Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Howdy. Informal poll/discussion... Comments welcomed.

In a state that allows it, would you harvest a jake or pass and wait for a tom? Let's say it is public land and you only have a couple of days to hunt... One tag only.

Ready? Set? DISCUSS!

Dave

:turkey2:

 Pass.  I'm not that hard up for turkey breast.

I pass jakes but I would not look down on someone who chose to get one if it made them happy...

I would like to think I would pass but I have never gotten one and the temptation might be to much. If only they made jakes of peanut butter, then they would be easy to pass on.

Wait on a longbeard!

I personally would not. If someone else wants to then that's their call

Definitely wait on a longbeard for me, and next yr. the jake will be a long beard.

Pass

I found myself passing more often than not but in my earlier years as a turkey hunter I would shoot jakes and loved every minute of it. That being said Shooting the occasional jake is not beneath me if they do everything right gobble strut etc Iv been known to still shoot one if the urge strikes me.

I'm a weekend warrior with limited time to hunt so I'm not going to let an opportunity pass by.

Have no problem if someone wants to take a jake at anytime, public or private. If it is your first turkey ever, it is a thrill to get one. After that I prefer to wait for a mature gobbler. The fun for me is outsmarting them.

I  give jakes a pass, just my own personal standard.

Will only shoot a Tom until last weekend of season.

I don't intentionally shoot Jakes anymore.  It is just one less tom for me to hunt next year. 

I'll pass, but have no problem with someone else killing a jake.

I would pass, I don't shoot jakes

I shoot 1st legal bird. Yes hens included.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I pass, however I am fortunate enough to spend a lot of time in the turkey woods so if someone wants to kill one have at it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A couple of days meaning two and its on the last day. I'd be proud to shoot him.

Pass unless it's the last couple days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

It's all personal.  Ive hunted turkeys for 34 years now.  I've taken upwards of 130 longbeards.  I consider myself blessed to be able to focus on older, mature gobblers, but would never desparage someone for shooting a jake.  I've shot my share and they eat just as good.  I won hesitate to shoot and hen in the fall either if the flock is healthy.  Again. It's personal and to me it's about the hunt.  Do what makes you happy. In some areas a nice jake would still be an accomplishment too.  If YOU are questioning shooting a jake, then only you can answer that question.  Like I said though. They all eat the same.

No wrong answer here. I don't shoot jakes anymore, but all turkeys are trophies. My wife may have that dilemma this year, her first season. It's her choice. My first bird was a jake, I have no shame about it. Great day, I got infected with turkitis that day  :funnyturkey:

I dont really even consider them on the table for myself but I'll also pass some 2yr old Tom's if they come in without strutting or gobbling any especially if it's my last tag.

I have youth hunters, vets, and new hunters shoot Jakes with me most every year. The trophy is in the eye of the beholder. I won't shoot a bird that doesn't provide a level of excitement I'm looking for just as I won't hold anyone back from taking a legal bird that does give them that excitement.

Some of my favorite hunts were on jakes shot by other hunters and I was just as excited as if I hand pulled the trigger on  a 4yr old for them

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I was exactly like most here and used to say I only shoot longbeards. That is until 3 years ago when I went to Tennessee and hunted with a really good friend of mine. He has come up to hunt deer every year but I had never been there. The second morning I worked a loud full gobbling bird right off the limb. When he crested the ridge it turned out to be 6 jakes and the dominant bird did everything a longbeard would. He gobbled and strutted and spit-n-drummed. After a few minutes of a great show I wispered to my buddy I was going to take him and he should be ready for one of the others. He kills what ever is legal and had already said he would kill jakes. I killed that strutter at 15 yards and he killed one of the others. It will forever be one of my best and most memerable hunts. I would have did the exact same thing had I only had one tag with 45 days to hunt all day. So dependant on the factors of the hunt I am likely to kill a jake.

To each his own, for myself I'll pass on jakes.

MK M GOBL

always pass jakes doesn't matter if its the last day or not. id rather eat tag soup. Private ground obviously

I've killed jakes and let them walk both.  Who knows about the next time, depends on the circumstances.  IF it's a legal bird, it's up to you.

Called in a jake for a friend's daughter last weekend. Gave her my gun and she dropped it. Her first turkey, made me happier than shooting the biggest trophy tom. She was really excited and so was her Dad. Best memories.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180404/bcffd24e2eb97aae877a0623866a8ae2.jpg)

It depends on what I feel like at that particular moment.

Here's my philosophy on Jakes.  When you start hunting, you can take a Jake until you kill your First Long beard, after you kill your First Long beard you can't go back.  This allows young hunters to enjoy the experience of turkey hunting.  By the way, my First bird was a Long beard, so all Jakes get a PASS from me!  Even though bearded hens are legal here, No bearded Hens allowed either.  I see 1-2 every year.   

Long beards only for this guy but nothing wrong with someone shooting a Jake if their boat is a floatin!!


I definitely incurage new hunters and the weekend warriors I may be hunting with to shoot jakes that present a good shot.

Quote from: MK M GOBL on April 04, 2018, 02:35:24 PM
To each his own, for myself I'll pass on jakes.

MK M GOBL

Ditto....Ive had Jake's come in last hour/last day of season and give them a pass.

Some of my favorite kills were jakes. The thrill is in the dance, not the score of the bird. I say go for it if you want and be guilt free. I think Opinions evolve with experience and at a point jakes feel like less of a challenge so the bar goes up for what feels like an accomplishment.   A fired up jake that gobbles his head off all the way but hangs up at 50 yards and takes another 5 or 10 to close the distance still gets my adrenaline up even though I personally don't shoot jakes at this time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Depending on circumstances. In my home hunting grounds, jakes always get a pass from me, whether it's the first day of season or the last day. If I'm traveling and the hunt is winding down to the final day or so, i may shoot a jake. I've only killed 2 jakes in my life and if i never killed another that would be fine with me.

I have no problem with someone who shoots a jake if it makes you happy go for it. My first gobbler was a mature bird and after that I made it a goal not to shoot anything but a mature long beard.

No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

A jake will get a pass even if its the last sit on my chance at a single season slam.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

Because they eat just like jakes do and it is public land on a two day hunt?

Dave :turkey2:

As many have said - individual choice. My personal yardstick = jakes get a pass, most all of the time. That said, I truly believe the trophy is in the details of the hunt.

Kind of like snapper1982... A couple years back, I was concentrating on getting a bird for my son in Pa. We had hunted the first couple of weeks of the season (3 or 4 days worth since he was in college). After working a couple of birds unsuccessfully that faithful morning, we started our way off the mountain and we were hunting our way out.  Around 11:30 we struck a gobble and had to position ourselves rather quickly. We got set up and called again - getting cut off by the gobble of a closing bird(s). In a matter of moments, two jakes were cruising down the ridge towards our location. I whispered "jakes" to my son... he whispered back, "I don't care!" He let the lead bird get to 25 yds and clear, and dumped him. The 2nd bird ran 30-40 yds and I started cutting hard. The 2nd bird reversed course and came back to exert his new found dominance over his buddy that was on the ground. I shot him.

We had doubled on our final hunt of the season, at 11:45... and did I mention my son was the only one with a gun that morning? I was lazy, and I just wanted him to shoot a bird so I never carried one. After his shot, he passed me the gun and whispered "kill him if he comes back". I did, and that memory (2 birds - 1 gun) will forever be a part of what we share in our hunting lives... forever.

It was at that moment that I became a believer in the mantra: sometimes, the trophy is in the details.

