hunt the 200 acre farm we were on, so running and gunning wasn’t an option.  We were going to make a stand right there along side the gently sloping field, and wait it out.


The gobbles quickened, and soon we heard beating wings and fly-down cackles below us.  The gobbles were fainter and sounded farther into the valley.  I stepped up the pace of calling and was rewarded every time with a reassuring gobble.  I tried to explain to Joshua the picture in my mind of the bird lighting into the valley and then picking his way back up the long ridge towards us.  I stated why the gobbles sounded farther and more “hollow”, “the bird is now on the ground and starting his way to us.”


We could tell he was getting closer and we were getting more excited by the minute.  We caught movement to our right and a hen broke into the field heading to the decoys.  At one point, she was only 20 feet from the end of Joshua’s gun, walking among her new foam friends.


Another gobble brought our eyes back left, and the black silhouette of a strutting gobbler was 300 yards below us in the field as if magically appearing.  He gobbled non-stop wanting his new-found harem to come to him.  I purred one time with a soft yelp, and the hen started cutting.  She cut non-stop for 5 minutes among the decoys.  The gobbler never moved.  I didn’t dare call any more as I was afraid the hen would pick us out and the game would be over.  So, we waited until she started towards the strutting gobbler.  When she was 80 yards from us, I stated cutting and brought out all our calls.  She answered right back but continued to meet the urging gobbler.  He wouldn’t move.


I tried some contentment calls hoping to change his mind, but nothing was bringing him closer to the waiting shotgun.  The standoff was getting old, and I was beginning to wonder what else we could do when I remembered a past hunt similar to this one.  Do nothing.  Just wait.  The gobbler was hearing our calls, and he could see the decoys.  It was time to stop calling and just watch.  We couldn’t move without being seen, so to stop calling seemed like our best option.


After what seemed an eternity of silence, the gobbler dropped out of strut and moved a little closer.  We stayed silent.  The sun was rising behind the gobbler highlighting the different bands of feathers in his tail.  His head was like a light bulb in the dark as he continued towards us strutting each step.  The hen was following right behind him.


200 yards, 100 yards, constant gobbles.  I started praying the stars would align and the gobbler would “step” in front of Joshua’s gun.  When he was 100 yards, out I noticed a broken branch that I didn’t think much about during our long pre-dawn wait.  The branch was now just off the end of his barrel and obstructing his view.  “No!  How could I miss that big branch?”


The gobbler was only 50 yards and closing with each measured step.  I was whispering into Joshua’s ear trying to keep him calm while wishing my Dad was there whispering into mine.



On cue Joshua took off the safety, and when the gobbler was 30 yards away, I whispered for him to shoot.  He whispered back the branch was blocking his shot.  His grip tightened as he slowly moved his gun to the left.  “Take him, take him” I whispered.  Unfortunately the gobbler saw us move.  Alarm putting, he quickly retreated as Joshua feigned left the shotgun roared.


“Did I get him?” Joshua asked.  I swallowed hard as I watched the birds fly into the valley.  “No son you shot over him” I replied.  My stomach hit my throat, and I couldn’t find the words.  I looked down into the disappointed eyes and could feel his misery.  We’ve all been there and experienced that same sick feeling that haunts us for days.


I explained to him that the bird saw me move and started his quick retreat before he was ready to shoot.  It wasn’t his fault it was mine.  The branch, which I should have paid more attention to, was now sticking out like a mallard among geese.  I felt like jumping on it but decided being calm was a better choice.


I tried to state, maybe even plead, in how successful the hunt was and how unlikely it was that we got the bird to cover all that ground leading a hen.  We sat down and talked about what we did right and what we did wrong with plenty of each to discuss.  However, no amount of “talking” could take away the disappointment of a first time hunter missing a gobbler the first time hunting.  I assured Joshua that we will take the lessons learned from this hunt into the next hunt and it gives us a bigger tool bag to use when chasing the gobblers next time.



