Is there any way to tell how old a turkey is?

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04-08-2008 | 09:32 AM

#41

RobinAim Low

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 745

Likes: 0

From: StL, MO

RE: Is there any way to tell how old a turkey is?

IMO, spurs are the only reliable indicator of age (besides telling a jake).

04-08-2008 | 10:11 AM

#42

MN/Kyle

Nontypical Buck

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,911

Likes: 0

From: Minnesota

RE: Is there any way to tell how old a turkey is?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: GMMAT

Quote:

If the beard and spurs are there, a mature bird will have along, full, thickbeard and good long spurs. Here isa chart...

Isn't it possible for a mature turkey to have little to no beard? Curious.

yeah, I said that in the reply you quoted.

04-08-2008 | 12:15 PM

#43

Roskoe

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4,127

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

RE: Is there any way to tell how old a turkey is?

I got one last year that I think I have determined was a very old bird. Beard had 6 or 8 strands that were 8" long, but most of it was broken off. Very full for the first three inches or so. Spurs were worn down toa little less than an inch. Had fairly large diameter at the base. Wings tips were worn off quite a bit. Full fan that was fairly dull. And it was nearly inedible due to toughness. Bird was also kinda stupid. Grandpa?

04-08-2008 | 12:17 PM

#44

MN/Kyle

Nontypical Buck

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,911

Likes: 0

From: Minnesota

RE: Is there any way to tell how old a turkey is?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Roskoe

I got one last year that I think I have determined was a very old bird. Beard had 6 or 8 strands that were 8" long, but most of it was broken off. Very full for the first three inches or so. Spurs were worn down toa little less than an inch. Had fairly large diameter at the base. Wings tips were worn off quite a bit. Full fan that was fairly dull. And it was nearly inedible due to toughness. Bird was also kinda stupid. Grandpa?

Sounds like a very old bird, bet it weighed quite a bit too, eh? Congrats.