As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1,2 are more conservation orientated. If there's enough and you're new you're not gonna decimate a population. I'd never shoot hens period in the spring though.
3,4 are no's. Just so you are aware we don't mention shooting beyond 40 on OG according to the rules
1. If legal and you desire to do so it is within your right to use a tag on it. I see no reason nor would I derived enjoyment from it so it would be wasteful for me to do so but I can not judge you by the same process I arrive at my own conclusion.
2. Again if legal and you would take pride in the harvest and excitement of the hunt I think it's a fantastic trophy, many hunters further in their hunting career do not do so but that takes nothing away from from anyone that does. I have never held anyone I was calling for back from making their own chooses on this topic.
3. No never, many states its not legal but it is always unsafe to shoot into the air. I also feels it strays very far from the essence of what hunting is in my mind it is a turkeys most valnerable state and robs the hunt of the entire pursuit.
4. Know your abilities, know your pattern, know the small size of your targets kill area, know the energy of your shot and make your own decisions on what you want to do. We dont talk about long shots because it promotes the wrong side of the sport of spring turkey hunting which is to draw them close to you. I will not tell anyone a matter of fact distance they can shoot any weapon at any game animal however just like if you fling a lot of arrows haphazardly at deer you probably won't hunt with me if you are carelessly slinging hopes and prayer shots at birds you won't be coming along.
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Quote from: TauntoHawk on April 17, 2018, 11:15:42 AM
1. If legal and you desire to do so it is within your right to use a tag on it. I see no reason nor would I derived enjoyment from it so it would be wasteful for me to do so but I can not judge you by the same process I arrive at my own conclusion.
2. Again if legal and you would take pride in the harvest and excitement of the hunt I think it's a fantastic trophy, many hunters further in their hunting career do not do so but that takes nothing away from from anyone that does. I have never held anyone I was calling for back from making their own chooses on this topic.
3. No never, many states its not legal but it is always unsafe to shoot into the air. I also feels it strays very far from the essence of what hunting is in my mind it is a turkeys most valnerable state and robs the hunt of the entire pursuit.
4. Know your abilities, know your pattern, know the small size of your targets kill area, know the energy of your shot and make your own decisions on what you want to do. We dont talk about long shots because it promotes the wrong side of the sport of spring turkey hunting which is to draw them close to you. I will not tell anyone a matter of fact distance they can shoot any weapon at any game animal however just like if you fling a lot of arrows haphazardly at deer you probably won't hunt with me if you are carelessly slinging hopes and prayer shots at birds you won't be coming along.
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[/quote
Though I agree about never shooting a roosted bird, your going to have to explain why it's unsafe to shoot a shotgun in the air.
Quote from: Alberta Jonny on April 17, 2018, 11:24:03 AM
Quote from: TauntoHawk on April 17, 2018, 11:15:42 AM
1. If legal and you desire to do so it is within your right to use a tag on it. I see no reason nor would I derived enjoyment from it so it would be wasteful for me to do so but I can not judge you by the same process I arrive at my own conclusion.
2. Again if legal and you would take pride in the harvest and excitement of the hunt I think it's a fantastic trophy, many hunters further in their hunting career do not do so but that takes nothing away from from anyone that does. I have never held anyone I was calling for back from making their own chooses on this topic.
3. No never, many states its not legal but it is always unsafe to shoot into the air. I also feels it strays very far from the essence of what hunting is in my mind it is a turkeys most valnerable state and robs the hunt of the entire pursuit.
4. Know your abilities, know your pattern, know the small size of your targets kill area, know the energy of your shot and make your own decisions on what you want to do. We dont talk about long shots because it promotes the wrong side of the sport of spring turkey hunting which is to draw them close to you. I will not tell anyone a matter of fact distance they can shoot any weapon at any game animal however just like if you fling a lot of arrows haphazardly at deer you probably won't hunt with me if you are carelessly slinging hopes and prayer shots at birds you won't be coming along.