We just sat there and watched the sun break over the trees.  Not a cloud in the sky, and the cool morning air was refreshing.  My mind drifted back to that hunt with my Dad where that gobbler wouldn’t come in either.  Eventually he did, and I missed him point blank at 30 yards.  I remembered that feeling of frustration so I relayed the same message to Joshua that my Dad did to me, “It’s OK to miss, that’s part of it.  In time son, in time…”

Monday, May 4, 2009

Merriam Madness






By Don Ott, Sportsmen Portal Field Staff
I received a phone call from Jason Say asking if I would be available to film Arianna's Hunt of a Lifetime. There would be a possibility I may have the opportunity to hunt Merriams in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It took no time for me to answer "Yes." I hung up the phone and got online and ordered my Non-resident license and broke out my credit card. My tag cost only $85.00.  I never dreamt that I would get to use it. Our main focus would be to get Arianna on film with her Merriam first, then possibly Jason. Being and avid turkey hunter I know the challenge we were about to face.  All in one week, that's a tall order.

Jason and I set out on public ground with the mindset that due to not being familiar with the area and having 8 to 10 inches of snow we would put on as many miles and cover as much terrain in an attempt to locate a few birds. In our course of travel we cut 5 sets of turkey tracks. Four of which were gobbler and one lonely hen track. I was thinking, "boy this doesn't look too promising!" Although I did see three of the four gobblers. But like all weary birds they saw me as soon as I saw them and the "turkey scurry" commenced.


south-dakota-084444441The Black Hills of South Dakota is very rocky with tall stands of Ponderosa Pines, not providing much ground cover. I decided to hunt above a peak of jagged rock that jetted out from the hillside on a bench that overlooked a mountain meadow. Earlier that morning, Jason and I watched 19 birds; two long beards, 8 jakes and 9 hens descend down the jagged rock point into the meadow below. They would respond to our calls, but had only one thing in mind. Getting to the food source.  The snow was melting and the meadow was green.


I know we heard two dozen gobblers as the darkness faded and turned into daylight. But all we could do was sit and watch. I peered over my shoulder at Jason and stated, "it wasn't going to happen". This wasn't something Jason was used to hearing. I think in a four day period I must of told him that a dozen times. He didn't understand why and would respond with "Then let's move and make it happen!" I would give him a look, shake my head and laugh. This time I stated, "You just can't move when you have birds all around us and birds at 60 yards. We need to sit still; wait until they descend further down the mountain . We can depart and set up a make-shift blind. Then maybe we can work some magic!"  We both agreed a blind needed to be built.


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We erected a blind from downed timber and some pine limbs. Set out a hen and jake decoy 30 yards behind us up the hill. Hoping to have a bird focus on the decoys allowing Jason to get the camera ready. We no sooner got in the blind when I gave out a few series of yelps and purrs with my "Joanie Haidle Beard Bustin' call" and one gobbled some 200 yards below. I called again and he cut me off. I looked at Jason and told him he was coming and to get ready.


One hour later, I see not one, but 8 gobblers strutting and chasing each other while calling violently to my calls. Finally with a few soft purrs, the birds turn and start our way. Approximately 25 minutes lapses and I hear wing beats and foot steps. Just some 30 yards below the point a big mature gobbler flies up into a tree and peers up toward our blind. He was attempting to see the hen that has been calling. I thought my heart would pound out of my chest!


At this point, Jason is getting tired of sitting and wants to move. I stated, "What? You can't move! They will bust us again and it's over!"  I slowly bent forward to pick up my glass call and coming around the big rock 40 yards out was a mature gobbler. He sees something he didn't like and turned to run. I stated to Jason, "To your right! Do you have the camera on him? I'm gonna have to take him!"  I shot and crushed the bird!  I couldn't believe I had just harvested a beautiful Merriam on the last day we could hunt.


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Jason will tell you he is a novice turkey hunter. After 35 years of hunting birds, I still consider myself to be a novice. Because every bird is different and I'm still learning.



In Jason's defense, yes, we did get busted more times then we want to admit. But we really didn't have time to conceal our setups due to running and gunning, and having so much success with our calling.
Best advice, patience and concealment. What a magnificient hunt!

Arianna's Hunt Of A Lifetime

Several months ago the Sportsmen Portal team began a journey with a very special little girl that ended in success this past week. I am happy to report, Arianna Evans had the experience of a lifetime and came home from South Dakota with a beautiful Merriam turkey and more importantly, memories that will last her and her family a lifetime.


