April 1 2011 South Carolina 13 lbs. 11 oz. / thick 4" beard / 5/8" and 1/4" spurs. Rem 11-87 12 ga. Hevi 13 3" 2 oz. #6 load.
Well I called this bird in with my new short box caller. He looked like a to be a mature gobbler when I first saw him. After he looked my way what seem like forever he moved to my right going behind some trees. When he did I saw a thick beard so I thought good bird. When he went behind the trees and brush I got my gun up. As soon has I got him in my sights I fired. I ran to him and discovered I had shot a nice jake with a thick beard. He almost had a full fan. This was my first time for mistaking a jake for a mature bird. But he will taste great on the grill. I guess I will consider him my warm up bird. I have a few more tags to try and get me a nice longbeard.