I was in the Hunting & Fishing business for more than 20 years and I would always tell my hunting clients...never pass on something the first day that you'd be happy with on the last.  I've been spring turkey hunting for over 40 years and back in the day I would shoot a jake if it was legal but, not so much these days. now with that being said, if I get a taste for a young turkey breast and there's a good crop of them where I'm hunting then yes, I'd bring one home and I'd never look down my nose at anyone else for doing the same as long as it's legal.

I use to be against shooting jakes but it is situational for me. I took 2 longbeards and 1 Jake this season. Very blessed and a great season for me.

Most of the time no, but situationally yes.

When I first started,  I shot a few, and was happy about it.Now, I will pass.Ive gotten a lot better at hunting since my early days.

Quote from: bghunter777 on April 04, 2018, 12:24:54 PM
I found myself passing more often than not but in my earlier years as a turkey hunter I would shoot jakes and loved every minute of it. That being said Shooting the occasional jake is not beneath me if they do everything right gobble strut etc Iv been known to still shoot one if the urge strikes me.

My exact sentiments

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 05:02:01 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

Because they eat just like jakes do and it is public land on a two day hunt?

Dave :turkey2:

It's the same reason hunters don't shoot ducks on the water or doves on power lines, fawn deer,or penned animals. Some people do these things but it is not sporting. For the amount of meat you would get from a 14 pound Jake unless you killed him with a stick the price of a decent shotgun shell would buy that much meat at Krogers lol. What I find funny is the guys with the tactical stock shotguns with scopes, custom Cerkote finish 400$ worth of decoys etc. etc. that shoot hens and baby turkeys and say they do it for the meat apparently theses folks can't do simple math.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 07:23:20 PM

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 05:02:01 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

Because they eat just like jakes do and it is public land on a two day hunt?

Dave :turkey2:

It's the same reason hunters don't shoot ducks on the water or doves on power lines, fawn deer,or penned animals. Some people do these things but it is not sporting. For the amount of meat you would get from a 14 pound Jake unless you killed him with a stick the price of a decent shotgun shell would buy that much meat at Krogers lol. What I find funny is the guys with the tactical stock shotguns with scopes, custom Cerkote finish 400$ worth of decoys etc. etc. that shoot hens and baby turkeys and say they do it for the meat apparently theses folks can't do simple math.

For me It's not about economics. The act of hunting and taking your own food no matter its age brings a sense of accomplishment and sense of self reliance that is appealing that outweighs the monetary cost. It would be cheaper for me to buy produce at the store but I enjoy growing my own garden and sharing homegrown veggies with my neighbors. It would be cheaper for me to buy a 1/4 or 1/2 side of beef compared to the money I spend on deer hunting, but I enjoy the hunt and act of harvesting my own food. And I don't think you can equate legally shooting a Jake to shooting a dove off a power line or slapping ducks off the water. Jake's and even hens can be plenty challenging in their own right.

My Granddad taught me that killing a jake was just stealing a longbeard from my future.  That stuck in my mind, so jakes will always get a free pass from me.  I had a pair of jakes walk within 8 yards and never considered taking the safety off even though it was the last day of the season and I had an unspent tag in my wallet.  I look forward to seeing them again when they're older and more challenging to hunt.

My Granddad also taught me that it was counter-productive to kill hens.  It's not legal to take hens in NC (unless they're bearded) and there aren't so many that I'd feel comfortable killing an egg layer anyway. Besides, I enjoy hunting Spring gobblers too much to spend a tag on a hen that weighs less than half of the gobbler I'm after.

If killing a jake puts joy in your heart and satisfaction in your hunt, go for it.  As long as that turkey is taken legally, have fun & good luck.

Jim

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

Just a quick question on this, when it comes to deer hunting I would rather take a younger deer because the meat tends to be more tender than an older deer, does the same hold for turkey? (I have yet to get one)

I will pass but have no problem with a person's first bird being a Jake.  If you want to have long beards you have to let the Jakes live.

Quote from: taylorjones20 on April 04, 2018, 11:57:46 AM
I pass jakes but I would not look down on someone who chose to get one if it made them happy...

Same here.  I'm for a tom but if it makes someone happy shooting a jake, have at it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pass. Hopefully they'll survive until the following spring and I can hunt them as 2 year olds.

My hunting buddy shoots jake and a longbeard every spring.  He says the jakes are better eating. 

Quote from: Sir-diealot on April 04, 2018, 08:16:58 PM
Just a quick question on this, when it comes to deer hunting I would rather take a younger deer because the meat tends to be more tender than an older deer, does the same hold for turkey? (I have yet to get one)

I think hen meat is more tinder. They are legal in the fall here. I honestly can't tell a difference in Jake vs gobbler but I don't have the most sophisticated pallet. With regard to deer give me a yearling doe anyday for the steaks loin and roast. I know a lot of folks won't do it but I have taken a few with spots still on in early bow season. Some of the best eating meat I've ever had.

I thought this over many times in the last 45 years and it still just depends on the hunt. Early season with time to hunt I will pass jakes every time, just to insure the future. If it was a bad hatch year I would pass. However, if it was a good hatch and my last two days I would most like bust a jake if he gave me a a good hunt. I have killed small birds, Jakes and monster trophy birds and I have learned the measurements mean very little, it is the hunt that sits in your memory and provides years of fulfillment. So what I want is a bird that works to the call and offers a challenge, if that turns out to be a jake he is still a trophy. I don't need to kill anymore turkeys to prove anything to myself or run up the score card, I just want to have fun! I think this is the test, what fulfills your hunt?

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 05, 2018, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

I won't try, since you opinion really means no more or less than anyone else's. :funnyturkey:

Anyone who buys a license is allowed to hunt how they want, provided they follow the game laws. For some it's about ego, for some it's a chance to come home with something, for others it's a chance to get outdoors after a long winter. Personally, I'll shoot one if I'm in the mood, and I've killed lots of longbeards in between. Fall hunting is a whole other ball game, if I've put 25 miles on my dog that day, and we break a flock and a jake or hen comes in...BOOM!!!!

I respect anyone's choice and hope they are able to fulfill their expectations, and i would not look down on anyone who does not do it like me.

Personally I do not keep any of the beards, spurs or fans. After I clean the meat out of the bird I toss the whole carcass in the back field for the coyotes. I used to keep them, but when I had no more space on the basement wall I just decided not to do it anymore. I take one picture for my scrapbook and write the bird's stats and where he came from on the back and that is it. I took all my old fans, spurs and beards and bagged them up and set them out for the garbage man. I like the meat and a good hunt and that is enough for me. I simply moved on, but there was a time all those things mattered a lot to me. So it is a matter of where each hunter is in their journey and that differs for all of us, so why demean anyone over their choices? One man's jake is another man's trophy.

Remember folks, the best thing about turkey hunting is that it ain't deer hunting.  ;)

I won't partake in a jake murdering but I don't have a problem with a kid doing it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 05, 2018, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

Wow does this guy miss the boat on what Hunting is about.

Quote from: bghunter777 on April 05, 2018, 12:54:26 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 05, 2018, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

Wow does this guy miss the boat on what Hunting is about.

