Let's review what needs to be done for the contest.
Here's the stuff you need to have to take care of business:
> An accurate scale with which you can take a clear picture of the weight of your gobbler. I recommend getting a hand-held digital scale for this. They are inexpensive and readily available on sites like Amazon and Ebay.
(Note: be aware that some of these scales will show "pounds and ounces" and others will show "pounds plus percentage of (the next) pound". For example, a scale may have a digital reading of 18.5. That may mean 18 and a half pounds on one scale...or 18 pounds and five ounces on another scale. Know which type you have.)
> A measuring tape: I recommend having a flexible tape for measuring spur length (one that will conform to any curve in the spur so it can be measured properly). I also use a stiffer tape for measuring the beard length but a flexible tape will do for both. (Note: it is difficult to accurately measure spurs properly with a broad, stiff, metal tape, so try to get a flexible tape of some sort--- narrow metal, cloth, vinyl, etc.---for this)
> A camera/phone with which you can take good, clear pictures which can be uploaded to the site. Per the contest rules, we gotta have clear pictures of the spur length (both spurs), the beard length (showing base to tip), and the weight (with the gobbler hanging from the scale). Also need to take a picture of a filled-out score sheet with the hunter and gobbler together in the pic. (The score sheet does not have to be anything fancy...just show the required measurements/weight and the total score on a legible "something" you can write it on)
I know, all of this can seem to be overwhelming...but it really isn't...but does take a bit of preparation and time to complete. So be prepared up-front.
