Which one would you shoot?

[Turkeytider]

When I have been faced with this choice (all things being equal), I always take the dominant bird.  For 2 reasons. He put on the show and he gets the truck ride-it just sticks in my mind better than the trophy.  Also, if you kill the dominant bird, another will take his place! 

I like this kind of tough decision though!   

Yes, eventually. It`s a misconception that another gobbler will simply take over the breeding responsibilities of the dominant ( breeding ) gobbler as soon as the dominant tom is killed. The hen makes the choice and, depending on when the dominant bird is taken out, may or may not breed that cycle.

[g8rvet]

All I care is that he gobbles!  It may just be chance, but there have sure been a lot of times over the years where the dominant bird (at least the one gobbling the most) was killed and a week later a bunch of birds are gobbling.  Like I said though, it could just be chance.

[hawkeye]

I would take the first clear opportunity unless they are both in the clear and then I would take the Strutter after his show.

[Turkeytider]

I killed a quadruple bearded bird last season. I knew he had a " nice beard " as he approached, but didn`t realize he had four until after I went to him. The main beard was a paintbrush to boot, 10 3/4". So, it`s paint brushes for me from now on. I expect to be watching the show far more than pulling the trigger from now on, which is OK by me.

[Haypatch]

The 1st one in range... but the double if both are and i have the choice.

[MO_HUNTER]

I'm not special, I dont call the best, I'm not the greatest woodsman this side of the Mighty Miss...so I would say either bird. They both sound like great birds and if they put on a show they both would be trophies in their own right! Man...just thinking about the opportunity is getting g me ready for this spring!

[THattaway]

The one that appears to be the more dominant or meaner, struts, mean walks etc. If they act the same then the one that gives the best chance for a shot. Full fan and long beard works for me most of the time. I killed a nice 3 year old 1 1/8" spurred 21lb. tom with a 2" beard (from rot) some years ago. Strutted in with a hen through knee deep muscadine vines and never got a view of long beard that I was certain was there. Toted out the same anyway.

[trkehunr93]

The first one to step out for a clean shot dies.  I've killed one double bearded bird in my time and I never took the time to study it to see before I shot, only realized it after I had my boot on it's neck.