Exactly.  Spurs, beards, and fans taste terrible!  I even tried brining them...   :(

I killed a couple early on and was pretty much done killing jakes.  I did take one one public land as my first bird with a 20 and the last day of the season.  No regrets.  Who cares if he was gonna be a gobbler next year. I am not a trophy hunter.  I like eating meat and fish I harvested legally and with the memory of the hunt (or catch).  I prefer keeping 26" redfish, but if the Lord provides me with a 18" one, he is going to the house.  I killed a jake a few year back that was kind of a super jake, came in full strut with his three buddies and gobbled 50 + times.  Had a 6" beard and bigger than jakes spurs and a bright head.  I saw that same gang the rest of the season, they even were strutting at 5 yards from me one morning and I was not even tempted.  I hunt for what brings me enjoyment and care not one whit what others think of how I hunt.  At all.  None.  When my freezer was empty and my kids were little, a legal deer was killed.  Then I got picky the rest of the season (like 3 months here counting muzzleloader).  I don't deer hunt anymore as the kids are moved out and the wife does not like venison.  I would not killed a 16 point if I was not going to eat it.  Worrying about the quality of the trophy is silly to me.  That is for those that like to brag about what big dogs they are. 

I always thought I would kill a bearded hen if one stepped in range, just once to say I had done it, but when the time came a few years back, I did not even raise my gun.  I have passed on a ton of jakes too.  Just last year I passed  three different times and only filled one tag.  No regrets either.  They were just wandering by, was not my thing.  You do you, I'll do me. 

I don't shoot jakes. Same reason I don't shoot spike bucks.

To each his own, but the ellitism is getting to be a bit much.  Who are you to determine what a hunter makes?  I've killed upwards of 130 longbeards-I've been hunting them for 34 years and I know how to kill mature gobblers. What I won't do that CLEARLY some on here will readily do is desparage another hunter for his personal and mind you, LEGAL choichoices in the turkey woods.  Some of you (you KNOW who you are), clearly are incapable of learning from yourselves and worse when others call you on your bs.  Starting to put a bad taste in my mouth about this site and who's allowed to be a member of it.   

This time of the season up here in north Ga I've usually killed a bird most years two by now.
This year Ive hunted all but 2 days of the season and have seen no birds. gobbling has been minimum and Ive endured rain,cold and loggers  (whom I think has caused the birds to move away from my favorite spot)
I know Ill get bashed but Im telling yall right now. if a jake walks within range tomorrow morning hes going for a ride in my chevrolet!!

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 05, 2018, 02:54:13 PM
To each his own, but the ellitism is getting to be a bit much.  Who are you to determine what a hunter makes?  I've killed upwards of 130 longbeards-I've been hunting them for 34 years and I know how to kill mature gobblers. What I won't do that CLEARLY some on here will readily do is desparage another hunter for his personal and mind you, LEGAL choichoices in the turkey woods.  Some of you (you KNOW who you are), clearly are incapable of learning from yourselves and worse when others call you on your bs.  Starting to put a bad taste in my mouth about this site and who's allowed to be a member of it.

Don't let it bother you brother.  I love reading your take on things.  You are one of the few that I always take a second to read their thoughts.  I started turkey hunting late in life and am only in the 30s on longbeards.  I'll never reach the numbers others have, but that's cool too.  It is about new challenges to me.  I enjoy Phillips knowledge as well and like hearing his thoughts about turkey hunting.  His opinions just slide off my back as he is blunt.  Post for the folks that enjoy and don't worry about the judges! 

There is one big difference in jakes and longbeards though .........there is a lot less meat on a jake, but if you cook them in the same pot you can't tell them apart.  I hope you get to bust a beak in the morning strum, whatever age or size and  be proud to take him home.

If I am on a trip, on the last day and I haven't bagged a bird I would take a Jake. At home here in GA if it gets to be late in the season and I don't have a bird I will take a Jake.

 I pass on jakes, I have shot a few in my early years. But I enjoy calling up and harvesting mature gobblers. I have no problem with anyone shooting jakes as long as its legal. That being said, IF I was to have an off year and down to my last day or two to hunt, I would probably shoot one if I was presented with a shot. Why. Because my family and I love the meat. We don't buy meat at a store. We live off all the game we harvest. I will NEVER. buy penned up domestic turkey in a store.

hey whats up guys! new member here. im not as seasoned as a turkey hunter as most of you guys on here. ive only killed 8-10 turkeys so far but ive only been hunting for 15 years and only get one tag. i never had anyone to take me turkey hunting and ive learned everything on my own from watching videos, reading and trial and error. i think im doing pretty good considering the last few years were mostly spent taking friends,family and juniors out turkey hunting. ive actually called in more birds for others than i have for myself. with that said, my first 6-7 turkeys were jakes. my last two were nice longbeards and ive decided i would rather kill a longbeard and usually give the jakes a pass. i would rather see a new hunter or a young hunter shoot one. i dont and will never look down on anyone that wants to shoot a jake but i personally like the challenge of holding out for a longbeard. who knows, i may have a jake come in this year gobbling his head off and i may just decide to take him. it all depends on what im feeling in that moment

This...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180406/b5ea0dafb23c722d780415f3c49b5e67.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Quote from: eggshell on April 05, 2018, 05:24:48 PM
There is one big difference in jakes and longbeards though .........there is a lot less meat on a jake, but if you cook them in the same pot you can't tell them apart.  I hope you get to bust a beak in the morning strum, whatever age or size and  be proud to take him home.

Not all jakes are the same just as not all toms are the same. I have seen 15lb toms and 19lb jakes.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 05, 2018, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

There is not reason you can come up with to convince me and a bunch of other ethical and moral hunters that it is ok for a grown man who considers himself to be a hunter to kill a tom turkey just for his fan, beard and spurs and not give a crap about the meat.

QuoteNot all jakes are the same just as not all toms are the same. I have seen 15lb toms and 19lb jakes.

This is true snapper......I wasn't advocating for passing jakes or anything I was simply making a facetious statement trying to lighten things up, sorry it came off wrong.

First bird of the season I would shoot the jake. Once I had one in the freezer then I would because more picky and wait for the longbeard (if allowed 2 birds in a season)

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 07:23:20 PM

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 05:02:01 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

Because they eat just like jakes do and it is public land on a two day hunt?

Dave :turkey2:

It's the same reason hunters don't shoot ducks on the water or doves on power lines, fawn deer,or penned animals. Some people do these things but it is not sporting. For the amount of meat you would get from a 14 pound Jake unless you killed him with a stick the price of a decent shotgun shell would buy that much meat at Krogers lol. What I find funny is the guys with the tactical stock shotguns with scopes, custom Cerkote finish 400$ worth of decoys etc. etc. that shoot hens and baby turkeys and say they do it for the meat apparently theses folks can't do simple math.

The first turkey I ever got was a young bird, and I felt bad about it, and never did it again.I didn't know anything about it, and the guy who was with me was a real bonehead.I learned to go after adult gobblers, but I did take a few jakes a long time ago.

I would pass but if one came in when my 9 year old son is with me it will get hammered!

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 05, 2018, 11:02:06 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 05, 2018, 08:17:20 AM

Quote from: snapper1982 on April 04, 2018, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 04:34:49 PM
No Jakes for me.
I have no problem if a young hunter or very first turkey but not 40 year olds that can't get it done. There's no spurs barley any beard and not even a decent fan I see no reason to kill them.

I am 35 and gaurentee I can kill longbeards and dont have to shoot jakes but your completely off line saying people shoot jakes because they cant get it done on a longbeard. So by your thinking the only reason to kill turkeys is for a fan, beard and spurs. How about for the meat? Where does that fall in your mind?

I don't hunt Gobblers for the meat. There is a huge gap between the shoot anything at any cost to get a dead bird be it for a few turkey breasts or a picture for Facebook, and the reasons I hunt Spring Gobblers. There is no reason you can come up with to convince me it's ok for a grown man that considers himself to be a hunter to shoot hens or Jakes.

