Ok im new at turkey hunting and I was wondering what it means when a Tom is strutting? And do toms and jakes always have their feathers up or do they have them down sometimes like a hen?
well im not expert by anymeans but id say that when a tom struts he is sexually excited by a hen, or displaying to attract her, or really pissed of at a jake or other tom. Usually a tom when feeding or just walking from feed to roost doesent have his fan out, just like a hen. hopefully this helps ya.
When a tom is strutting, his tail is fanned, his feathers areall puffed up and his head is tucked into his breast. He does this display only to impress the ladies or to intimidate a potential rival. In this position he can't see as well so he's vulnerable and he knows it. He normally walks and feeds with his feathers and tail relaxed.