To take a jake?

[Hotspotter]

Here's a question that I'm not sure has been posed on this forum.

How many of you will NOT take a jake? How many of you will take any legal bird?

With all the QDM going around for deer hunting, are we the next group of hunters to be bombarded with similar attention?

My personal thought is that I prefer not to, and would rather pass on a jake and not fill my tag, than shoot one to say I filled-out. I love the meat, and wholly understand that argument, but many of the turkey hunters I know still have last year's bird in the freezer! At least for me, I would rather see more adult toms in the areas I hunt than take a jake. I don't have a problem with people taking jakes, I just prefer not to myself.

So, would you take a jake?

Attempting to stir the pot.

Joel

[riverrat56]

Since I became of age to hunt turkeys 4 years ago i have got drawn 2 times and got a surplus permit once, in those 15 days of hunting ive had all of 2 oppourtunites for a shot, 1st day out ever i called in a tom and a jake, jake came in first checked out the decoys and left, i could have shot it multiple times but i wanted that big tom that hung up at 60 yards. Last year i had a big tom come in but he spooked when i moved my gun into position, i got off a quick running shot but missed. This year if a jake with a little peach fuzz beard walks by hes gunna get it.

[braves57]

I've applied 4 times, hunted 2 times. I'll definitely let the jakes go to begin with. I'd like to put a nice fan mount on the wall with the first one! After that I might not be so picky... GREAT sport though! In two years I've watched a grouse drum within 10 yards and had a chipmunk hop on my knee and run down my leg. You experience some neat stuff when you are fully camo'd!

[Gus]

Yes, I would take a Jake as you can see in my avitar, But it all depends on how much time I have left to hunt. A Jake is still a fine tasting bird! With the seasons so short, and my skills still developing, I'm sure I'll take many more jakes in my lifetime. By the way, Those two Jakes were shot by myself and my father on our last day in Missouri last year.

[paintbrush]

I wont take a jake any longer.I've been hunting this great bird for close to 20 years now and have taken my share of birds.

I hunt multipule states each year and now the hunt is the most thrilling part,not the take!It's fun to mess around with the jakes,but when that old longbeard comes in,then it's time to lower the boom!

[Guest]

I have hunted turkey the last 5 years and taken 5 adult toms with at least a 8'' beard including one with my mathews. I would now shoot a jake as the 20# plus birds are alot to eat for my wife and I. Not bragging about my success, just at the right time and the right place. Shoot a jake,its still fun and a good learning experience. good luck and good hunting.