Title: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cowboy on April 09, 2020, 09:02:11 PM
Post by: Cowboy on April 09, 2020, 09:02:11 PM
Was wondering how many of you have seen a smokey gray color phase turkey? Been doing some reading on it and appears they are around 1 out of 100. More common than I thought. I have seen 2 in about 32 years of hunting. The most recent was in Western Tennessee few weeks ago.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Gobble! on April 09, 2020, 09:09:40 PM
Post by: Gobble! on April 09, 2020, 09:09:40 PM
Never seen one in 16 years of really paying attention.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: RossAnderson on April 09, 2020, 09:13:15 PM
Post by: RossAnderson on April 09, 2020, 09:13:15 PM
Seen my first one earlier this year riding around in Cades Cove. Gatlinburg, TN. It was a smoke phase/gray hen in a big flock. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Sure was pretty though.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2020, 09:19:25 PM
Post by: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 09, 2020, 09:19:25 PM
I've seen quite a few fall and spring. Everyone I have seen during the spring season had a gobbler with them.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: mmorgan9812 on April 09, 2020, 09:20:19 PM
Post by: mmorgan9812 on April 09, 2020, 09:20:19 PM
Quote from: RossAnderson on April 09, 2020, 09:13:15 PMI think I saw the same one... We go there all the time. I live about 45min from there
Seen my first one earlier this year riding around in Cades Cove. Gatlinburg, TN. It was a smoke phase/gray hen in a big flock. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Sure was pretty though.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: JeffC on April 09, 2020, 09:20:37 PM
Post by: JeffC on April 09, 2020, 09:20:37 PM
we had 2 that were hanging around here a few years ago, last time I saw her a fox was after her, people have reported there is still a couple in a local flock. Awesome looking bird.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: guesswho on April 09, 2020, 09:35:32 PM
Post by: guesswho on April 09, 2020, 09:35:32 PM
I've seen a couple in TN, but never in Fl, GA or Al. I did find a feather several years ago in Bama that looked like it came of a smoke phase.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Ol timer on April 09, 2020, 09:39:20 PM
Post by: Ol timer on April 09, 2020, 09:39:20 PM
Took this Smoked phased wings Tom a few years ago.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: mmorgan9812 on April 09, 2020, 09:53:26 PM
Post by: mmorgan9812 on April 09, 2020, 09:53:26 PM
Quote from: Ol timer on April 09, 2020, 09:39:20 PMThat's awesome!
Took this Smoked phased wings Tom a few years ago.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Hook hanger on April 09, 2020, 10:03:32 PM
Post by: Hook hanger on April 09, 2020, 10:03:32 PM
Seen 2 in the wild one in Missouri and another in Kansas.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: turkey_slayer on April 09, 2020, 10:07:20 PM
Post by: turkey_slayer on April 09, 2020, 10:07:20 PM
I've seen prob 10. Two were longbeards in the fall that were together. Could have legally killed one then but wanted to call one in gobbling. Never seen either nor heard of any being killed the following spring.
I was on a bird in Tennessee on a pretty steep mountain side. I kept noticing a white blob about 100 yards below me behind a blow down and for the longest time I kept thinking what the heck is that opossum digging for. Turns out the gobbler was with a smoke phased hen
I was on a bird in Tennessee on a pretty steep mountain side. I kept noticing a white blob about 100 yards below me behind a blow down and for the longest time I kept thinking what the heck is that opossum digging for. Turns out the gobbler was with a smoke phased hen
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: MK M GOBL on April 09, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Post by: MK M GOBL on April 09, 2020, 10:11:53 PM
Pretty rare around here, but have seen a couple of toms and hens. Never out hunting... I did watch 2 "Red" Phased Jakes last year, passed on them on the chance of seeing them as gobblers this year!
MK M GOBL
MK M GOBL
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Sir-diealot on April 09, 2020, 10:39:04 PM
Post by: Sir-diealot on April 09, 2020, 10:39:04 PM
Lovett E. Williams, Jr. talked about the color phases in his book "Book of the Wild Turkey" it was pretty interesting to read about the different color phases and also how the beards could have different colors. Good book if you ever get the chance to pick it up.
