let them walk ?

[chatterbox]

Jakes getva pass with me but a full fan or long beard, and I'm making a BLT.

My thoughts exactly. I just do not have time as my luxury to be picky as far as size or age. My only exception is jakes. If jakes were all I saw all season, then tag soup it would be. If he has a full fan on opening day, at 5:30 in the morning, my 835 eats, and I will be extremely happy.
I hear enough gobbles, and enjoy my time in the woods while I scout in the pre season.
I am not nor will ever judge another hunter that chooses to pass on a younger or smaller Tom, or is hunting a particular bird. I have said and stand by that hunting is an extremely personal endeavor. I get only one tag, and am not particularly fussy about when I punch it.

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Full fans and longbeards only.

Aint no fun in killing a jake.

[catdaddy]

When I leave the truck geared up before dawn, I am turkey hunting. I am not turkey calling. If my intent was to bird watch, go hiking, enjoy nature, pick mushrooms etc... I'd leave that heavy piece of wood and metal at home. If I can get within shooting distance of a longbeard, I do my best to kill him.   

[nativeks]

Back before a wife and kids I let a lot of birds walk. We were trophy hunting, and we'd be checking spurs. 2 yr olds got to walk. To this day if I can't get a bird closer than 20 yards I let them walk because I don't feel like I won the battle.

[Spitten and drummen]

Jakes get a pass............always.Over the years i've been lucky enough to walk up on a few gobblers,mostly during a light rain or windy days.I killed a few of those birds.Now unless i'm planted with my butt on the ground and a bird comes in that I believe came to the call,I wont shoot.Like others have said I enjoy the hunt.If its legal and you shoot one however it may happen,i'm not looking down on anyone and will offer my congrats.

this is me to a tee

[El Pavo Grande]

Jakes always get a pass, first day of season or the last.  Just a personal choice and I don't begrudge anyone for killing them. 

[HogBiologist]

 

When I leave the truck geared up before dawn, I am turkey hunting. I am not turkey calling. If my intent was to bird watch, go hiking, enjoy nature, pick mushrooms etc... I'd leave that heavy piece of wood and metal at home. If I can get within shooting distance of a longbeard, I do my best to kill him.   

^ this

I only get a few days (less than 5) to hunt. Season may be longer, but I don't get the time. If he is legal, the mossy will bark. I am hunting, not nature watching.

[porcupine]

Good responses guys 

[Oconeeguy]

Never shot a jake & never will

[Dr Juice]

I don't shoot Jakes deliberately, but a couple have met their maker because they had a full gobble and the red head appeared in my diamond. 

[Kylongspur88]

I used to have a lot of time to hunt, but just don't anymore so if opportunity knocks I take it.