Gobbler # 4

[fl panhandler]

This last weekend I killed a gobbler that turned out to be a jake.  He gobbled on the roost several times and took his sweet time coming in.  When he did decide to commit he came in in full strut.  I clucked at him to get him to break strut and he gobbled.  When he did I layed him out.  I got up and walked to him and checked out his spurs.  He had 3/8" bumps.  I was bummed.    His wing tips were worn off from strutting.  This is the first time I have killed a jake.  He acted like a full grown bird.  He only had a 5 1/2" curly beard, like a corkscrew.  I didn't get a real good look at him through the foliage, but when he stepped out in full strut and gobbled I guess i figured he was ready to die.  My question is;  Why was he allowed to act like a dominate bird, gobbling and strutting and the like?  Do y'all think he was able to breed at that age?  He didn't have a full fan but I could't tell untill I examined it very closely.    That osage aluminum Kaiser call  I guess was too irresistable.  
Rick

[Basser69]

Gobble and strut like the man die like the man!

[Ky strutt n bust n]

Gobble and strut like the man die like the man!

i second that. pretty bird tho! even the smart get out smarted. no shame tho! congrats!

[hookedspur]

 

[socalturkeyman]

Hey he put on a show and Its a great bird! congrats!!!

[njdevilsb]

Congrats on the bird. 

[moonman]

Congrats!

[trkycaller]

Congrats!!

[JVA54]

   Congrats!!

[Hognutz]

Great bird. He will eat well..I guarantee that..Mike

[bowhunter84]

Gobble and strut like the man die like the man!

[Wrangler95]

Very nice going,congrats!!!

[Gobble!]

 

[cannonball]

Congrats!

[pcgobbler]

I had one fool me this week like that.  Gobbled and came in fast, but had a 4-5" beard.  I was fortunate I could see him clearly coming in to verify he wasn't a longbeard.