Several color phases of the wild turkey are recognized. The red phase occurs mainly in southern Mississippi and can be described as a rusty, reddish color on the tail, wings, or most body feathers. The smoky-gray phase occurs throughout Mississippi and is mistakenly thought to be a partial domestic turkey. Smokey-gray turkeys, usually hens, are whitish grayish in color on parts or most of the body. They are not part domestic and do successfully reproduce. Another color phase seen infrequently is the black (melanistic) phase. These turkeys have no other colors, just black. The true albino, with a total absence of any color, is rare.
https://wildturkeyzone.com/wildturkey/species1.htm
Several color phases of the wild turkey are recognized. The red phase occurs mainly in southern Mississippi and can be described as a rusty, reddish color on the tail, wings, or most body feathers. The smoky-gray phase occurs throughout Mississippi and is mistakenly thought to be a partial domestic turkey. Smokey-gray turkeys, usually hens, are whitish grayish in color on parts or most of the body. They are not part domestic and do successfully reproduce. Another color phase seen infrequently is the black (melanistic) phase. These turkeys have no other colors, just black. The true albino, with a total absence of any color, is rare.
https://wildturkeyzone.com/wildturkey/species1.htm
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: CALLM2U on April 09, 2020, 10:54:52 PM
Post by: CALLM2U on April 09, 2020, 10:54:52 PM
30+ years of turkey hunting and I've seen 1 smoke phased hen.
It's one of my 'dream birds' though.
It's one of my 'dream birds' though.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cowboy on April 10, 2020, 05:28:09 AM
Post by: Cowboy on April 10, 2020, 05:28:09 AM
Besides the one I saw in Tennessee, the only other one I saw was in Southern Missouri back in the 90s. Also back in the late 80s or early 90s, my Grandpa shot a red phase gobbler one spring. It was a gorgeous bird as well.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Ol timer on April 10, 2020, 06:52:14 AM
Post by: Ol timer on April 10, 2020, 06:52:14 AM
This hen was captured on my trail camera two springs ago I saw her again last spring.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Tom007 on April 10, 2020, 07:25:29 AM
Post by: Tom007 on April 10, 2020, 07:25:29 AM
Wow beauty
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: SwampRooster17 on April 10, 2020, 08:24:19 AM
Post by: SwampRooster17 on April 10, 2020, 08:24:19 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200410/b23f2e8249f0c5336c8686a10cbd29ae.jpg)
Saw this hen in the Smokey mountains
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Saw this hen in the Smokey mountains
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: ddturkeyhunter on April 10, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
Post by: ddturkeyhunter on April 10, 2020, 10:13:29 AM
In 2019 in MN just south of ST CLOUD seen a hen for about a week and a half just in the woods from a very busy highway. You guess it the next week seen her dead on side of road. The next time I went through there it was still there so had to stop to take a better look at it. What a beautiful bird it was.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Ctrize on April 10, 2020, 10:31:00 AM
Post by: Ctrize on April 10, 2020, 10:31:00 AM
Seen quite a few but only one tom.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: tlh2865 on April 10, 2020, 12:04:05 PM
Post by: tlh2865 on April 10, 2020, 12:04:05 PM
1 hen in Virginia. She was seen fairly regularly for a few months then up and disappeared.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: MNGobbler on April 10, 2020, 06:15:19 PM
Post by: MNGobbler on April 10, 2020, 06:15:19 PM
I have never seen one hunting, but have seen two out scouting and driving around. Both were hens.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Greg Massey on April 10, 2020, 06:20:00 PM
Post by: Greg Massey on April 10, 2020, 06:20:00 PM
Only seen 2 in all my years of hunting..
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Beards and Hooks on April 10, 2020, 06:26:07 PM
Post by: Beards and Hooks on April 10, 2020, 06:26:07 PM
Very cool. I have never seen one......maybe this year.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: guesswho on April 10, 2020, 06:37:34 PM
Post by: guesswho on April 10, 2020, 06:37:34 PM
This is the only two I've ever seen.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4535/38222411784_65bf9d3d5f.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4546/38222413614_a969b91c75.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4535/38222411784_65bf9d3d5f.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4546/38222413614_a969b91c75.jpg)
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 10, 2020, 06:43:32 PM
Post by: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on April 10, 2020, 06:43:32 PM
Here is one
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cowboy on April 10, 2020, 09:37:17 PM
Post by: Cowboy on April 10, 2020, 09:37:17 PM
Gorgeous birds guys. Thanks for sharing experiences and pics.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: catman529 on April 10, 2020, 10:47:29 PM
Post by: catman529 on April 10, 2020, 10:47:29 PM
I have seen several, but definitely not as many as 1 in 100. I think that percentage depends on the area. It's genetic, so some flocks might have 1 in 50, while others might have none at all.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Happy on April 11, 2020, 08:25:06 AM
Post by: Happy on April 11, 2020, 08:25:06 AM
I have only seen two. And that was once and they were in the same flock.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: dzsmith on April 12, 2020, 02:07:57 AM
Post by: dzsmith on April 12, 2020, 02:07:57 AM
ive seen a few hens in my lifetime...but never a gobbler. Ive probably seen more smoke phase and or solid white gobblers killed this year than I ever have. Too the point that I wonder how many are even real? id never accuse somebody of it...but its getting to the point where its not believable.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 09:59:32 AM
Post by: wvmntnhick on April 12, 2020, 09:59:32 AM
Never seen one. Had one in a local flock with more white to its wings than is typical but never a full on smoke phase.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2020, 10:14:43 AM
Post by: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2020, 10:14:43 AM
I've seen several over the years and all of them hens. Someone told me where I hunt a smoke phase Tom was running around,but I never have seen it myself.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Spitten and drummen on April 12, 2020, 10:22:26 AM
Post by: Spitten and drummen on April 12, 2020, 10:22:26 AM
Quote from: Ol timer on April 09, 2020, 09:39:20 PM
Took this Smoked phased wings Tom a few years ago.