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[/quote
Though I agree about never shooting a roosted bird, your going to have to explain why it's unsafe to shoot a shotgun in the air.
I think it's poor habit to point any firearm into the air, there are also states where rifles are legal for turkey and those happen to be states where roost shooting is most prevalent.
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I would agree 100% that you shouldn't shoot a rifle in the air. But with a shotgun, a turkey is the only thing I would consider shooting on the ground. Each to their own I guess.
no to #3, all the others I don't find troublesome.
#1-depends on your state, in VA we are allowed one bearded bird a day in the spring so our wording allows for bearded hens. That's really a personal choice and I wouldn't give anyone a hard time for doing something legal.
#2-I'm not one to pass up a turkey that has come into calling, I have never seen a recipe for the beard or the spurs. If one's out there then please enlighten me. I prefer a mature gobbler but I also am not a fan of tag soup!
#3-I wouldn't personally but I am also not a ninja so I know I never would be able to get that close to a roost tree to even attempt it nor do I have the desire.
#4-I like 40 yards, it's just a good, safe distance IMO. If I wanted to take longer shots I'd start hunting with a rifle.
1) Did it. (First turkey I ever shot)
2) Did it. (Followed me around the property chasing off every tom. Had to die) Jakezilla
3) Wouldn't do it.
4) Up close and personal for me.
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1 no
2 no
3 no
4 I've done it before many times probably do it agian.
I choose not to do any of the four, but that doesn't make them unethical.
If you feel you shouldn't do it even if it's legal, and you go ahead and do it, then you just went against your own ethics. I'd rather let a bird live another day than to take his life in a manner that I personally feel wasn't fair.
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1. Where states allow bearded birds - it becomes a personal decision. For what it's worth, a bearded hen is not viewed as any great anomaly or trophy in the turkey hunter's culture. How hungry are you?
2. No problem. Legal bird that makes you happy - ok.
3. Nope.
4. As stated by others, the "sport" of the hunt is to have a close encounter. Yardsticks are hard to come by in the field, but situational awareness will usually dictate your ethical, lethal range. Modern ammunition has extended lethal range, for sure - but an extra long range kill is more of an embarrassment than a bragging right.
You asked about ethics. The ethics you adopt are yours. When a hunter's pursuit of game becomes more than just the kill, ethics become much clearer.
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. Try not to.
Ethics are a personal thing. What is ethical and fair chase to me may not be to you and vice versa. You have to be honest with yourself and answer these questions. What means more to you? The success or the journey?
Quote from: TauntoHawk on April 17, 2018, 11:15:42 AM
1. If legal and you desire to do so it is within your right to use a tag on it. I see no reason nor would I derived enjoyment from it so it would be wasteful for me to do so but I can not judge you by the same process I arrive at my own conclusion.
2. Again if legal and you would take pride in the harvest and excitement of the hunt I think it's a fantastic trophy, many hunters further in their hunting career do not do so but that takes nothing away from from anyone that does. I have never held anyone I was calling for back from making their own chooses on this topic.
3. No never, many states its not legal but it is always unsafe to shoot into the air. I also feels it strays very far from the essence of what hunting is in my mind it is a turkeys most valnerable state and robs the hunt of the entire pursuit.
4. Know your abilities, know your pattern, know the small size of your targets kill area, know the energy of your shot and make your own decisions on what you want to do. We dont talk about long shots because it promotes the wrong side of the sport of spring turkey hunting which is to draw them close to you. I will not tell anyone a matter of fact distance they can shoot any weapon at any game animal however just like if you fling a lot of arrows haphazardly at deer you probably won't hunt with me if you are carelessly slinging hopes and prayer shots at birds you won't be coming along.
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Pretty much agree to this
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as for me, I tend to be rather judgmental.
1) Shoot a bearded hen? For myself No, for another your choice if legal where you hunt.
2) Shoot a jake? For myself No, for another your choice if legal where you hunt.
