Turkey - Live or Die

[tlbradford]

I was just interested in seeing how everyone targets turkeys.  In case you guys are wondering 1/2" spurs.

[SpokaneSlayer]

Seeing that I am bowhunting this year, I'd stick him in a hearbeat if he was in range. 

[CP]

 

[deaddog]

Never shot a turkey before, Im hoping to hunt them this year, if anyone knows where a FNG to turkey can hunt, let me know. thanks in advance. Oh yea please P.M. with any ideas so as not to clutter up the poll.

[cabin308]

If it was okay to hunt that other side of the fence I'd take him.  That's been my luck this year...they seem to know which side of the fence is safe for them.   

[OneHorn]

i think anyone who wouldnt shoot it is nuts. IMO any mature turkey is awarding because you are testing your skills,playing his game, and proving that you have what it takes to harvest such a beautiful animal.

[strutnrut1984]

hes a taker in my book.

[boneaddict]

I wouldn't because it looks like a canned high fence hunt.    (I'm kidding of course)

[jackelope]

shooter bird for me...i'd saw that joker's head off like waddell.

what would make him too small for somebody? just curious. looks like a nice beard with a full fan.

[tlbradford]

I put in for the too small vote.  I have seen several turkeys in that area that push the 10" mark on beards and I know that is what that particular area is capable of producing.  Maybe local knowledge sways my vote.

Since a bird only equals one meal, I am not worried about filling my freezer.  My belief is to let the jakes and two year old birds walk, so I have more of the big boys to chase around.

Onehorn, I have battled really old and wise birds that can't be patterned, or do something totally out of the ordinary, that will literally drive you crazy for half the season.  Targeting those stringy-bearded, stinky old toms is very addicting and so very rewarding if you win.  That is the fun part for me.  So "crazy" is probably an appropriate term.   

Jackelope - I am guessing that is about a 6" beard so I want something bigger to tack on the garage wall.

[bearpaw]

Love is in the eyes of the beholder........

[SpokaneSlayer]

I can respect that.  I passed on 7 birds last year before filling my tag on May 30th.  Had a 9 1/2" beard and 1 1/4" spurs that were hooked and wicked sharp.  The area I'm hunting has a tom that is probably pushing the 10" mark.  I'd love to get him, but I won't pass on a lesser tom.  So far I'm going to let jakes walk.

[MuleySniper]

I have enough turks under my belt now so I voted "depends on how many days left in the season" If I were hunting with my bow, Id shoot him no question but now days might have to pass with the shotty. Great looking bird though! I have some pics of some birds we saw this year I'll post up later to see what you guys think.
MS

[Intruder]

The whole beard length arguement can get a guy wrapped around the axle.  Seen a fair number of 2 year olds w/ long 9-10+" beards.  Seen a handful of 3s with 8-9" beards.  Spur length is a truer measure of maturaty and age.  Beards break off, get worn off, etc.   

If I could call him in... he'd likley get it.  I wouldn't be trying to guage his trophy status based on his beard.  I would always pass on a Jake but it's just too tough to know for sure what you're dealing with just looking at a beard.  Without seeing him next to a bigger bird or seein his spurs ya just don't know.

[jackelope]

If I could call him in... he'd likley get it.  I wouldn't be trying to guage is trophy status based on his beard.  I would always pass on a Jake but it's just too tough to know for sure what you're dealing with just looking at a beard.  Without seeing him next to a bigger bird or seein his spurs ya just don't know.

kinda what i was getting at.