There is not reason you can come up with to convince me and a bunch of other ethical and moral hunters that it is ok for a grown man who considers himself to be a hunter to kill a tom turkey just for his fan, beard and spurs and not give a crap about the meat.

Never said I don't give a crap about the meat that's you getting all emotional about what I said or lack of reading compression. Every gobbler I've ever killed is eaten by me or given to someone that does.I just stated my opinion killing a juvenile turkey is not much of a challenge and most experienced hunters let them go. If your still at the stage as a hunter that you get excited by the mere sight of a bird or animal and are glad to be able to shoot anything then have at it.  Some of you (and you know who you are) are way over sensitive about every thing that doesn't agree with you. I could not care any less about what you say think or feel so why do you get so worked up about eveything I say? I'm thinking some of you "grown men" still have some growing to do lol.

You have to be this tall to comment on the forum

:newmascot:
                   |
                   |
____________ |

And there goes your cycle again.  Make an asinine comment, get blown up, make a poor attempt to insult someone 's reading comprehension,  repeat...  Know what the definition of insanity is? 

I am an adult hunter and the day I dont get excited about seeing and yes shooting a jake or hen turkey is the day I stop turkey hunting.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 07:23:20 PM

It's the same reason hunters don't shoot ducks on the water or doves on power lines, fawn deer,or penned animals. Some people do these things but it is not sporting. For the amount of meat you would get from a 14 pound Jake unless you killed him with a stick the price of a decent shotgun shell would buy that much meat at Krogers lol. What I find funny is the guys with the tactical stock shotguns with scopes, custom Cerkote finish 400$ worth of decoys etc. etc. that shoot hens and baby turkeys and say they do it for the meat apparently theses folks can't do simple math.

What's wrong with shooting a duck on the water?? You've done your job and convinced them to set down with your bunch of fakes...nothing wrong with Arkansawing one every now and then  ;D

Here's the thing. I hate and I mean hate trophy hunting. To value one animals life more than another of the same species just because of certain attributes is rediculous. Now I completely understand someone seeking out mature animals for the benefit of the population but many mature animals are not considered trophies. This is especially noticeable in deer hunting. It irritates me to the point that I enjoy shooting a hard hunted 6 point. When the "I only shoot trophy bucks fellows I know start to climb on their perch to preach I just point out the fact that my 6 point was killed through more effort and skill than they will ever attempt to achieve from their heated shooting houses sitting over a food plot with a trail camera telling them exactly what is showing up and when. And to be honest I don't care how others hunt within the limits of the law. If I don't like it I will voice my opinion(not judge) and not partake in it. Discussion is good and there are plenty of opinions out there. I am more than willing to share mine as are plenty of others. But to publicly single someone out and insult them because of a viewpoint is childish. As time goes by I realize that I am older in spirit than in actuall age. The underlying attitude with most hunters is of more concern to me than actual methods. As a matter of fact it seems to be the root of it all. A jake turkey that was honestly earned after two weeks of waking up at 3am and walking countless miles and varying weather conditions would mean more to me than a state record tom shot 15 minutes into opening day and 100 yards from the truck.
In my humble opinion we have shifted away from hunting as a means with connecting with where we came from and the satisfaction that comes from being confident in our self suffiency to an ego driven, look at me sideshow that quite frankly I am embarrassed to be associated with at times.

No jakes for me in 28 years, I was young and did not know any better. My kids have never shot a jake either, Long beards are what we kill. Just like hunting and killing mature bucks, you  have to have the discipline and willpower not to kill smaller bucks.

Quote from: Fullfan on April 06, 2018, 01:17:32 PM
No jakes for me in 28 years, I was young and did not know any better. My kids have never shot a jake either, Long beards are what we kill. Just like hunting and killing mature bucks, you  have to have the discipline and willpower not to kill smaller bucks.

Sorry completely disagree, younger meat tastes better and you can't eat antlers.

Hunting and ethics mean different things to different people as reflected in this post. We just need to keep it civel. Normally I don't shoot jakes because for me I would enjoy hunting him as a long beard. Unfortunatly Turkeys have so many enemies that the Jake I let go has little chance of survival. Still I like to give him a chance as just maybe he will make it. Bottom line is that Jakes are legal targets so I would not look down on anyone killing one. To me any bird harvested is a trophy so in a way I am a trophy hunter.

When deer hunting I don't eat much deer but donate it to hunters for the hungry. When I do shoot one for my consumption I shoot what we call a milk lips as they are the most tender and tastfull. No apologies offered - same if I decided to shoot a jake.

I have hunted jakes on public ground that are twice as smart as the longbeards  I have taken on private grounds. State gamelands in se pa. Are heavily hunted and any turkey taken there is more of a trophy than some longbeard from private land that isnt hunted hard.

You guys need to get a life.  The OP said shoot a jake or wait on a gobbler.  IT'S an OPINION.  If it's legal, then kill what you want.  Give your opinion and Move on.

Quote from: quackaddict on April 06, 2018, 01:08:19 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 04, 2018, 07:23:20 PM

It's the same reason hunters don't shoot ducks on the water or doves on power lines, fawn deer,or penned animals. Some people do these things but it is not sporting. For the amount of meat you would get from a 14 pound Jake unless you killed him with a stick the price of a decent shotgun shell would buy that much meat at Krogers lol. What I find funny is the guys with the tactical stock shotguns with scopes, custom Cerkote finish 400$ worth of decoys etc. etc. that shoot hens and baby turkeys and say they do it for the meat apparently theses folks can't do simple math.

What's wrong with shooting a duck on the water?? You've done your job and convinced them to set down with your bunch of fakes...nothing wrong with Arkansawing one every now and then  ;D

I have killed a bunch of ducks and I mean a whole bunch.  Like 30 years of chasing them and being pretty successful.  To this day, if I have a recipe that calls for some pretty wood ducks, with no pellets in the breast and real pretty looking, it does not bother me in the least to water whack a few I need for my recipe.  Not my usual but I'll do what I need to.

pass most of the time, but have been known to kill a jake from time to time on an out of state trip for camp meat

I was about to type in my opinion earlier and got the call supper was ready,
we had veal, baby snow peas, those tiny ears of corn and tater tots.

now I'm to full to type

Quote from: crow on April 06, 2018, 10:24:29 PM
we had veal, baby snow peas, those tiny ears of corn and tater tots.

I see what you did there!  :z-winnersmiley:

I've had tag soup more then once on out of state hunts by passing on jakes while waiting for a longbeard. Doesn't matter to me if it's the first day of the hunt or the last, I pass on jakes. Now years ago I would lay the smack down on a jake, but no longer. That's just my personal feelings now.

If it's legal in your state what's the issue?  Lovett Williams had an article years ago that talked about its takes on average two jakes to make one mature gobbler, so for every two jakes statistically only one will survive to maturity.  This factored in predation, disease, abundance of food, harshness of winter and hunting.  If he plays the game with me he's probably not going to get a pass.  I can't eat the beard or the spurs. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2 years ago, I was down to second to last weekend to hunt.
I was with Harrison and we decided if 2 birds came out, we would double, no matter what they were.
Had 3 jakes come in, and only one left.....
Next to my son and daughters first, that was one of my most enjoyable days in the turkey woods!
That's the last jake either of us will shoot, but on that day, the chance to double with my son trumped the age of the birds!

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 06, 2018, 12:34:35 PM
And there goes your cycle again.  Make an asinine comment, get blown up, make a poor attempt to insult someone 's reading comprehension,  repeat...  Know what the definition of insanity is?