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost? For me No, and I would vote no for anyone... I would consider it to be unethical.
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards? For me No, cut that in half my game is under 20 yards and more in the 15-17 yard range, I like them in my face!!
MK M GOBL
Shot a bearded hen in the fall when I was a kid. It was one of the first bearded hens I had ever seen and initially thought it was rare and a big deal. As time went on I've seen many more and haven't had the urge to do it again. I had rather her raise a brood and forego that.
I've killed a few jakes. It was pretty common to do so in the fall many years ago and I've shot a few in the spring but that was a long time ago. The last one I remember killing gobbled and strutted like a mature bird, that was probably 15 years ago. As long as they are legal where you hunt and he gives you the experience you are looking for... go for it. I'm not one to pass judgement on a hunter as long as he/she is responsible and ethical. Jakes are a personal standard and for the most part not a question of ethics.
No way in any shape form or fashion should a gobbler be shot from the roost.
Know your weapon and it's capabilities. I'm a bowhunter. I like my critters up close, my gun will pattern very well beyond 40 but I want to feel his gobble in my chest!
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
I probably would not... I do not like the idea of shooting a hen during breeding season... Just seems wrong.
However, I am not sure if I would shake my head at a young hunter doing so. I would probably discourage my own children, as I think when they get older, knowing they shot a spring hen might sour the memory.
2) Shoot a jake?
I have no problem shooting a jake. I do not see any conservational advantage to letting jakes walk as far as turkey populations... Shooting an older bird is simply more of a challenge, and waiting for a long-beard or big spurs simply increases the challenge, making the harvest more gratifying...
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
NO... I would adamantly oppose making such legal... There is not challenge, and it is simply killing rather than hunting.
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
40 yards is my limit... I think once we start shooting loads capable of killing birds at 50 or 60 yards, we are giving ourselves a bit too much advantage. And I do not care what load/choke you are shooting, the chances of crippling birds goes up exponentially after 40 yards.
And, if you have a load/choke capable of killing birds at those long distances, you are going to handicap yourself at the closer ranges...
Your a new hunter.
1 yes
2 yes
3 no
4..keep it 40 yards or under. Range Finders help in this regard. You don't want to wound the Tom.
I wouldn't really have a problem with any of these assuming they are legal methods for the season as per number 4 would know the effective range of the shotgun your using witch can vary greatly between gauges and how well it may pattern at different ranges.
I'd say big NO to all of them.
Just because it's legal doesn't make it right , in some states a man can dress up like a women and use the girls bathroom at public places lol and if you say something it is a hate crime.
So don't dress like a women and don't roost shoot bearded hens at 50 yards.
Quote from: Phillipshunt on April 20, 2018, 08:54:11 AM
I'd say big NO to all of them.
Just because it's legal doesn't make it right , in some states a man can dress up like a women and use the girls bathroom at public places lol and if you say something it is a hate crime.
So don't dress like a women and don't roost shoot bearded hens at 50 yards.
:TooFunny:
Agreed on all points.....
Passed on a bearded hen yesterday. Never seen one before but then never looked for one except after reading this post.
1.I shoot any legal bird.
2.I shoot any legal bird.
3.After 7:00 a.m. game on in IL. He may have flown up to get a view too.
4.A good man knows his limitations.
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1,2 if you want a Tom then pass up the bearded hen and Jake . If you like turkey dinner it's youre right to harvest a bearded hen or Jake. It's youre call!