The Whole Crew at the beginning of our journey
We began our 24 hour trip to South Dakota last weekend with the entire Evans family, myself, Field Staffer Don Ott, and Gabe Deloach, a cameraman filming a documentary about the Hunt of A Lifetime organization. The trip began with the usual excitement as everyone was anxious to arrive at our final destination, Custer, South Dakota.


What a smile!
The Sportsmen Portal team was responsible this year for raising all the money needed to send Arianna on her dream hunt, and all proceeds were donated directly to the Hunt of A Lifetime organization. We would be tagging along on this trip to film Arianna during her hunt. With Arianna’s health, we knew that she would only be able to hunt a couple of hours each day, so Hunt of A Lifetime made arrangements with their representatives in Custer to show the Evans family the sights of South Dakota each day after Arianna’s hunt.
I have never been to South Dakota and I can say that it is by far the most beautiful state I have ever visited. From the Badlands to the Blackhills, the sights are breathtaking with the rolling hills to the steep rock cliffs. I should also mention, when we left Pennsylvania it was 81 degrees and when we arrived in Custer, South Dakota, there was 10 inches of snow with temps in the 20’s.


The Badlands
There are so many things about this trip that I want to talk about, but I am afraid I would be writing a novel instead of a journal entry. However, one thing I have to discuss is the main reason we were there, Arianna. This is the first time that I have had an opportunity to really spend time with her and I honestly believe that there is something extraordinary about this little girl. The most striking characteristic of Arianna is her genuine compassion and consideration for other people. She is so alert and cognizant of everything going on around her and her only concerns seem to be for other people and their feelings. You would think that someone who is as sick as Arianna, that she would tend to think mostly of herself, and that is not the case with Arianna. An example of this was when we were on our way to South Dakota, the family requested to stop at Cabela’s, as this is one of Arianna’s favorite places to visit. Of course we complied, but if anyone knows me, they know that I am very organized and always have a timeline with an itinerary. This trip was no different and we were beginning to fall way behind schedule. I didn’t say anything to anyone and while in Cabela’s I had the opportunity to push Arianna in her wheelchair and we were all by ourselves on our way to Whitetail Country and she looked up at me and said, “Jason, I am sorry we are running late, I hope you aren’t mad.” At that moment it really put things into perspective for me and I realized that I needed to take a deep breath and enjoy this trip for what it was. I said, “Arianna, don’t you be sorry, we can stay here as long as you want and do whatever you want.” How did she know that I was anxious to get going? I am not real sure, she somehow sensed it, but from that point on there was only one thing on my mind and that was making this little girl happy.
All in all it was a very good trip, but Arianna did get sick near the end of the trip. On Sunday night, she emphatically explained to all of us the she WOULD BE hunting on Monday. We arrived in Custer, South Dakota on Sunday evening and we would be hunting on Monday. The plan was to go see the area, set up the blinds, pick up Arianna and hunt Monday afternoon.
Hunt of A Lifetime made all the arrangements and where we would be hunting. We arrived at the small horse farm within the Crazy Horse park. We would be setting up near the farm where the turkeys appear everyday, and when I say turkeys, I mean large numbers of turkeys.


Arianna in the blind ready to go!


This is what we were greeted by each day, Crazy Horse
Monday afternoon was relatively uneventful, with many birds around, but just not willing to come in. It seemed as if the weather had made the birds unreceptive to calls and the presence of so many hens didn't make it any easier. I am sure the turkeys didn't like our blinds all that much either. Arianna was a trooper and stuck it out for 3 hours, but just got too cold. She was very excited for the next morning.


The one good thing about the snow was finding the turkeys
Tuesday morning Arianna greeted us with a smile at 4:30 am and ready to go hunting. The morning hunt started with the most vocalization of turkeys I have ever experienced. The woods exploded with gobbles and yelps before they flew down from the roost. It was more of the same, similar to the day before, with lots of birds around, but not willing to come by the blinds. It was very cold on Tuesday and Arianna stuck it out for a couple of hours, but then she was ready to head in. We moved the blinds to a different location in hopes of getting a little closer to those longbeards on Wednesday.
I should mention that each day after Arianna's hunt, the Hunt of A Lifetime representatives had things for her to do including, Mount Rushmore, visit the top of Crazy Horse, Bear Country, and much more. It was always fun to have dinner with the Evans family each night and have Arriana excitedly describe all the things she had done and seen each day.