There you go again with your menstrual cycle hurt feelings lol.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 07, 2018, 09:04:23 AM

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 06, 2018, 12:34:35 PM
And there goes your cycle again.  Make an asinine comment, get blown up, make a poor attempt to insult someone 's reading comprehension,  repeat...  Know what the definition of insanity is?

There you go again with your menstrual cycle hurt feelings lol.

Wash..rinse..repeat


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My 2 cents:

Save the Jakes for youth and handicapped hunters.  Long beards only for us able bodied mature hunters.

I think I will interject a bit of wisdom I heard from an old hillbilly many years ago. When He shot a jake his buddy asked him, "why did you shoot that" and his reply was "I'm turkey huntin, and that thar is a turkey unless you see sumthin else lying on the ground. It gobbled like a turkey, strutted like a turkey and made me happy, so I shooted it!"

Pulled in to our secret NE walk-in today. Buddy arrowed a jake. Saw about 15 jakes plus hens and 1 longbeard.  I'm up tomorrow. 1st legal bird in range gets the shaft,including bearded hens.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

my 11 yr old nephew wont even shoot a jake. to me its no different than shooting a button buck. in my zip code it will get you a talking too.

Ok I have watched this and decided I am just gonna say what I feel and suffer the wrath. I actually mean nothing personal to anyone, but I am growing tired of the "self-righteous I have a higher standard" crowd. After 31 years working for a state wildlife agency I have seen all the arguments and I have watched professionals build programs that are not only sustainable, but  actually increasing. There is no biological reason for passing Jakes, period.  Sure they make future gobblers, but many of them die naturally before they mature. Laws are designed to allow harvest of the surplus. DNR's work hard to provide the resource and the opportunity to hunt. They do not make laws that jeopardize a species and they only manage for trophy opportunities has a afterthought and enhancement. Opportunity comes in many forms and the fulfillment of a hunt and the satisfaction that comes from it is a matter of personal choice for all who participate legally. Why should any agency restrict the enjoyment of someone when it is not necessary to manage the resource. It all comes down to one thing, personal choice. I think in way to many cases we let ego get in our way. The "I won't shoot anything but a mature or trophy animal is driven mostly by "look at what I done sentiment". Now many pursue trophies as a quest of excellence. They set a standard that says I want to preform at a high level of excellence, and that is fine. What if we looked at all our recreational endeavors in the mind set that only the highest level of sport was acceptable. Would we outlaw all sports after we reached the age of development, say 18 or 22.  If you aren't gifted enough to play pro then you shouldn't play any sport. Of course not, most people would sat this is ludicrous. Why should anyone be ostracized because of a legal choice that fulfills their personal quest? I cal BS on the looking down on others becasue they choose to practice their sport different than you. The resource is doing fine, let people enjoy it as they wish. We don't restrict the shooting of juvenile pheasants, squirrels or rabbits. Why? because we have not imposed trophy standards on these species. They still do fine as a species. I also believe this trophy attitude has hurt hunting as a whole.....

Ok have at me 

Quote from: eggshell on April 08, 2018, 08:58:21 AM
Ok I have watched this and decided I am just gonna say what I feel and suffer the wrath. I actually mean nothing personal to anyone, but I am growing tired of the "self-righteous I have a higher standard" crowd. After 31 years working for a state wildlife agency I have seen all the arguments and I have watched professionals build programs that are not only sustainable, but  actually increasing. There is no biological reason for passing Jakes, period.  Sure they make future gobblers, but many of them die naturally before they mature. Laws are designed to allow harvest of the surplus. DNR's work hard to provide the resource and the opportunity to hunt. They do not make laws that jeopardize a species and they only manage for trophy opportunities has a afterthought and enhancement. Opportunity comes in many forms and the fulfillment of a hunt and the satisfaction that comes from it is a matter of personal choice for all who participate legally. Why should any agency restrict the enjoyment of someone when it is not necessary to manage the resource. It all comes down to one thing, personal choice. I think in way to many cases we let ego get in our way. The "I won't shoot anything but a mature or trophy animal is driven mostly by "look at what I done sentiment". Now many pursue trophies as a quest of excellence. They set a standard that says I want to preform at a high level of excellence, and that is fine. What if we looked at all our recreational endeavors in the mind set that only the highest level of sport was acceptable. Would we outlaw all sports after we reached the age of development, say 18 or 22.  If you aren't gifted enough to play pro then you shouldn't play any sport. Of course not, most people would sat this is ludicrous. Why should anyone be ostracized because of a legal choice that fulfills their personal quest? I cal BS on the looking down on others becasue they choose to practice their sport different than you. The resource is doing fine, let people enjoy it as they wish. We don't restrict the shooting of juvenile pheasants, squirrels or rabbits. Why? because we have not imposed trophy standards on these species. They still do fine as a species. I also believe this trophy attitude has hurt hunting as a whole.....

Ok have at me

I for one could not agree more!!!! :jackson:

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 11:54:07 AM
Howdy. Informal poll/discussion... Comments welcomed.

In a state that allows it, would you harvest a jake or pass and wait for a tom? Let's say it is public land and you only have a couple of days to hunt... One tag only.

Ready? Set? DISCUSS!

Dave

The OP asked a question and asked for comments. Several people stated they will or won't shoot a jake. No one singled anyone out about either answer. For some reason the ones that do shoot jakes are more easily offended than the ones that don't. I do not wait all year drive countless miles lose sleep not to mention the money involved to shoot a 9 month old turkey it's not about the meat the beard spurs or fan it is calling a mature gobbler to the gun. I don't sit on field edges in a pop up blind and wait for the noon arrivals either for the same reason. Everyone hunts for a different reason and some seek a higher challenge and will not except anything less.

Quote from: eggshell on April 08, 2018, 08:58:21 AM
Ok I have watched this and decided I am just gonna say what I feel and suffer the wrath. I actually mean nothing personal to anyone, but I am growing tired of the "self-righteous I have a higher standard" crowd. After 31 years working for a state wildlife agency I have seen all the arguments and I have watched professionals build programs that are not only sustainable, but  actually increasing. There is no biological reason for passing Jakes, period.  Sure they make future gobblers, but many of them die naturally before they mature. Laws are designed to allow harvest of the surplus. DNR's work hard to provide the resource and the opportunity to hunt. They do not make laws that jeopardize a species and they only manage for trophy opportunities has a afterthought and enhancement. Opportunity comes in many forms and the fulfillment of a hunt and the satisfaction that comes from it is a matter of personal choice for all who participate legally. Why should any agency restrict the enjoyment of someone when it is not necessary to manage the resource. It all comes down to one thing, personal choice. I think in way to many cases we let ego get in our way. The "I won't shoot anything but a mature or trophy animal is driven mostly by "look at what I done sentiment". Now many pursue trophies as a quest of excellence. They set a standard that says I want to preform at a high level of excellence, and that is fine. What if we looked at all our recreational endeavors in the mind set that only the highest level of sport was acceptable. Would we outlaw all sports after we reached the age of development, say 18 or 22.  If you aren't gifted enough to play pro then you shouldn't play any sport. Of course not, most people would sat this is ludicrous. Why should anyone be ostracized because of a legal choice that fulfills their personal quest? I cal BS on the looking down on others becasue they choose to practice their sport different than you. The resource is doing fine, let people enjoy it as they wish. We don't restrict the shooting of juvenile pheasants, squirrels or rabbits. Why? because we have not imposed trophy standards on these species. They still do fine as a species. I also believe this trophy attitude has hurt hunting as a whole.....

