| Author | Message | ||
| mudfork |
A quick glance out the window revealed 4 jakes out back, which leads to my question. How do you guys feel about taking jakes in the spring? My feeling has always been if he plays the game like a big boy, hammer down. If he gobbles, struts, and responds to hen talk then my experience has been one of quality. Would 6 inches of hair have really made a difference. Sure we all want a big one, but if the bird has acted just like a mature tom shouldn't we be satisfied and gratified? | ||
| pirate |
This is my first year, so any signs of a beard and he is a goner!(atleast I hope so) | ||
| HODY |
I normally pass on Jakes, they are more fun as 2 and 3 year old to listen to and watch. Now if you are a new hunter or have a youngster, hammer down. | ||
| TSCottW99
|
i've never taken a jake but have drawn back on one during bow season (if everything had went the way i wanted it to i would have taken him ) I try and pass on them as a personal preference and go after mr. longbeard. now if it's the last few days and i have a tag... don't think i could pass on one... i see nothing wrong in it... was part of a jake meeting his maker last spring...when i called in four and my buddy took his first bird  | ||
| MANYBEARDS |
I have taken one Jake in my eigth year career, and that was on the last day of a hunt on public land. To me, it was the trophy of a lifetime. Especially because I had my turkey hunting mentor (also a best friend) sitting on the back side of my tree. (I was doing the calling!) I think for the seasoned turkey hunter, at least myself, I would rather hang in there for the Boss Man! Even if it meant going home empty handed and hungry. The fall hunt is a different story now. I'm more than happy to take a Jake! | ||
| turkeypicker |
Agree with Hody. I don't care to take a jake whether he acts like a big bird or not, but I don't look down on hunters who find reward in doing so. Different hunters are at different stages of progression, have different levels of opportunity (# days to hunt, etc.) and so forth. Some are after food and some sport, etc. It's a personal decision. | ||
| shopson |
My personal preference is to not shoot jakes, and to each his own, if that's what satisfies you, go for it. If I get one with a toothbrush beard in front of my eleven year old, he had better hammer it. That is if he ain't shakin too bad. | ||
| Daddyjan |
Ihave very limited time to hunt and i didnt fill all my tags last year at one point i callled in and had a chance to take anyone of three jakes i hesitated and missed my chance.Plus i hunt w/ the bow so if Mr.Jakster wants to come to the call this year i may give him the honor,in fact i know i will JMF | ||
| Dale |
When pitting Man against Bird, jake or mature gobbler, it makes no difference. It takes skill and woodsmanship either way. I think both are trophies. I personally have never shot a jake, but only because I've never had one come into my call. Given the chance, I'd harvest the bird. Guess I haven't had enough successful hunts in my turkey hunting career to be picky yet. | ||
| Ryan Tucker
|
I try not to harvest jakes, but on a trip out of state on the last day they are fair game. I don't know what I would do if it was the last few days of my home state season. Last year I continued to pass jakes all season over fifteen different birds and I killed longbeards the last two days. I like the Mississippi rule of a 5 inch beard or better. I have friends down there and they say it has increased the gobbling over the last few years. I know the arguement for a jake, and for new hunters. However, I look at it like the killing shouldn't be the controlling factor. If it isn't an option than you shouldn't be disappointed. One thing is for sure getting a jake to hang around is deadly on a longbeard near by. | ||
| Mr. Longbeard |
I hunt public land and have only takin 2 jakes in 10 years. Most of the birds that i call in are mature gobblers. |