My favorite photo from our trip
On Wednesday Arianna wasn't feeling well, but yet she was still there to meet and greet us with that warm smile at 4:30 am. We could all tell she was not herself, but she insisted on going hunting and we weren't going to stop her. We had turkeys all around first thing in the morning with a nice gobbler at 18 yards, but when it came time for Arianna to shoot, she broke down and didn't want to pull the trigger. Whether it was a combination of her not feeling well, a bad case of turkey fever, I am not real sure. Like I said before, Arianna is so concerned with those she loves and making them happy that I believe the most important thing to her is simply spending time in the outdoors and spending time with her father.
So after an emotional morning, we had a long talk with Arianna and explained to her, that this is her hunt of a lifetime and it can be whatever she wants it to be. We explained to her that we have all been there as kids that first time you harvest an animal and how emotional it can make you. I also explained that if she just wants to come out and watch turkeys that is ok. She explained to me that she did want to take a turkey home, but she didn't want to shoot it. She also expressed how much she loves to be outside with her dad. So I asked, "Arianna, is your hunt of a lifetime simply hunting with your dad?" I think you all know what the answer was, "Yes". So the decision was made that for the remainder of the trip when a gobbler came in range, we would ask Arianna what she wanted to do.
Unfortunately the day didn't get much better as Arianna ended up getting very sick with a high fever and had to spend much of the evening in the emergency room. We were obviously very concerned, first and foremost, for Arianna and her health with the possible reality that she may not get back out hunting. We knew she wouldn't be able to hunt Thursday and probably not Friday either.
We all met Thursday night for dinner and you could tell that Arianna was still very sick as she sat beside me the entire dinner just laying her head on me. I could feel the heat radiating from her as her fever still had not broken. We were sitting around discussing the possible scenarios for the last morning hunt and one was that Arianna may not be able to go. She sat up and looked at all of us and said, "I am going hunting in the morning!", then laid her head back down. I looked at her parents and they said, "If she says she is going to do something, she is going to do it." I said, "Alright then, we have one more chance to get it done, we will see you at 4:30 am." Upon leaving, I still wasn't convinced that she would be able to go, but I was hoping for the best.
At 4:30 we went to pick everyone up and sure enough, there she was, greeting us with that beautiful smile, ready to go hunting. I couldn't believe it. Her temperature had broken during the night and you could see she was feeling much better. There was a certain feeling in the air, with no pressure on anyone, but just another time in the woods with friends and family in a land that none of us ever imagined we would be hunting in.
The other aspect of this day was three members from the Evans family, Bill, Laura and son Tanner, would be hunting with Arianna around the farm. Myself and Bill would be in the blind with Arriana, Tanner would be with field staffer Don Ott and Laura would be with Hunt of A Lifetime representative Frank Schmidt spread out across the hillside. With Arianna's conditions and other young siblings it is impossible for the entire family to ever spend time in the woods together, so this was a special day for all of them.


On the last day of the hunt we were greeted with an additional 5 inches of snow. It was cold, but it sure was pretty.
We had received an additional 5 inches of snow the night before, so it seemed to really shut the birds down in the morning. There wasn't near the chatter as in days past and I was really concerned that possibly the birds had moved out. Soon however we would hear a few distant gobbles and yelps on the hillside directly above us. It wasn't long before we had some hens pass by and then we could see three bigger birds making their way down the hill. We all knew immediately they were gobblers and Bill asked Arriana very calmly what she wanted to do and she replied, "You shoot it daddy!". Bill raised his gun very slowly as the bird was coming in fast. Then like most times, the bird hung up about at about 50 yards. Soon however, he made up his mind to move through and Bill laid the hammer down on a beautiful Merriam turkey.
I immediately explained to Arianna that she had just got her Merriam turkey and forever that would be her bird. I explained that the easy part is pulling the trigger, the hard part is all the things that she did, getting up every morning at 4:00 am, sitting so still, being so quiet are all the things that it takes to be a great turkey hunter and she had just done it. I wish everyone could have seen the smile on her face knowing that she accomplished what she came to do. And maybe it wasn't exactly the way that I had envisioned or anyone else, but it truly was HER Hunt of A Lifetime.