Ok have at me

well said
trophy standards on a squirrel largest male with hanging nuts lol

  ,,
me i shoot whats legal if a jake plays the game and iam in mood its getting a ride in the truck    same with buck or doe  big or small  ,,, i remember the days of going to camp and if someone shoot a 10 point or a spike it was all good,, u was the man of the day lol  ,,,
like i have always said i would rather shoot a jake i called to the gun sitting against a tree ,,, then a longbeard sitting in a box blind with a field full of decoys or  belly crawling thur a field to harvest one ,,, but thats just me ,,,,,,, and dont knock on  guys that do   

I'm proud of what I Kill and happy for all others legal harvests! If you are proud of it and it is legal then that's all that matters. Personally I've never killed a jake or bearded hen albeit I've had chances but that's not to say I won't one day nor is it my business if somebody else does.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 08, 2018, 10:15:13 AM

The OP asked a question and asked for comments. Several people stated they will or won't shoot a jake. No one singled anyone out about either answer. For some reason the ones that do shoot jakes are more easily offended than the ones that don't. I do not wait all year drive countless miles lose sleep not to mention the money involved to shoot a 9 month old turkey it's not about the meat the beard spurs or fan it is calling a mature gobbler to the gun. I don't sit on field edges in a pop up blind and wait for the noon arrivals either for the same reason. Everyone hunts for a different reason and some seek a higher challenge and will not except anything less.

Well said!

I do not shoot jakes or bearded hens.I hunt to kill mature longbeards and to enjoy the woods,if tommy stays away.I get to enjoy the next morning.

Jakes are great for kids or newbie turkey hunters to cut their teeth on.  If it makes someone happy to shoot a jake, then that's their trophy and I'm happy for them, too.

I don't have the need to HAVE to hang my tag on a bird.  I don't shoot jakes for my own personal reasons.

You can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning and you won't kill a longbeard if you burn your one tag on a jake.
But if it makes the hunt for you, do what you want.

You know I did realize I probably haven't answered the survey......so here goes

I typically do not shoot jakes, in fact I do my best to pick out the toughest, wiliest and most frustrating old tom I can find. When someone says, "I have an unkillable bird" I want a try at him. I have shot Jakes and in the right time and place I may again, but it is not my first choice. Late season or last day hunt and a jake works good, I'll bust him and enjoy the dinner he provides. I have hunted turkeys 45 years, killed my grand slam and lost count or care of how many I have killed. I killed birds that would rank as high as #6 all time (did not register him) and still on a good hunt and a well worked bird I can't say I would not shoot a Jake again....at this stage I just wanna have fun.

There are a few who post here who know me from years of interaction and know I can back up my talk in the woods and my moral character.  I do enjoy the frank discussions and admire people's passion,  which ever side they are on.

So I wish all well and hope you can forgive me any offense, and it has been a good discussion.

Quote from: appalachianassassin on April 08, 2018, 07:42:16 AM
my 11 yr old nephew wont even shoot a jake. to me its no different than shooting a button buck. in my zip code it will get you a talking too.

My buck...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180409/36f3d7b85e88d524083e54aab1e58d74.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

I usually let them pass, I would say 99% of the time. every now and then I get mad at turkeys in general, then its go time. I think in the last 8 years ive killed 3 jakes. one of them fooled me, the other two was one of those days that id had enough getting my butt kicked and took the bird in hand.

Here is an interesting fact: I went through all the post and just took a rough estimate on the numbers and here is what my evaluation of the results are:

50% of post answered the question directly
50% were simply people justifying their opinion (I actually fall in this category...not real proud of myself for going off topic)
Of the 50% who actually made an attempt to answer the poll approx. 58 % hold out for longbeards and 42% would shoot a jake . Some would only shoot a jake under certain circumstances, but would do it.

After running a turkey check station for DNR for 30 years and seeing thousands of turkey hunters I would say this number is off from the general public but close. Typically we saw mostly mature birds checked and about 30% jakes. In years that were preceded by a poor hatch 2-3 years previous and then preceded by a good hatch the summer before, jakes would make up approx. 60% of the kills. So I think most hunters are basically opportunist, they want to kill mature birds, but they also want to fill tags.

Turkey hunters have evolved a lot. In the 1970s and 1980s I saw a lot of people shooting any legal gobbler they could and being darn proud of it. As time went on and hunters got experience they started choosing which birds to shoot. This is a true behavior for people in all endeavors, as we become more competent in our quest our standards of quality and production are refined and increased. We simply want to feel like we're doing it better. The other social aspect that falls into any group behavior is the involuntary separation of community members into classes (this is a perceived mental state, not necessarily real)  and with that often comes negative responses. It happens in every aspect of life and I believe is actually a character flaw in humans. We as turkey hunters are no different we are simply human.

Great post Dana,...interesting statistics,...and "human Behavioral analysis".   :D

Personally, I don't care if somebody wants to shoot a jake,...or not,...from a biological standpoint.  Regarding the impact on the turkey population, it is generally irrelevant. 

To me, the important consideration is why any individual hunter makes the choice to shoot a jake,...or for that matter, a gobbler.  There are valid reasons for both,...again, in my opinion,...but there are invalid reasons, as well.   As you stated, the real issue is the "human behavior" consideration as to why someone chooses to pull the trigger.  That analysis is quite lengthy,...and in truth, would probably expose some internal weaknesses and conflicts within each of us as hunters. 

I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 08, 2018, 10:15:13 AM

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 11:54:07 AM
Howdy. Informal poll/discussion... Comments welcomed.

In a state that allows it, would you harvest a jake or pass and wait for a tom? Let's say it is public land and you only have a couple of days to hunt... One tag only.

Ready? Set? DISCUSS!

Dave

The OP asked a question and asked for comments. Several people stated they will or won't shoot a jake. No one singled anyone out about either answer. For some reason the ones that do shoot jakes are more easily offended than the ones that don't. I do not wait all year drive countless miles lose sleep not to mention the money involved to shoot a 9 month old turkey it's not about the meat the beard spurs or fan it is calling a mature gobbler to the gun. I don't sit on field edges in a pop up blind and wait for the noon arrivals either for the same reason. Everyone hunts for a different reason and some seek a higher challenge and will not except anything less.

Nor do the vast majority of experienced hunters.  The thing is, YOU choose to voice your opinion in such a way as to desprage anyone that doesn't see it your way, do it your way, or god forbid disagree with you.  And you do it in a way that literally,  every single time, makes you look like a freaking jackass.  Idk if it was the way you were raised or what.  I don't care.  As I've said, I consider myself an experienced turkey hunter and a damn good one in a state that has all manner of hunter competition,  a large predator problem and a state legislature that seems bent on destroying our hunting rights.   What you do is try to belittle people every chance you get.  There is a way to interact with folks.  You don't seem to understand that. 

I've been trying to get one with my bow for several years now. Passed on some jakes. BUT, this year the first beard that comes by might get it with my bow.

Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2018, 12:17:28 PM
I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

what constitutes a jake in Mississippi? just curious

Quote from: chbarnha on April 09, 2018, 11:49:14 PM

Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2018, 12:17:28 PM
I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

what constitutes a jake in Mississippi? just curious

Apparently THIS idiotic regulation.  Directly from the MS Outdoor Digest...   What do they expect?   Hunters to ask the bird to stand still while he breaks out the calipers?   PA has some dumb regs, but this takes the cake. 

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season. 

Quote from: chbarnha on April 09, 2018, 11:49:14 PM

Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2018, 12:17:28 PM
I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

what constitutes a jake in Mississippi? just curious

Didn't know any state had that kind of regulation. I like it.

