No. 7
FIELD JUDGING
Large toms have beards that grow to an average of 9 inches in length. A boss tom's beard can grow much longer than that. Sometimes they even grow multiple beards. Most hunters consider a jake to be a turkey with a 4-inch beard or shorter. While in the field, if a gobbler's beard comes close to dragging on the ground or if you see it swinging from side to side as he walks, you know you're looking at an exceptional bird. Those with beards over 6 inches and spurs measuring about one inch in length are considered to be trophy-class.

A gobbler's spurs are curved and pointed, with those of boss toms growing as long as two inches in length. When displays of territorial dominance occur, they use their spurs as lethal weapons as they leap into the air and lunge at one another.

A mature tom's fan is very large and well developed, making a perfect half circle when in full strut. A jake's tail feathers are usually much smaller and underdeveloped, showing voids in the outer circle of his fan as he struts.

No. 8
BEST HUNTING TIMES
Mornings are usually the best time of the day to see turkeys in open areas, but during the spring season, toms will be active all day in search of female companionship, so don't leave the field early. I've taken some of my largest boss toms during the late morning and mid-afternoon hours.

No. 9
SHOT PLACEMENT & ANATOMY
A turkey's vital area, made up of his heart and lungs, is not much larger than the size of half-dollar piece. With bodies naturally protected by shields of muscle, cartilage, bone, large strong wings and layers of over 4,000 to 5,000 feathers, these birds are very tough to put down.

Shot placement is absolutely essential when hunting turkeys. Shotgunners should aim at a turkey's head and neck for a clean kill, so pattern your shotgun appropriately.

A bowhunter's kill zone is much different, offering three deadly shots: a straight-on shot through the chest of a turkey a few inches below his gullet; a broadside shot aiming for the base of the turkey's wing joint; or a facing-away shot when a turkey is in full strut, through his backside (usually referred to as a Texas Heart Shot -- no offense intended to my fellow Texan bowhunters).

No. 10
CAMOUFLAGE
Wearing proper camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is crucial to your success. Choose the right pattern and color for the vegetation and terrain you are hunting, and make sure to camouflage your shotgun and wear camouflage gloves and a face net. Bowhunters should cover their arrow vanes if using a bow quiver.

Turkeys, being constantly on alert, are able to pick out the smallest of movements. Many times, while totally camouflaged and staying completely still, I've had toms look directly into my eyes and take off running.