Not what you're thinking...but, after the hunt, when you bag one...
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You can “score” a wild turkey similar to the way you score a whitetail deer, which is a fun way for hunters to compare trophies. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) compiles records for all subspecies of turkeys and offers simple steps for scoring birds, as well as a “calculator” for figuring total score.
All this information is easily searched on the NWTF website (http://www.nwtf.org), and the in-the-field steps are simple.
First, weigh the bird (not field dressed) and convert the weight into decimal form (19.75 pounds, for example).
Next, measure each spur along the outside center from the point at which the spur extends from the leg skin to the tip of the spur. Add both spur measurements and multiply that total by ten.
Finally, measure the beard from the center point at the skin to the tip of the beard, then multiply by two. If the bird has multiple beards (classed as an atypical turkey by NWTF), measure them the same way.
This score calculation can be made on the NWTF website, and the bird can be registered with the federation, too, where it can be compared with turkeys taken by thousands of hunters throughout America.
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Here is the National Wild Turkey Federation website:
http://www.nwtf.org/
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How To Score A Wild Turkey...
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I just added the NWTF website URL to the original post
...it's worth a look for all things related to turkey hunting !! |
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How To Register Your Wild Turkey...
Step 1: Download the NWTF Wild Turkey Records Official Registration Form. Step 2: Completely fill out the form, provide proper attachments (if needed) and obtain proper signatures (see form for details). Step 3: Mail registration form and attachments (if needed) to: The National Wild Turkey Federation Attn: Wild Turkey Records P.O. Box 530 Edgefield, SC 29824 Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing time. Once records are processed, the following will occur: •You will receive an 8 x 10 certificate for framing. •You will receive a distinctive wild turkey pin with the subspecies of the registered bird on the pin. •Your name and bird's information will be listed on our Web site. Birds are ranked statewide and nationally in various categories according to their subspecies. This list is updated on the Web site on a monthly basis. |
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Learn about the 6 Wild Turkey Subspecies...
Wild turkeys are among the most popular game animals in the world. The wild turkey subspecies are inherently challenging, incredibly alluring and unique in their own way. Each of the six display different physical and behavioral characteristics that define them. Get the 411 on each subspecies, and then dive into all of the different slams and their requirements. Eastern wild turkey: Eastern wild turkeys are the most widely distributed subspecies east of the Mississippi River. They are also the most abundant. In fact, you can find them in 38 states and numerous Canadian provinces. Characteristics •Chestnut-brown tips on tail feathers •White and black bars on the wings •Adult males weigh 18 to 30 pounds •Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds •Very strong gobbles (strongest gobbles of all subspecies) •Very long beards (longest beards of all subspecies) •Second to the Osceola in difficulty of calling in Learn more at http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bullet ... 9-9-09.pdf. Osceola (Florida) wild turkey: The Florida wild turkey (also referred to as the Osceola) gets its name from its location. It’s only found in Florida. There are about 100,000 of them in Florida today. Characteristics •Dark-brown tips on tail feathers •Mostly black wings with very small white bands •Adult males weigh approximately 20 pounds •Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds •Long legs •Strong gobbles •Very long spurs •Shorter beard-lengths than Easterns •Considered the toughest species to call in Learn more at http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bullet ... 9-9-09.pdf. Rio Grande wild turkey: The Rio Grande wild turkeys are concentrated in western desert regions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and other western states. Mexico also harbors a healthy population. Characteristics •Tan-colored tips on tail feathers •Same amount of black and white barring on wings •Adult males weigh approximately 20 pounds •Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds •Moderate gobbles •Moderate beard-lengths •Moderate spur-lengths Learn more at http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bullet ... 9-9-09.pdf. ===================================== |
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Merriam’s wild turkey:
These wild turkeys are most abundant in the mountainous regions of the West. The Rocky Mountains are considered the central hub of the population. Characteristics •Snow-white tips on tail feathers •More white and less black on wings •Adult males weigh 18 to 30 pounds •Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds •Weakest gobbles of all subspecies •Shortest beards of all subspecies •Shortest spurs of all subspecies Learn more at http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bullet ... 9-9-09.pdf. Gould’s wild turkey: The Gould’s wild turkey can only be found in Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico. It's population is few in numbers. Characteristics •Long legs similar to the Osceola •Light-colored tips on tail feathers •Wings are moderate in coloration •Adult males weigh 18 to 30 pounds •Adult females weigh 8 to 12 pounds •Moderate gobbles •Moderate beard-lengths •Moderate spur-lengths Learn more at http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/bullet ... 9-9-09.pdf. Ocellated wild turkey: This subspecies can only be found in a 50,000 square mile area: in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, northern Belize and the El Petén region of northern Guatemala. Characteristics •Rainbow-like iridescent feathering •Grey tail feathers with blue and gold tips •White and black wings •Adult Males weigh 11 to 12 pounds •Adult females weigh 6 to 7 pounds •High-pitched gobbles are preceded by a hollow drumming sound •No beard •Very long spurs |
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Good info as always Shooter. Thanks for posting.
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BTW...Here's a game scale I bought...small yet very handy in the field:
Moultrie 440 lb Game Scale http://www.moultriefeeders.com/440-lb-game-scale ========================================= |
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So...has anyone bagged a gobbler and measured their catch according to the guidelines above !?
If so...please post a picture with the measurements... |
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