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 10, 2018, 10:48:14 AM

Quote from: chbarnha on April 09, 2018, 11:49:14 PM

Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2018, 12:17:28 PM
I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

what constitutes a jake in Mississippi? just curious

Apparently THIS idiotic regulation.  Directly from the MS Outdoor Digest...   What do they expect?   Hunters to ask the bird to stand still while he breaks out the calipers?   PA has some dumb regs, but this takes the cake. 

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season.

That may sound bad, but if you think about it, is not that big of a deal.  99% of jakes I have seen have a 4" or way less beard, while 99% of longbeards I have seen have 8" plus beard.  I don't believe I have ever seen a 6" beard bird that I did not know was a jake.  I killed one once that was right at 6", but it had a jake fan, I knew what I was doing.

In Florida, we had a 5" spike rule.  Still do, in a way.  In order to be an antlerless deer, it must have less than 5" spike and if you have antlerless tag you can kill it.  If it is longer than 5", it is not legal because it does not have a forked horn.  It is pretty simple, if you are not sure, don't squeeze the trigger.   

I haven't read every reply, but I get the gist of the discussion.

My answer is simple. It depends.

I killed a 3 yr old longbeard last Wednesday.  I killed a jake last Thursday.  The jake was twice as smart as that longbeard and gave me a great battle.

My opinion - It's about the game, not what they look like.

Quote from: g8rvet on April 10, 2018, 01:43:52 PM

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 10, 2018, 10:48:14 AM

Quote from: chbarnha on April 09, 2018, 11:49:14 PM

Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2018, 12:17:28 PM
I called a jake up this morning. I didn't shoot him, then again its illegal in Miss. except for a youth.

what constitutes a jake in Mississippi? just curious

Apparently THIS idiotic regulation.  Directly from the MS Outdoor Digest...   What do they expect?   Hunters to ask the bird to stand still while he breaks out the calipers?   PA has some dumb regs, but this takes the cake. 

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season.

That may sound bad, but if you think about it, is not that big of a deal.  99% of jakes I have seen have a 4" or way less beard, while 99% of longbeards I have seen have 8" plus beard.  I don't believe I have ever seen a 6" beard bird that I did not know was a jake.  I killed one once that was right at 6", but it had a jake fan, I knew what I was doing.

In Florida, we had a 5" spike rule.  Still do, in a way.  In order to be an antlerless deer, it must have less than 5" spike and if you have antlerless tag you can kill it.  If it is longer than 5", it is not legal because it does not have a forked horn.  It is pretty simple, if you are not sure, don't squeeze the trigger.   

The jakes we get up here would put that to the test.  18 pound jakes with 6"+ beards.  We also for decades had a 3" spike or better rule.  Found an awful lot of dead "legal" bucks in the woods during rifle season...

For me, its about the tasty eatin.
Dennis

I find it funny how  most have sold Jakes short and written them off as so easy to kill and automatically would give them a pass.  For being so dumb they and hens have busted many a seasoned hunter.

I vote shoot what will remain a great story to tell others for years to come

I'm going to add something, here, to my previous post.

I don't shoot jake's.   I will let a jake walk at 1 minute til quitting time on the last day with two tags left in my pocket.

BUT................ One of the most memorable hunts I ever had in my life was 25+ years ago when I doubled with my dad on a pair of jakes.   It was the first, last and only spring bird he ever killed.   It was the last jake I ever killed.   And ya know what ??   If I would EVER have the chance to double with one of my kids and.it was on a pair of jakes......... HAMMER TIME !!!    I have killed a Pope & Young entry.  I have killed a Boone & Crockett entry.   But some hunting memories are NOT made by beard lor spur length, antler size, and the like..........   Sometimes father and son or daughter trumps any kind of macho pride that I may have over my skills in the outdoors when I'm hunting alone.

Too each their own so long as it is legal. I personally don't care to shoot one, that's my preference, but I'd have no problem a youth or beginner tagging one while with me.

Well, the general consensus appears to be NAY on killing Jake's but Yea if some other guy wants to shoot one. The exception being Mississippi where it appears illegal for an adult to shoot a Jake LOL :z-winnersmiley:. 

Pass.   If you ever get a longbeard in your hands full say to heck with a Jake lol

Quote from: Yoder409 on April 10, 2018, 10:28:02 PM
I'm going to add something, here, to my previous post.

I don't shoot jake's.   I will let a jake walk at 1 minute til quitting time on the last day with two tags left in my pocket.

BUT................ One of the most memorable hunts I ever had in my life was 25+ years ago when I doubled with my dad on a pair of jakes.   It was the first, last and only spring bird he ever killed.   It was the last jake I ever killed.   And ya know what ??   If I would EVER have the chance to double with one of my kids and.it was on a pair of jakes......... HAMMER TIME !!!    I have killed a Pope & Young entry.  I have killed a Boone & Crockett entry.   But some hunting memories are NOT made by beard lor spur length, antler size, and the like..........   Sometimes father and son or daughter trumps any kind of macho pride that I may have over my skills in the outdoors when I'm hunting alone.

The trophy is in the details. Period.   :icon_thumright:

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 09, 2018, 12:29:30 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 08, 2018, 10:15:13 AM

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 11:54:07 AM
Howdy. Informal poll/discussion... Comments welcomed.

In a state that allows it, would you harvest a jake or pass and wait for a tom? Let's say it is public land and you only have a couple of days to hunt... One tag only.

Ready? Set? DISCUSS!

Dave

The OP asked a question and asked for comments. Several people stated they will or won't shoot a jake. No one singled anyone out about either answer. For some reason the ones that do shoot jakes are more easily offended than the ones that don't. I do not wait all year drive countless miles lose sleep not to mention the money involved to shoot a 9 month old turkey it's not about the meat the beard spurs or fan it is calling a mature gobbler to the gun. I don't sit on field edges in a pop up blind and wait for the noon arrivals either for the same reason. Everyone hunts for a different reason and some seek a higher challenge and will not except anything less.

Nor do the vast majority of experienced hunters.  The thing is, YOU choose to voice your opinion in such a way as to desprage anyone that doesn't see it your way, do it your way, or god forbid disagree with you.  And you do it in a way that literally,  every single time, makes you look like a freaking jackass.  Idk if it was the way you were raised or what.  I don't care.  As I've said, I consider myself an experienced turkey hunter and a damn good one in a state that has all manner of hunter competition,  a large predator problem and a state legislature that seems bent on destroying our hunting rights.   What you do is try to belittle people every chance you get.  There is a way to interact with folks.  You don't seem to understand that.

If your so good at killing long beards  why you shoot jakes ? If you don't care what I think why do you cry at everything I post?
Isn't there a bedpan you should be cleaning instead of worrying about me?

QuoteThe jake was twice as smart as that longbeard and gave me a great battle.

My opinion - It's about the game, not what they look like.

I like that thought Gobspur. I think that sums up a lot of people's feelings. I think some of the discussion has lost sight of the fact there is no wrong answer here. I think the question was asked just to see how people approached their turkey hunting. If I am by myself I target longbeards, but if a jake gives me a good game I'll consider shooting him. Also, I hunt to my partners. If I am hunting with someone that does not shoot jakes I honor that and hold off, if I am with someone who wants to kill any birds that work in I will open up to shooting a jake if they want to double with me. In the end I too am after the game.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 11, 2018, 06:35:23 AM

Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on April 09, 2018, 12:29:30 PM

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 08, 2018, 10:15:13 AM

Quote from: SIUCpilot on April 04, 2018, 11:54:07 AM
Howdy. Informal poll/discussion... Comments welcomed.

