Newbie with a Turkey Question

[socalangler]

Hey fellow hunters, new member here with a quick turkey question and weekend report. Hunted this weekend on public land and finally heard a few gobbles and actually had a big jake come into our decoys. This was our first real chance at a bird. As the jake strutted in to about 20 yards, gobbling its brains out, I noticed it had no beard even though he was a huge bird. To my knowledge even if it is a jake and the law states a bird must have a beard to be considered legal. Long story short I let the bird pass and am super bummed but feel like I made the right decision. What do you all think?

 

[Nuevo]

Good decision, even if it stings.

 

[Snake Charmer]

No beard no bird

 

[socalangler]

Glad I made the right call. He had decent spurs just no beard.

 

[longbowhunter2]

don't give away your location 10 thousand hunters will be looking for that spot. and you did the right choice.

 

[ilovesprig]

Alex,

In essence, you're hunting beards...Hens can have beards (please don't shoot), and big old toms can have no beard...Saw one this year on MCC and one on private last year (pic).

.

 

[socalangler]

Alex,

In essence, you're hunting beards...Hens can have beards (please don't shoot), and big old toms can have no beard...Saw one this year on MCC and one on private last year (pic).

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Yeah I figured better safe than sorry. After reading your post about fall birds we will spend the fall season up north or central California in areas with a betterr population. I would have never know without reading that about the San Diego populations being low. Makes sense with how tough it is to find public land birds. I sent you a DM about my fiance wanting to reach out to your daughter about hunting. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[ilovesprig]

Alex,

Got your PM...Will respond better tomorrow...3:30 am comes early.