3 no.. just not ethical IMHO
4. Pattern you're shotgun. Know it's capabilites. Become comfortable with it. Shoot well within it's killing range. Be able to judge yardage! Use tools that help you with this. Too many hunters say theyre going to shoot within 40 Yds but then get too excited or just drastically misjudge the distance
1. I would say "no" because in the Spring if she has a nest you may be killing multiple turkey's
2. I don't but that is a personal choice
3. No, chance of crippling the bird which then may not be recovered
4. Try not to but I have miss judged distance in the past
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1&2 ok if it is legal in your state. In MS you cannot shoot hens and only kids under I think 13 can shoot a Jake during youth week
3&4 no
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Quote from: wchadw on May 10, 2018, 07:59:17 AM
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1&2 ok if it is legal in your state. In MS you cannot shoot hens and only kids under I think 13 can shoot a Jake during youth week
3&4 no
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But I would not shoot a hen in the spring. She would have or will be laying eggs.
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Ethics are personal rules you apply to your hunting over and above the law. The problem is when people make judgments on others according to their own ethics. Remember that ethics are personal rules over and above the law. I would not shoot a bearded hen, they are the 'seed producers' for next hunting season, but if its legal in your state its totally up to you. In Mass. its legal. As for jakes I don't shoot them. But if its legal go ahead, in Miss if I remember right a tom must have a six inch beard to be legal. Shooting a Tom off the roost is a big, giant no-no in my book, but again if its legal, as in Mass. you can. But to me its such a big no-no, if you do it hunting with me, you won't hunt with me again. I won't chew you out, or judge you but I would have told 'bout that before we hunted. Everyone I hunt with won't do it. Just my opinion. :TrainWreck1:
There is not as much meat on a hen or a jAke as a big tom
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1. Have no desire to shoot any hen
2. Nothing wrong with it, I have killed enough that I selfishly wait until he is a 2 yr old but nothing unethical about killing one.
3. Came close to doing it once on a gobbler I worked over an hour that got within a few feet of range then flew in a tree above me to roost. Put gun on him but could not make myself do it. Killed him the next afternoon, to me no do not do it. If he is tree hopping to the call then that is a different story.
4. I am totally against long range shooting. I am trying to fool a bird and enjoy the experience, not snipe him. I have a range I will shoot to and I stick to it.
I am not going to shoot one off the roost or over 40 yards...Part of the thrill is getting him in close.
I would say bearded Hen or Jake be ok if legal...Dead hens don't lay eggs!
Nothing unethical about 1 and 2. I can see where a case could be made for 3 and 4.
1) Shoot a bearded hen? I think it is better to leave them to raise the tom's of the future. If I had no food in the house and no way to get it then that is different.
2) Shoot a jake? To be honest I am on the edge with this one, I have never gotten a turkey before and really want to get one but at the same time want to wait out for that older tom that is a master of his craft, I think it would fill me with more righteous pride than taking a jake.
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost? Never, to me this is utterly disgusting and no sportsmanship involved in it at all. I would never hunt with a person that I saw do it or that bragged about doing it, to me it is a lowbrow thing to do.
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards? My eyes suck so it is a no for me. I worry about how much effect there is with shooting that far and let me explain what I mean, basically shooting paper is not the same as shooting the real deal when the adrenaline is pumping and the sights are bobbing. But there are several here that seem to have good luck with it so what do I know?
1.I don't but If it's legal in your area and it makes you happy, why not?
2. Same as 1
3. Not legal for me and not sporting imo.
4. I like to see how close I can get them. All my birds have been 35 and under except one. I have made one follow-up shot over 40 yards after a pulled shot at 30.
I agree with all that has been said that shooting a bird on the roost, it may be legal but not ethical, but it also depends on the circumstance. I hunted with a friend several years ago that had, and took, a shot at a gobbler on the roost. He was a new turkey hunter and I explained to him that I considered it a non ethical practice and thought the land owner was of the same mind set. He apologized and did not do it again. So it may be a situation where the person just does not know.
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1 for me shoot bearded hen in spring no ,,,now if i was into mounting birds i would considered it ,,, fall season no problem
2 if he plays the game and iam into it hes going down
3 not seance my early teens lol
4 most places i set up i cant shoot past 35 yrds
at end of the day if its legal do what u fill is right be proud of your harvest ,,
Quote from: Magdump on April 17, 2018, 10:02:13 AM
As a novice turkey hunter, I have had a few turkey hunting ethics questions come to mind as I am learning the ropes. Trying to learn what the general consensus of the turkey hunting community may be so I can be sure I am doing the right thing. Would very much appreciate the viewpoints on these from all you turkey hunting experts.