In a state that allows it, would you harvest a jake or pass and wait for a tom? Let's say it is public land and you only have a couple of days to hunt... One tag only.

Ready? Set? DISCUSS!

Dave

The OP asked a question and asked for comments. Several people stated they will or won't shoot a jake. No one singled anyone out about either answer. For some reason the ones that do shoot jakes are more easily offended than the ones that don't. I do not wait all year drive countless miles lose sleep not to mention the money involved to shoot a 9 month old turkey it's not about the meat the beard spurs or fan it is calling a mature gobbler to the gun. I don't sit on field edges in a pop up blind and wait for the noon arrivals either for the same reason. Everyone hunts for a different reason and some seek a higher challenge and will not except anything less.

Nor do the vast majority of experienced hunters.  The thing is, YOU choose to voice your opinion in such a way as to desprage anyone that doesn't see it your way, do it your way, or god forbid disagree with you.  And you do it in a way that literally,  every single time, makes you look like a freaking jackass.  Idk if it was the way you were raised or what.  I don't care.  As I've said, I consider myself an experienced turkey hunter and a damn good one in a state that has all manner of hunter competition,  a large predator problem and a state legislature that seems bent on destroying our hunting rights.   What you do is try to belittle people every chance you get.  There is a way to interact with folks.  You don't seem to understand that.

If your so good at killing long beards  why you shoot jakes ? If you don't care what I think why do you cry at everything I post?
Isn't there a bedpan you should be cleaning instead of worrying about me?

Now who's reading comprehension needs work?  Where did I say I shoot jakes?  I said I would never bash someone that did.  And if you think TRYING to insult my being a nurse is going to hurt my feelings, you're gonna be up way past your bedtime.  You know,  for a smart a$$, you're not too bright.   When are you going to see that you just aren't too well liked around here? 

Around here lol .....it's an Internet forum only a complete loser would care what total complete strangers in another state maybe even across the whole country thinks. There still waiting on the bed pan  lol

Boy you seem in a hurry to get that bed pan .You afraid of peeing on your shoe.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 11, 2018, 12:58:03 PM
Around here lol .....it's an Internet forum only a complete loser would care what total complete strangers in another state maybe even across the whole country thinks. There still waiting on the bed pan  lol

Again, says the guy that bashes and insults folks on here on a nauseatingly regular basis about what they think and how they hunt.  You're a joke dude.  An angry, little, self-absorbed joke.  Keep trying that nurse rip too.  I wasn't born a nurse.  I've worked with my hands, served my country and done things that'd likely give you nightmares little girl. 

I would definitely have nightmares if I had to clean a bed pan lol
Somebody has to do it

I am just gonna say this. It's easy to pick on the nurse that cleans bedpans untill your the fellow strapped in a bed and immobile. I've been there and I am grateful there are people willing to help others out.
None of us are invincible and it may bode us well to remember that the person we treat like crap may very well be the person we will be depending on further down the line.

To any Nurses and veterans who are on this forum or anywhere .......I applaud you and say thank for your service.  I too have been in the situation where my life and well being, not to mention comfort was in the hands of nurses.  :happy0064:

If if that nurse/vet wanted to shoot a Gobbler, jake or longbeard  I'd help them accomplish that and be honored to do it. Making fun of people who give their lives to serve others is a low blow and much lower than shooting jakes.

My mother wife and both my girls work in nursing.i have nothiñg but  respect for the profession. it takes very very special people to work in this profession..thank you to all who work in this field.

Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 11, 2018, 12:58:03 PM
Around here lol .....it's an Internet forum only a complete loser would care what total complete strangers in another state maybe even across the whole country thinks. There still waiting on the bed pan  lol

Interesting statement - I hunt turkeys in other states and even across the whole country. I care a great deal about what others say and think. Guess I'm a loser too. Not sure where the bedpan cracks come from as I find them kind of bizarre. I know emotions get rather intense at times but insults really are counter productive. Can we not just have a decent conversation on this forum and cool it down some. Thanks.

I have nothing against the nursing profession the quick response of an Army nurse proabably saved my life when I was medivacted in Afghanistan.
The dig was at the male nurse that keeps crying about my posts. Not everything you read or hear pertains to you no matter how self important you feel not everything is about you. It was really just poking fun at the guy for things he posted. No need to get personally offended at every single little thing I wonder how some of you manage to keep it together on a normal day. What happens when something doesn't go your way in real life?
I'm done with this particular subject I've got a long beard roosted  and I'm headed in the woods right now. Shoot jakes don't shoot jakes but whatever you do don't be so thinned skinned lol. There only feelings lol

As my dad used to say: "all he does is take up oxygen"

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,29.0.html

 Proverbs 12:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

15
The way of fools seems right to them,
    but the wise listen to advice.

16
Fools show their annoyance at once,
    but the prudent overlook an insult.

Old Gobbler - time to lock this thread

Quote from: appalachianassassin on April 08, 2018, 07:42:16 AM
my 11 yr old nephew wont even shoot a jake. to me its no different than shooting a button buck. in my zip code it will get you a talking too.

I shoot jakes and LOVE to shoot button bucks with my bow, especially if the population isn't great.  We were hit pretty hard by EHD, so shooting a big doe seemed pretty counter productive to me. Buttons are absolutely delicious, and while I like a good set of antlers, I LOVE a tender backstrap on the grill.

I typically give jakes a pass but my trigger finger has a vote  :toothy12:

Quote from: Dr Juice on April 13, 2018, 01:26:36 PM
I typically give jakes a pass but my trigger finger has a vote  :toothy12:

:you_rock: :z-guntootsmiley: :happy0064:

My preference is to harvest them right as they crack the shell. very tender.    :deadhorse:

Cooking up mergers, or flipping burgers.  It's all the same to God as long as you glorify Him.
Maybe someday you'll need someone to change your bedpan.

Quote from: g8rvet on April 13, 2018, 01:32:05 PM
My preference is to harvest them right as they crack the shell. very tender.    :deadhorse:

:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:

I've shot a few jakes early in my career, but hold out for longbeards these days. I don't fault anyone for shooting jakes as long as it's legal where you hunt. Not everyone has the same opportunities.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZklJHX2.jpg)

I guess to clarify, my land has zero turkeys that live on or use it; I have zero roosting areas.  I have seen turkeys on my land a total of one time while deer hunting in 3 years. In 3 months of running trail cams from December to March, I had ZERO pictures of wild turkeys on my trail cameras. They just dont use my land often for some reason. There are turkeys around, and I get jazzed up hearing them gobble on the roost; there is nothing else like it.  I have gotten incredibly fortunate the last two years and a longbeard has been desperate enough to succumb to my terrible calling.  I saw a grand total of 3 turkeys in 2 sits and shot 2 of them (the above mentioned longbeards).

I realize that this is NOT a good turkey hunting property overall, but it's MY land and I love hunting and working to improve it (ok, mostly for deer).  I have 2 small children and limited vacation, so you bet your butthole that the first legal bird that walks by within range is going to get some lead in the face.

I USED to have access to some amazing turkey ground, but never considered myself a serious turkey hunter. I had time to go twice a year tops, and I'd try to take my elderly grandfather who had Parkinson's and couldn't last long out there. But he loooved for me to take him. So while if a group of birds worked in, I'd of course pick out the tom. But if jakes were all that showed, well buddy, me and grandpa would mess those things up too.

Lighten up boys and girls, this is supposed to be fun.