I wouldn't mind having such a rule in years following poor hatches. Sort of like the "slot" limits used in fishing regulations. Not too crazy about the idea of a permanent rule, though. Just isn't necessary (where I hunt), and it makes things tougher for youngsters and new hunters. Guess I wouldn't get too worked up about it if the biologists thought it would help.

I'm a little wary of turkey hunting taking the same path as deer hunting, with way too much emphasis put on the "trophy" aspect. Hope I never see a turkey hunter get belittled for killing a jake, in the way I've seen some deer hunters get badmouthed for killing a buck that doesn't meet someone else's standards.

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Nothing gobbles like a three yr.old Tom,and like posted before a hunter can identify the bird by the fan,if we let the jakes walk we've done our part in conservation/sportsmanship.My son has'nt bagged his first tom yet-and this yr will his 4th. season ( he has missed twice )but the sights/sounds of the hunt keeps him ready to "go". If a 13 yr. old boy can do it,we adults can too.if a person feels that a "kill" has to happen on every hunt,even if it's a jake, that person is dealing with the macho/hunter types who's thinking is "no-kill-no success". Btm. line folks, IF YOU WANT TO HUNT BIG TOMS-LET THE JAKES LIVE.

I forgot to mention my boy'still carry'n a 20.ga.,3".You gotta get em close.-Me? I'm toten a scoped 3",12ga.w./.465 choke. success?!? YOU wanna see my cigar box o beards? We'll see yu uns in the woods.BE SAEE & TAKE A NEIBORHOOD KID WITH YOU-START SOMETHING,WHEN YER OLD-MAYBE THEY'LL TAKE YU HUNT'N.THINKABOUT IT !!!

I personally let the Jakes walk and would not mind one bit if AL. made it a rule to only shoot mature birds. I will never knock anyone for shooting a jake as long as they have reason to be proud of it and they are proud of it. I know my dad who has yet to take a bird would be happy to take a jake. He as passed 2 of them and is still wondering if he should have. I keep telling him he will be happy when he gets that longbeard as his first one.

Safe and Happy Hunting!
My Hunting Page

I'm a jake passer as well. Since I placed that goal on myself many years ago, I'll continue to let the jakes walk, only to fool with them the next spring when they are a mature gobbler sporting a long beard!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

IN WASHINGTON YOUR ALLOWED TO SHOOT A JAKE. I DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH SINCE THE TURKEY POPULATION EXPLODED IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THA LAW CHANGED IN LOUISIANA. NOT SHOOTING JAKES WOULD HELP TREMENDOUSLY AROUND HERE.