Assuming that to do the below listed things would be lawful under relevant state law, is it generally considered ethical to:
1) Shoot a bearded hen?
2) Shoot a jake?
3) Shoot a gobbler off the roost?
4) With the now common usage/availability of TSS (or similar), shoot beyond 40 yards?
1.) It wouldn't matter if she had spurs, all hens are safe around me.
2.) I haven't shot a jake in the decades I've been hunting turkeys, probably not going to start now. I want the greatest challenge and the most meat I can get from a gobbler.
3.) I shoot turkeys on the ground only.
4.) TSS is definitely capable of killing beyond that distance, but I don't use it & have never shot at a turkey beyond 35 yards myself.
Jim
As you can see if you ask a lot of different people ethics questions you will get a lot of varied answers. My advice is hunt legal per your states regs, and within your equipments capabilities, have fun, and don't let others influence how you hunt.
Quote from: TauntoHawk on April 17, 2018, 11:32:28 AM
Quote from: Alberta Jonny on April 17, 2018, 11:24:03 AM
Quote from: TauntoHawk on April 17, 2018, 11:15:42 AM
1. If legal and you desire to do so it is within your right to use a tag on it. I see no reason nor would I derived enjoyment from it so it would be wasteful for me to do so but I can not judge you by the same process I arrive at my own conclusion.
2. Again if legal and you would take pride in the harvest and excitement of the hunt I think it's a fantastic trophy, many hunters further in their hunting career do not do so but that takes nothing away from from anyone that does. I have never held anyone I was calling for back from making their own chooses on this topic.
3. No never, many states its not legal but it is always unsafe to shoot into the air. I also feels it strays very far from the essence of what hunting is in my mind it is a turkeys most valnerable state and robs the hunt of the entire pursuit.
4. Know your abilities, know your pattern, know the small size of your targets kill area, know the energy of your shot and make your own decisions on what you want to do. We dont talk about long shots because it promotes the wrong side of the sport of spring turkey hunting which is to draw them close to you. I will not tell anyone a matter of fact distance they can shoot any weapon at any game animal however just like if you fling a lot of arrows haphazardly at deer you probably won't hunt with me if you are carelessly slinging hopes and prayer shots at birds you won't be coming along.
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[/quote
Though I agree about never shooting a roosted bird, your going to have to explain why it's unsafe to shoot a shotgun in the air.
I think it's poor habit to point any firearm into the air, there are also states where rifles are legal for turkey and those happen to be states where roost shooting is most prevalent.
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What about fowl hunters? I shoot in the air most of the time when hunting fowl! For the record I shot one flying to the roost outta the air one time and won't ever do it again. I wish I would have let him keep flying bx I love the pursuit. I have a bearded hen mounted, so I will no longer shoot hens. I shot a jake last year for a dinner in KY at turkey camp. Heaven. I have no problems shooting a jake if I'm on my last tag and last day. And I like em close but took a long poke a time or two. Today it's 35 and in.
One thing I do know is we are all turkey fanatics on here and judging another's hunting style is not my thing.
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Response as applied to ( Me )
1. NO. Not ever knowingly
2. NO. Not ever purposely
3. NO.
4. NO.
Number 1. I wouldn't and think it should not be legal in the spring.
Number 2. First bird go for it. After that i wouldn't.
3. No
4. No
I'm far from being an "expert", but hey.......this is the internet right.
1. I won't
2. I have. My first turkey was a jake.
3. Not even if legal, IMO
4. I have.... and probably will again.
1. I did once and that is all for me. I thought it would make a cool mount and she had a very long beard too. We have too many hens in my area as well.
