Distinguishing Turkey Characteristics

When hunting, be sure you know the characteristics which distinguish wild turkeys. In the spring, female wild turkeys are nesting and are not hunted. 

• In addition to the beard, male turkeys can be identified by white on top of the head, red and blue waddles on the face and neck, and conspicuous spurs on the legs. 
• Hen turkeys weigh about 10 pounds and are smaller than gobblers, which weigh from 17 to 25 pounds. Jakes weigh from 10 to 15 pounds.
• In the spring, gobblers strut, preen, and gobble to attract a mate. Hens neither strut nor gobble.