Arianna was very excited and happy to get her Merriam turkey!
Soon the family members who all heard the shot came running to see Arriana's turkey. The day was a beautiful day with a brand new layer of powder snow covering the area and the entire family being there to share this day with their special little girl. Whether Arianna realized it or not, she once again gave more happiness to everyone around her than she could possibly imagine.


Arianna with her dad and her Merriam turkey
Of course, I was the one to get a little emotional, but I know that it meant so much to all of us at the Sportsmen Portal to give something special to this little girl who means so much to so many people. To all those involved in this day including the people who purchased raffle tickets, those who pitched in and sold tickets, those who donated cash and companies who donated prizes you should all be very proud of what you have done. I can assure you all that you have made one little girl very happy.


This photo speaks for itself


Me with the Evans Family
I would personally like to thank Arianna for touching me in such a special way and allowing me to share in such a wonderful experience. We truly did have a hunt of a lifetime!


Myself and Field Staffer Don Ott with Arianna, her dad and her turkey

Great Faces Great Places

By Don Ott, Sportsmen Portal Field Staff
I had the extreme pleasure of accompanying Arianna Evans and her wonderful family and Jason Say on a Hunt of a Lifetime to capture a Miriam turkey in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.


I was a mere 18 years of age when I was given orders to do a tour of duty in Ellsworth Air Force Base Rapid City South Dakota. That was some 31 years ago.  I was intrigued then and could definitely appreciate the beauty of this state even more watching the smiles of those that are experiencing it for the first time. I can't think of a better reunion then to have shared it with an angel like Arianna Evans. Her cries of joy, applause of bewilderment and her hugs of fulfillment tell a story as beautiful as the sites we encountered.  I would like to thank all the people that were involved in making this little girls dream come true!


I'll let the pictures paint the story!


I don't know if we have enough gear????...


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Jason's wonderful parents, Carl & Karona can't believe their eyes.south-dakota-025


Hey maybe we should take the dog?


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The "Dew" Crew...


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Jason PRIOR to 2800 miles.


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Scenic South Dakota 28 degrees.


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"Look girls...Tourists!"


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Whitetail deer everywhere!


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One of many beautiful art displays.


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How cool is that?


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Jason studying the track...which way did he go? Which way did he go??


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One of our set-ups for Arianna.


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A meeting of the minds...Frank and Jason.


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Beautiful South Dakota.


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"Crazy Horse" a piece of History.


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Arianna ready to spend the day with Daddy in her blind.


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Arianna taking in the beauty of her set-up.


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I was filming the entrance of Crazy Horse when a voice sounds out. When I peer around my lens, I almost fell over...it's Brenda Valentine, the First lady of Hunting! What's the chance of that.south-dakota-116


Jason dropped his card as he was running for the vehicle!


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I suggested to Jason to find a high point to call from...he asked "Will this do?"south-dakota-127


The Angel and her Guardian.


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Jason and his beautiful Miriam in the snow.


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Arianna awaiting dinner as Jason embraces her.


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Arianna partaking in dinner.


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Arianna cherishing the moment with Jason and I.


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Attempting to display the beautiful colors of my beautiful Black Hills Miriam turkey.


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My magnificient thunder chicken.


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This is the kind of terrain we were hunting.


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Beautiful sky.


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Arianna and her dad enjoying her bird.


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Arianna, Bill and Frank celebrating.


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Arianna, Bill, Jason and I celebrating.


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Arianna, Bill and Paul.


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Paul flying a flag on a round-up.


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Paul lives at Crazy Horse and afforded the opportunity for Arianna to live her dream.


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breath taking Badlands.


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Below...Jason "hit a wall."


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If we only knew what was in-store at the end of the 336 miles.


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In PA, we call Potter County, "God's Country". South Dakota is definitely one step closer.


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