Nobody fall turkey hunts anymore around here. I wouldn't do it again, kinda felt bad after a little.
2. I've shot a few in the past and encourage most I hunt with to fill tags at their discretion. As long as they are smiling when its flopping who cares.
3. NADA
4. I shoot em close. BUT there was this one red headed devil who tested me almost daily one season a few years back. Last day I'd of shot him at 400yds if I
could of!!! HA HA HA I think he died of old age. He definitely was smarter then me.
Quote from: afhunter1 on March 04, 2019, 03:25:54 PM
1. I did once and that is all for me. I thought it would make a cool mount and she had a very long beard too. We have too many hens in my area as well.
Nobody fall turkey hunts anymore around here. I wouldn't do it again, kinda felt bad after a little.
2. I've shot a few in the past and encourage most I hunt with to fill tags at their discretion. As long as they are smiling when its flopping who cares.
3. NADA
4. I shoot em close. BUT there was this one red headed devil who tested me almost daily one season a few years back. Last day I'd of shot him at 400yds if I
could of!!! HA HA HA I think he died of old age. He definitely was smarter then me.
:TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Being it's an ethics thread and the questions are from a new hunter I'd like to add something if I may?
One of the biggest things to concern yourself with besides legal issues like and of course ethical shot issues is giving another man room.
Personally I never wade in among others and don't have an issue but I'd bet most have had issues both from those who didn't know and those who didn't care blowing a set up.
I think you care to be clear by your questions.
If a man is on a bird first don't set up across from him n try to have a calling contest or move in a blow his set up. Lots of guys move more than once in a morning so a few hundred yards away is much too close. Many new guys don't realize that. If trucks are already in an area just go somewhere else.
Respect each other and hopefully others follow suit.
Good questions by OP, and EXCELLENT post by last poster
Biggest ethics entanglement IMHO is making as little an impact as possible and not a) boogering birds or another hunter and b) not snaking another hunter and c) not setting up an unsafe situation [close to another hunter, etc.]
To the OP's points:
1) yes if legal but it's a personal decision. I will note I'd also shoot a hen during archery in the fall if given the opportunity
2) yes if legal but I personally would not do so on purpose [only ever shot 1 jake knowing it was a jake]; if one comes in in heavy stuff and is strutting and gobbling with a white head I won't be looking for a beard. This has actually never happened to me but has to people I know.
3) I have seen a lot of attention paid to this in previous posts. Strictly speaking, no, I would not and it is not legal where I hunt (FLA). That said, not all roosting situations are the same and I can probably count on 1 hand the number of times I've been able to sneak in to where I'd have a shot on a roosted bird without first hearing a whole lot of putting followed by wingbeats. This is in FLA public land usually in river bottoms. I have shot 2 out of trees both were limb hopping and had flown up. I called them straight in and they went to the trees a good 80 yards out and made their way over. They have got to be tight to you when in a tree to have an adequate shot. i considered both of them 'called in' and they were no longer legally roosted so were fair game.
4) Not on purpose I've come very close to 40 on some occassions and only 1 time did I shoot too far suspecting it was a bit of a long range shot. Long story but I will add the bird died where he stood and wasn't getting any closer. May have been the longest hang up I've ever seen
1) I personally see no difference in shooting any hen in the spring vs shooting any hen in the fall. Dead is dead and they can't raise a brood. If they died last fall, I think the chance of them laying in the spring are 0%. With that being said, I have had one chance to shoot a bearded hen (I have seen a few, but this one was in range) and I elected not to. No judgement from me if you choose differently.
2) I have shot a jake since I really started turkey hunting. he came in gobbling and strutting like a Tom on a windy day and I did not know he was a jake until he cleared some bushes and I could see his beard and fan. I killed him and we ate him that night. I have passed many before and since. Just felt like it that day.
3) No. Never have and never would. Not sporting. Like water whacking ducks. But worse, cause where I live it is also illegal.
