Just checking back in. Well I never got to get back out and hunt that big bearded Tom. Oh, we still have plenty of season left but my uncle shot him a couple of days ago so that took the wind out my sail. I've never obsessed over a bird before but this one was special. He had 3 beards measuring in at 8", 8 3/4", and 9 1/4 " with 1 1/4" spurs and weighing 23 1/2 lbs. I knew he was a beast. It turns my stomach but at least I know he is gone and I'm not wasting my time trying to hunt him and I know all the details on him. Those kind of birds only come around once and a great while. Who knows, maybe that double bearded jake we let walk will turn into my next obsession.