Am I the only one that thinks all this trophy talk is just a touch bogus? Seems to me someone invented a formula just for the sake of keeping records. Who really cares about an extra 1/8 inch of spurs, or beard length which can actually shorten with age. Maybe weight has some validity.
Are there actually turkey hunters out there who judge each turkey before shooting. Everyone I know will either take the first legal tom they can or, at best, will pass on jakes. The only real selection I see, occurs when we get to pick among a group of toms and we naturally go for the one that looks best. The truth is there really isnt that much difference between mature toms to warrant all the fuss.
BTW, did I mention my trophy cottontail? His ears were 4' long and his tail was 2" in diameter...you get the picture.
I don' t have a problem with having a little fun and friendly competition, but too many guys are taking this stuff a little too seriously. All too often the first question you hear is about beard length, or spur length rather than about the hunt itself.
Every mature tom I shoot is a trophy in my eyes.
Am I alone on this?