4)Once cause I messed up and misjudged in a field. Never really thought much of it before, had plenty of chances that cost me birds. I don't like not killing a bird, but wounding one would bother me for a long time.
Someone above me said to the effect that 3 of these 4 don't really affect me much if you chose different than me. If you asked me, being considerate of other hunters is way more important and will affect more people if you push those ethics. Give your fellow hunters space, respect someone working a bird and you will be appreciated more than if you decide to take a jake or not.
Is there any other type of hunting that is as so anti-female killing? I have always found it interesting.
I wouldn't ever personally shoot a hen in the spring, but if I was confident in the population I'd probably shoot one in the fall. Assuming they weren't raising small young.
I wouldn't shoot a bearded hen though, I find them to be pretty gross. It's like a woman with a beard or hairy armpits. I just want nothing to do with that.
I would shoot a beared hen. There isnt that many of them and I dont think one put of a flock is going to hurt a thing
It is actually something I would get mounted. Something unique. My nephew got one and had it mounted under a big Tom his step dad shot. If he had to pick a mount to keep it would be that one.
Yes. It's ethical to shoot a bearded hen and a Jake. No worries.
I believe #3 is illegal in most states.
#4 well, that's a personal decision. CAN you make the shot? Depends on the person. Should you make the shot? ALWAYS depends on everything you have to take into consideration... Wind, visibility, your confidence in your shot. If you are comfortable making and you've practiced for the shot... go for it. Also depends on what you personally want to get out of the hunt. Me, I want 20 yards. I want to get them to a point they are so fired up they come in and I have a personal encounter. But that's me. Ethics is a deeply personal CHOICE. And since you're asking, I have every confidence you actually care and will do right by the turkey.
On the subject of bearded hens, the ONLY reason bearded hens are legal in the spring is because some hunters do not have the experience to tell the difference between a bearded hen and a gobbler. PERIOD! Game managers realize that mistakes will be made and bearded turkeys will mistakenly be shot for gobblers. Managers do not want to see turkeys left in the field after such a mistake, and as such, have generally decided it is better just to make them legal so they won't be left and wasted.
This is not really a question of ethics as much as wild turkey management. Spring seasons are set up to harvest gobblers because they are an expendable part of the population. Take a gobbler out of a population (even jakes) and you are removing one turkey. Shoot a hen (even bearded ones) and you are potentially taking out one or more entire broods of turkeys.
While it is true that in healthy turkey populations, the loss of a few hens should not be a critical factor, responsible turkey hunters understand the biological reasons for not shooting hens in the spring,...bearded or not. Any spring hunter that knowingly shoots a hen in the spring season does not understand wild turkey management or is making the conscious decision to ignore the biological reasons that spring seasons are set up to harvest surplus male turkeys.
Quote from: GobbleNut on April 20, 2019, 10:37:56 PM
On the subject of bearded hens, the ONLY reason bearded hens are legal in the spring is because some hunters do not have the experience to tell the difference between a bearded hen and a gobbler. PERIOD! Game managers realize that mistakes will be made and bearded turkeys will mistakenly be shot for gobblers. Managers do not want to see turkeys left in the field after such a mistake, and as such, have generally decided it is better just to make them legal so they won't be left and wasted.
This is not really a question of ethics as much as wild turkey management. Spring seasons are set up to harvest gobblers because they are an expendable part of the population. Take a gobbler out of a population (even jakes) and you are removing one turkey. Shoot a hen (even bearded ones) and you are potentially taking out one or more entire broods of turkeys.
While it is true that in healthy turkey populations, the loss of a few hens should not be a critical factor, responsible turkey hunters understand the biological reasons for not shooting hens in the spring,...bearded or not. Any spring hunter that knowingly shoots a hen in the spring season does not understand wild turkey management or is making the conscious decision to ignore the biological reasons that spring seasons are set up to harvest surplus male turkeys.
Wow! I actually agree with everything you said, never thought this would happen lol