Gobbler weight loss

[packmule]

Is anyone aware of a study or book that documents or describes how much weight a gobbler loses during the spring breeding period? I did a search and saw a 2011 post by Lovett (Williams) that stated it was 3-4 pounds. That number seems to make sense to me, but just wondering if there are other sources out there for this topic.

[Dtrkyman]

I have never been able to find anything about it, have a link to Lovett's info?  Always wondered as I shot my 2 heaviest birds late in the season in the same season back to back, a 26 and 27 pound monsters, on a good scale that was tested with multiple weights!

[packmule]

I have never been able to find anything about it, have a link to Lovett's info?  Always wondered as I shot my 2 heaviest birds late in the season in the same season back to back, a 26 and 27 pound monsters, on a good scale that was tested with multiple weights!

Here is the link:
http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php?topic=10550.0

[RutnNStrutn]

I'm sure it varies greatly. Some gobblers are lovers, some are fighters, some follow the gang around eating as they go, and some are reclusive. I would say the lovers and fighters are the ones with low weights.

Sent from deep in the woods where the critters roam.

[WV Flopper]

 That's a very good point from deep in the woods of the South.

We should all keep in mind, they are just like every thing else, none are equal. They all live differently from day to day.

I have Never seen any info on the question asked, but did read that a turkeys weight was at it highest during February. This made sense to me, for My area. Some places up north I think would be early than this as the set in of winter occured in November and December.

Also depends on how many corn and grain piles might be laying around. Seriously.

[ShootingABN!]

Can't help with data.

Personal experience. In Virginia. I hunted a track of land, off and on most of the season. Bird would gobble and go the other way. Seemed to always have hens. Just couldn't pattern him, even if not calling.

Last week of the season I started gobbling at him. He didn't like it one bit. I shot him at 20 yards. This old bird was missing lots of breast feathers from breeding, 11.25" beard 1.25" spurs 14lbs 12oz... Killed that bird on Monday never had heard another bird gobble on the property. Went back on Wednesday 5 other birds gobbling.... My best friend killed a bird that morning it had 1" spurs 10" and weighted more... I surmised I had killed the BOSS. I'm sure he had lost weight breading and fighting..