Man I would have done a full body mount. What a beautiful bird.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: MS Boy on April 12, 2020, 10:28:56 AM
Post by: MS Boy on April 12, 2020, 10:28:56 AM
Quote from: Spitten and drummen on April 12, 2020, 10:22:26 AMAgree...Absolutely you have too !!Quote from: Ol timer on April 09, 2020, 09:39:20 PM
Took this Smoked phased wings Tom a few years ago.
Man I would have done a full body mount. What a beautiful bird.
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Ol timer on April 12, 2020, 10:30:55 AM
Post by: Ol timer on April 12, 2020, 10:30:55 AM
Thanks !! I did a full mount did by Blackwing Taxidermy.
To me it was a once in a lifetime Turkey it need to be honored in my trophy room.
To me it was a once in a lifetime Turkey it need to be honored in my trophy room.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Ol timer on April 12, 2020, 10:39:20 AM
Post by: Ol timer on April 12, 2020, 10:39:20 AM
I did a post on the hunt here back when he was taken.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:31:59 PM
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:31:59 PM
Here's a couple of hens on some lease land I have in MS
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:33:31 PM
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:33:31 PM
A couple more
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:35:47 PM
Post by: Cottonmouth on April 12, 2020, 07:35:47 PM
Dang can't do but one at a time
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: struttandrutt on April 12, 2020, 11:27:06 PM
Post by: struttandrutt on April 12, 2020, 11:27:06 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200413/7e4fc4ed68a542294952b44513f23b77.jpg)
Only one I've ever seen. I'm in TN
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Only one I've ever seen. I'm in TN
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:23:05 PM
Post by: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:23:05 PM
Florida Birds
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:24:36 PM
Post by: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:24:36 PM
One more
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: fallhnt on April 21, 2020, 03:23:51 PM
Post by: fallhnt on April 21, 2020, 03:23:51 PM
Saw one in KS 3 yrs ago
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Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: guesswho on April 21, 2020, 03:27:18 PM
Post by: guesswho on April 21, 2020, 03:27:18 PM
Quote from: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:24:36 PMJust curious. Were either Killed anywhere near the Peace River?
One more
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Cowboy on April 21, 2020, 08:14:58 PM
Post by: Cowboy on April 21, 2020, 08:14:58 PM
Quote from: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:24:36 PMGorgeous bird. Thanks for sharing
One more
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Hobbes on April 21, 2020, 11:56:22 PM
Post by: Hobbes on April 21, 2020, 11:56:22 PM
I saw a smoke phased hen in Western MT last weekend. She was with a good size flock of hens and strutters. She is second hen from left (second hen to right of driveway strutter). It's not a good photo, so difficult to recognize.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: Chordeiles on April 22, 2020, 06:49:16 AM
Post by: Chordeiles on April 22, 2020, 06:49:16 AM
Quote from: Ol timer on April 12, 2020, 10:30:55 AMThat is pretty sweet!
Thanks !! I did a full mount did by Blackwing Taxidermy.
To me it was a once in a lifetime Turkey it need to be honored in my trophy room.
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: OJR on April 22, 2020, 09:38:35 AM
Post by: OJR on April 22, 2020, 09:38:35 AM
Quote from: guesswho on April 21, 2020, 03:27:18 PMQuote from: OJR on April 21, 2020, 02:24:36 PMJust curious. Were either Killed anywhere near the Peace River?
One more
About 250 miles from the Peace River in Florida
Title: Re: Smokey gray color phase
Post by: CALLM2U on April 22, 2020, 11:52:20 AM
Post by: CALLM2U on April 22, 2020, 11:52:20 AM
I just went back and found a few pics of one I came across in Cades Cove years ago.