RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

I'm new to this game so killing a jake would be OK with me especially for a first one later I'll probably hold out for a Tom

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

Thanks for your replys, I was just curious to see how many others would pass them up. I have been out calling for my dad this week and the first day called in two small jakes with about 3 inch beards that he passed on and day two i called in 3 more that he passed on I agreed with him on passing on them. The way that I see it if you take the bird you will be kicking yourself all year for not holding out to try to get a big one, if you don't shoot it you will either not get any more shots and kick yourself for a year for not shooting the jake, or you will bag a bigger tom and be glad you passed. Up here in this part of MN we only get one bird and the seasons are only 5 days long but I still believe in passing them on to let them grow at least for the first couple days of the season... Thanks again everyone for replying and good luck hunting!

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

I figure every Turkey Hunter should be allowed at least 1 Jake in their lifetime.
This will be my 3rd full season hunting turkeys, I've been fortunate to take 2 nice Toms. If a Jake is the first bearded turkey in my sights, I'm shooting.

I'll then have more time to take my brothers turkey hunting.

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

well i've already proved that i won't pass a jake depending on the time frame. there was no way i would pass up my first chance at a bird and that happened to be a jake so of course i took it. i kinda like my neighbors idea. he takes the first legal bird that comes past him. you never can be sure if you'll see another turkey the rest of the season so he takes the first. after that i think you can become a bit more selective but i think i may take up his theory. since this coming weekend is the last weekend of my season, if a jake comes in, you better bet he'll be catching some lead in the head.

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

honestly??....i'd shoot...especially in your position...or should i say your dad's...five days to hunt....unless yourvery sure there's a longbeard around and you can get by withoutany turkey for the seasonthen the opposite would be true....but....i wouldnt take that chance...firstly, i'm out there hunting turkeys...and if i have a jake in front of me??...dang!..'dead bird walkin'....lol..

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

well...my first turkey season just started and ended one day and many miles after it started. i drove 6 hours, walked what felt like 100 miles, had one henned up gobbler that wouldn't come on day one, that was the only bird we heard all day. day 2, sunday, 2 hours in, crow called, about 2-3 birds gobbled, set up, called them in and doubled up on 2 jakes. had to drive home monday and wasn't sure if i'd be able to hunt anymore this year so i shot them. next year i would like to hold out for a longbeard, but this year the jakes did the job for me. plus we have overpopulation issues in this state and in '07, they will up our limit to 5 birds and add 2 weeks 2 our season, so a little population thinning was in order.
:D

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

I would shot the jake wheather the beging of the season or the end because when they are on the dinner plate they all taste the same.:D

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

Well it depends, but generally I will letjakes walk. I did shoot a jake this year that had a full fan, but short beard and big nubbins for spurs. I pulled the trigger knowing that he could be a jake. I have to say that fresh morels, fresh asparagus, wild rice,and a bottle of champagne made it all worthwhile. :)
-fsh

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

Well man, that's a tough call, but being that I've been hunting with you since forever... I'm gonna answer that you would shoot. I have never seen you pass up a shot on a decent animal and because of the fact that I'll be calling for you... don't worry, you'll get a good one. (knock on wood). Anyway, I'm sure tomorrow you guys are gonna shoot one since they're all over your place and I can't wait until we getto go out and get ours. Good Luck!!!
Bubba

RE: Passing on Jakes?
 

B.My land.I would not shoot him.I would however let a new comer,or child shoot one.

On public land.Only if I'm having a very bad year,or it's a do or die,quick decision,and I can tell it's a gobbler,but not how big.I am in no way above shooting jakes,and my first turkey was actually 2 jakes with one shot.I was proud of them then,and I am proud of them now.I just feel like I have developed my skills to the level where I do not need to shoot jakes unless I'm hungry.;)

There are plenty of longbeards around here,just very hard hunted.I love the idea of how this years jakes could easily be next years super gobbling kamakazie 2 year old...But I am not against anyone taking a jake.It is their choice,as long as it's legal.I see no problem with it.