Well stepped in it again today. Met some folks back at the check station today that were doing their routes. Conversation was going good till someone said they heard 7 birds 3 long beards and 4 Jakes. Of course I asked if he seen them and he said no. Well I said, that is a tough call without seeing the bird, of course a couple others proceeded to side with him and said I needed to spend more time in the woods and get my ears checked. One guy even said he could usually tell the difference between a 2 and 4/5 year old. Of course the others there that knew me were waiting after that comment. I just tactfully gave them my experience and luck, and the guy I was going to reference just happened to be there at the game check station.
I explained a few years ago this gentleman thought the same about Jake vs LB gobbles. We were and still do hunt together on occasion. Well one year we heard these 2 birds going off and he had first choice so he said he will take the one since the other was a Jake. I said go for it and I went to investagate the Jake. Well about an hour later the Jake was on my carry sling with 1 1/4" spurs. As luck would have it this happened about the same over the next 2 years but we heard only one bird and he said since it sounded like a Jake he would pass. Well both those birds had 1" and 1 1/8" spurs.
After he confirmed that to them we all had a good laugh and the one guy said, he may start looking or listening to things with a different mindset.
Just wondering what you may think on this.
I for one many years ago may have thought the same but now will try to at least give it a try and see what maybe is on the end of that gobble. But even after calling in and seeing some were Jakes there were a few Jakes that gave me a great hunt and learning experience although no shots were fired.
Earl
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