Odd Ball!!

[Spitten and drummen]

I stand corrected. I just took it that you needed to identify a beard to tell that it was at least 6 inch's. I look for a beard because of that. My assumption was you need to see a beard in order to make sure it's at least 6". I know a full fan indicates a mature bird. I guess I just focus on beards too much lol.That bird the op killed has some fine hooks. Again congrats op.

[wade]

Congratulations. This thread caused me to reread the NC regulations. It says male or bearded turkey only.

[coonhunter]

WILD TURKEY
WILD TURKEY SEASONS
Daily limit 1; Possession and season limit 2, only one of which may
be taken during the youth season
Youth Season (male or bearded turkey only): Apr. 7 – 13, 2018
Turkey hunting by youth during this season is allowed statewide,
but some game lands will require a permit (see Game Lands
section). Only youth can hunt during this season and only
one weapon is allowed per youth hunter. Each youth must have
a Big Game Harvest Report Card and report harvests according
to instructions in this Digest. License-exempt youth should
report their harvest using a Big Game Harvest Report Card
for License-Exempt Hunters.
Statewide Spring Season (male or bearded turkey only)
Apr. 14 – May 12, 2018
Note: For information on permit hunts for select Game Lands,
refer to the Game Lands section.
Restrictions It is unlawful to:
l Use dogs during the spring wild turkey season.
l Use any type of handgun or rifle to hunt wild turkey.
l Take wild turkeys from an area in which bait has been placed.
(An area is considered baited until 10 days after the bait has
been consumed or otherwise removed.)
l Possess live wild turkeys or live birds that are indistinguishable
from wild turkeys.


Straight out of the NC Wildlife regulations book.  I was a little concerned so I went back and read them to make sure.   

[kjnengr]

I'll take a great pair of hooks over a beard any day.

Absolutely!!! 

[renegade19]

 

[renegade19]

Don't most states require a visible beard in order to harvest the bird?

Yes but I would assume that's a rule only 1% of natural resource police would enforce endless you shot a hen.

I'm thinking Illinois says something about male turkeys or bearded hen in the spring.  I'd have to look to be sure.  Regardless, I'd have shot that bird too. 

[Dtrkyman]

Illinois is a male turkey or hen with a visible beard, a beardless gobbler is legal...it's just for mistakes made on a bearded hen which is funny hens are obvious beard or not.


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[Dr Juice]

I haven't killed one without any sign of a beard and would have done so just like you. Congrats.

[jblackburn]

Several states I have hunted state male turkey or turkey with visible beard

[jblackburn]

and congrats on a fine bird!

[Sir-diealot]

Congratulations

[putzy]

Pennsylvania says bearded turkey only.