Turkey - Live or Die

[tlbradford]

Modified to let everyone know the spurs were around a 1/2".  I agree with you on the beard being secondary to spurs.  I tend to believe the oldest birds have the wispy long beards and long spurs, while the healthy prime birds have a nice paintbrush.

I also think size is a poor way to measure the trophy status of a bird.  I think weight should be pulled out of the NWTF equation.

[OneHorn]

i agree with Intruder. and as far as spurs go, alot of washington birds arent going to have big spurs mainly because of how rocky our terrain is the spurs get worn down. Im not saying that there arent birds that dont have big spurs around here but you are more likely to kill a 2-3 year old bird that doesnt have very good spurs but may have a nice beard. just my 

[tlbradford]

I disagree on the spur wear.  I have killed or seen dead birds taken from areas with rocky terrain that have long, sharp spurs.  Again, I want to put the disclaimer on here that this may not apply to all areas it is just my experience.

[DOUBLELUNG]

I killum dead.  I've passed on jakes before, I've also killed them.  I think it's great we all have different passions. 

To me, elk are meat animals - I'd love to kill a big ol' stinky, but if it's not my dream shoulder mount bull, I've several times passed on branched bulls to take a spike or cow (WY, not WA). 

Now, mule deer ... I can pass up 100 bucks on a rifle hunt (or enjoy a great kill shot on a doe with my bow). 

Sorry to threadjack - daydreaming at my 'puter again.

[OneHorn]

I disagree on the spur wear.  I have killed or seen dead birds taken from areas with rocky terrain that have long, sharp spurs.  Again, I want to put the disclaimer on here that this may not apply to all areas it is just my experience.

Like i said there are birds out there that are in rocky terrian that do get long spurs. my dad has killed some birds with big ol spurs in rocky country but most birds that i have killed and seen killed dont have to good of spurs do to the rocky country washington has to offer us.

[MuleySniper]

Staying on the topic, what about this guy? Who would shoot him? I'll almost guarantee his spurs are not any longer than 3/4" but I think his beard is pretty impressive. Personally, I would rather have a long thick beard and 1/2" spurs over a bird with a thin, beat up beard and over inch long spurs any day. Typically, if an old toms beard is all beat up from fighting, his tail fan is gonna match.

[tlbradford]

Yeah, I would shoot him in a second.  I don't need both, just one or the other.  As far as tail fans go, I only use them to put on my decoys.

[wastickslinger]

Sniper, the three of us looked at that bird for 10 minutes and none of us noticed he has a second beard!! I just noticed it in that picture you posted. Thats cool!! Too bad our tags were all notched.

[buck470]

  still packing 2 unnotched tags though??

[Intruder]

Mulesnyper....
Luv that paint brush beard.... Bang! for me 

[Intruder]

I disagree on the spur wear.  I have killed or seen dead birds taken from areas with rocky terrain that have long, sharp spurs.  Again, I want to put the disclaimer on here that this may not apply to all areas it is just my experience.

I agree.  It can happen but wear on a beard is far more likely than wear on spurs.  I also agree with you on the weight.  Total BS in a lot of areas cuz the monster birds literally live in barn yards and get fat eatin chicken and cow feed.

[MuleySniper]

Sniper, the three of us looked at that bird for 10 minutes and none of us noticed he has a second beard!! I just noticed it in that picture you posted. Thats cool!! Too bad our tags were all notched.

Yeah, sticks out like a sore thumb now!
MS

[Mookie]

I don't care about trophy's, I have no plans on ever putting an animal on my wall. So it is all about the meat. Old birds are not nearly as good tasting, or as easy to eat.

[wastickslinger]

I don't care about trophy's, I have no plans on ever putting an animal on my wall. So it is all about the meat. Old birds are not nearly as good tasting, or as easy to eat.

Dont get me wrong, I love wild game, but turkey just cant be all about the meat. For the average person it ends up being like $15-20 per lb. If it were all about the meat I would buy a big fat juicy butterball at Safeway.  It doesnt have to be a trophy for me, its all about the hunt/rush of a gobble back at your calls.

[270Shooter]