Turkey Time

[JustinHoffman]

Hello All,

 

Came across these three toms...and on-the-fence hens...yesterday morning on my way home from work. Always cool to watch the interaction between these guys and gals once spring rolls around.

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

Justin

Edited March 25, 2012 by JustinHoffman

[misfish]

ANOTHER DESK TOP PIC.

 

Very nice shots Justin.

 

My trigger finger,is getting itchy.

[JustinHoffman]

Hey Brian,

 

Had a feeling these pics would get you pumped up! Unfortunately, it was a private lane to a farm, so I couldn't get as close as I wanted to for a better shot.

 

On my way home this morning, I saw upwards of 8 toms and a dozen or two hens. Sadly, it was in a field at the side of the 417. Stopping to take a shot wasn't an option

 

Good luck on the opener, bud.

 

Cheers,

 

Justin

Edited March 25, 2012 by JustinHoffman

[richyb]

Those be toms sweet pics

[trapshooter]

Yeah, those 3 are TOMS! Aka Longbeards, jelly heads, strutters. They be running the show. If a Jake (1 yr old male) dared to display/strut around those toms he'd get an a$$-kicking!

 

Ah, I see you made the edit. Great pics Justin!!

Edited March 25, 2012 by BenBeattie

[JustinHoffman]

Ooops! Thanks, RichyB! Not sure why I put in Jake. Just googled the two to ascertain their differences. Seems like the uniform tail feathers is a dead giveaway of it being a Tom as opposed to a Jake.

 

Good to know...a hunter I am not.

 

Cheers,

Justin

[JustinHoffman]

Hey Ben - any idea what year Jakes become Toms?

 

Cheers,

 

Justin

[richyb]

Their 2nd year they are toms.

[JustinHoffman]

Thanks, RichyB. These birds didn't seem overly big compared to others I have seen, although I was a bit of a distance away. Would chances be they are "young" Toms - ie. 2nd year birds? Or do they look a full size to you guys that hunt?

 

Cheers,

 

Justin

[trapshooter]

Yes, and you can tell jakes because of the uneven tail fan and they have short stubby little beards. You can see those toms in your pictures have long beards 8-11" usually. If you're close enough too, Toms have long 3/4" to 1.5" spurs on their legs and Jakes just have little nubs for spurs. The guys I hunt with... we do not shoot Jakes because they are going to be TOMS the next year!!

[JustinHoffman]

Thanks, Ben

 

Just found this link that offers some great facts and info on identification. I'm in the know now

 

http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/new_turkey_look.html

 

Justin

[NAW]

I've noticed them strut'n in the of the local spots around Barrie.

 

There are actually quit a few flocks of Turkeys that live inside the City limits all year round. At least 4 that I can think of. They where on the strut all week across from where I work.