The Jake Debate!

This Spring I harvested a Jake Turkey in Kentucky at Licking River Outfitters. It was a long hard three day hunt and the birds were progressively getting quieter each day. On the third day I had an opportunity and I capitalized on it. Of course, I only did so because I had the landowners permission to harvest a jake. I had clarified this on this first day as some people do frown upon it; but why?

This article states that, “No biological reason exists on whether or not hunters should kill a jake.”

https://www.nwtf.org/hunt/article/great-jake-debate

There are two sides of the argument of course. This article references the first, but with both perspectives in mind; including the disadvantages of shooting jakes. 

https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/hunting/should-you-shoot-jakes-this-spring/?amp

Despite whatever side of the fence you are on, always know your states regulations. In most states it is legal to shoot a jake except some of the following:

In Mississippi the beard must be 6 inches or longer except for youth ages 16 and under. 

Similarly, In Arkansas only youth ages 6-16 may harvest one jake as a part of their 2 tag limit. Thus be sure to check your states regulations before harvesting! 

This was my first Eastern Turkey and my first bird in over two years. I’ve Turkey hunted many times by myself but this was my first solo harvest. This, I decided to pull the trigger!

ReelCamo Girl ProStaff Brittnie Curley