Shooting a jake looked down upon?

[JuniorPre 360]

I've been doing a little asking around from some people scouting areas for turkeys and I guess they're seeing a lot of jakes and just a few big toms. I'm wondering if I'll catch HE11 if I were to post a picture of my first bird being a jake or if I should pass them all up if the opportune moment comes this season.

[Skeeterbait]

Those of us who have been at this a while tend to like to let the jakes walk for future years.  With that said, first bird, or even one taken late in the season when a longbeard hasn't been killed I am all for someone doing that.  It has to do with what YOU will be proud of and to he#% with what anyone else thinks.  You post your first bird and we are going to be happy for you.

[duckaholic25]

Those of us who have been at this a while tend to like to let the jakes walk for future years.  With that said, first bird, or even one taken late in the season when a longbeard hasn't been killed I am all for someone doing that.  It has to do with what YOU will be proud of and to he#% with what anyone else thinks.  You post your first bird and we are going to be happy for you.

X2

[cuppednlocked]

I agree with what Skeeter said.  It's a personal choice you decide when the opportunity presents itself.

The bottom line is... if you are happy it shouldn't matter what someone else thinks.  A trophy to one does not always equal a trophy to others.

[jhcats10]

My first was an ol shorty and i would hope no one would say a word about it being a jake and your first bird. I don't care if it's your 100th bird; if you feel like taking a jake... Have at it!!!

[stinkpickle]

If a jake gives a fun hunt, take him.

[BigGobbler]

I agree, shoot what you want the hack what others think. Them jakes can be just as tough to call and just as rewardable to take as a long beard. I hope turkey hunting does not get like the deer hunting has,everyone wants to pose a limit on the size you can shoot or they chastise you. I just wish there were more trophy hunters hunting where I hunt so there would be more meat for me.

[jmasters]

x3

[hookedspur]

No sir no flack coming your way if you clobber a Jake . If that's what you want and he's legal I will congratulate you 

[Gooserbat]

Skeeter hit the nail on the head.  I'm personally not going to shoot one but to each there own.

[jblackburn]

Not from me, but you never know on a forum. OG is usually a good place for all , but lately there have been more negative Nancys than ever before. Hopefully it's just cabin fever.

[jakesdad]

I wouldnt do it,but I certainly don't or will not look down on anybody that shoots a jake;whether its their first bird or 50th bird.Its your tag,do what makes you happy!

[WyoHunter]

Those of us who have been at this a while tend to like to let the jakes walk for future years.  With that said, first bird, or even one taken late in the season when a longbeard hasn't been killed I am all for someone doing that.  It has to do with what YOU will be proud of and to he#% with what anyone else thinks.  You post your first bird and we are going to be happy for you.

My thoughts exactly Skeeter!   

[olejake]

What Skeeter said  x 3.. and  just like beauty..it  is in the eye of the beholder.. whatever makes you happy ..and is legal and sporting...

[Jay Longhauser]

The first turkey I called in and shot was a jake.  He made me shake against the tree with anticipation like he was the biggest turkey in the woods.  In the last few years I have taken both my brothers out for their first turkey. They each shot a jake first and were smiling from ear to ear at the experience.  I would pass on them today because I'm comfortable with the time I have to hunt that I'll be able to shoot a couple longbeards, and I know if I don't shoot him as a jake Ill have a chance to hunt him next year.  If I were starting over again I would start with bagging a legal turkey for the first one.  I bet you will have fun doing it and good luck this season.