Turkey hunting rules question

[Dan-o]

So, I'm reading thru the turkey hunting pamphlet for a refresher.
If I read this correctly, I'd need to take turkey carcasses all the way home?
(I can't just take the breasts and drum sticks and leave the carcass in the woods?)

Is this true?
Here's the text from the pamphlet:

It is illegal to possess in the field or transport wild
turkey unless the fully feathered head and beard, if
present at harvest, are left attached to the carcass.

[Russ McDonald]

Looks like they changed it from last couple years and as usual confusing.  I have always had the head and beard when bringing a bird home.  I will have to ask

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[Russ McDonald]

The way it does read is you have to transport the carcass to.  Again that would seem stupid because I am thinking unless you hunt harvest and go straight home that works but it doesn't for those that spend a couple days out in the woods and are 6 hours from where you hunt to home.  We are doing our annual our annual turkey camp for first time turkey hunters first part of May and it is 3 days long.  A carcass is going to take up a lot more room in someone's cooler.

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[CaNINE]

And what does the exclusion statement of “if present at harvest” supposed to mean? 

[syoungs]

And what does the exclusion statement of “if present at harvest” supposed to mean?

Pretty sure thats saying if the bird had a beard, or a head, at the time of harvest then it needs to stay with it. isnt that clear as mud? 

[MeepDog]

And what does the exclusion statement of “if present at harvest” supposed to mean?

During the fall season you can shoot hens. The beard wouldnt be present on those birds so it's hard to take it with you.

[Russ McDonald]

What they took out is the wording after processing.  I have some connections that have already passed this up to get clarification, but I would imagine that, like the previous versions of this, which was called proof of sex is going to be open to interpretation by LE.

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[Stein]

What do you do if you blow the head off? 

It also reads like you can't let the meat leave your house after you process it, illegal transport of a snack stick?

[birddogdad]

when i travel around , i try to keep carcass whole. i bring a cooler specifically for birds... found dry ice is better than bagged ice but either works... i gut, hang to dry insides and then put on ice until home... tags attached and to date never been an issue that way but i get the confusion. Spring being toms makes this problematic if you dont save carcass.. other harvests have similar, Elk bits attached to quarter, salmon carcass to prove length ect... i guess what i am saying is put your feet in warden shoes and dont give them any reason to suspect poaching or nefarious intentions...

[Dan-o]

Thanks all.

I've always breasted and taken legs in the field.   I take the fan and the beard as well (proof of sex that ends up on my garage wall).    Leave the rest. 

I don't really need any extra turkey carcasses when I get home. 

[HikerHunter]

I've taken nearly all my turkeys home whole. My go-to is to gut in the field, then shove a frozen water bottle in the cavity and swap out as necessary. That's a much smaller cooler than for whole birds. But I'm usually doing day or single night trips.

[birddogdad]

Thanks all.

I've always breasted and taken legs in the field.   I take the fan and the beard as well (proof of sex that ends up on my garage wall).    Leave the rest. 

I don't really need any extra turkey carcasses when I get home.

ill take all the wings!!!!!

[Dan-o]

Thanks all.

I've always breasted and taken legs in the field.   I take the fan and the beard as well (proof of sex that ends up on my garage wall).    Leave the rest. 

I don't really need any extra turkey carcasses when I get home.

I'd argue that you do. Rub carcass with avocado  or olive oil, season to taste then place carcass on a sheet tray or in a big Dutch oven with some onions and carrots and roast at 400° for 30 or 40 minutes until starting to crisp up a bit. Then transfer everything into a big pot or same dutch oven and add garlic, thyme, rosemary, some peppercorns, and whatever other aromatics you like and simmer on low with lid on, adding liquid as needed for a good long while. Pick that carcass clean for your post stock making snack. Strain off all the solids and you've got an incredible stock for that turkey noodle soup you know have to make with those turkey legs

Thank you, sir.
This is DEFINITELY happening to some turkeys next month.

[Dan-o]

Thanks all.

I've always breasted and taken legs in the field.   I take the fan and the beard as well (proof of sex that ends up on my garage wall).    Leave the rest. 

I don't really need any extra turkey carcasses when I get home.

ill take all the wings!!!!!

Sorry I wasn't accurate in my original post.
I've never left a wing in the field.
All of mine get sent to Treekiller, but if he ever cries uncle I'll be glad to send them to you.   

[birddogdad]

Thanks all.

I've always breasted and taken legs in the field.   I take the fan and the beard as well (proof of sex that ends up on my garage wall).    Leave the rest. 

I don't really need any extra turkey carcasses when I get home.

ill take all the wings!!!!!

Sorry I wasn't accurate in my original post.
I've never left a wing in the field.
All of mine get sent to Treekiller, but if he ever cries uncle I'll be glad to send them to you.   

yeah i clip primaries and ship down to Ron