Capt,first I want to commend you for not shooting a positive target!To legally shoot a tom in our state it must have a visible beard!Dont know if this was the case but I have killed a # of turkeys with beard rot which causes the beard to break off to the point of just being a nub!A full fan imho is the best way to determine for sure an adult gobbler!
Wild turkeys definately can have a fall/winter home and move to breeding/nesting grounds come spring!Feed,water,weather,terrain,determine these factors but its very common!I would suggest you get in those mountains at least a month before spring season opens and do yourself some scouting!On nice early morning spring days before season pick a high spot and listen for roosted birds before flydown!Look for tracks,scratchings,droppings,on roads,trails,creek banks,or wherever the ground is soft enough to leave a turkey track!Possibly ask some of the locals,squirrel hunters,deer hunters,possibly timber workers,if they have seen any birds and where!If you dont encounter turkey sign than move on until you do!If they are there in the winter there not all that far away come spring!!You just need to put some effort into finding them before season....good luck Bob.