How do you judge trophy's

[prohunter]

i use to watch a tom turkey that had a beard that would drag the ground. he actually would step on it sometimes. my friend and I tried to get him with our bows a few times. we never scored! just wondered if he would have been a true trophy ( or book turkey)

[maytom]

I agree, beard length can be a deciding factor for me in pulling the trigger. The best way to judge a trophy is by the spur length and beard length. But most times we can't see the spurs due to vegetation being in the way. I look at the fan first to make sure it's a mature tom, then look at the beard length. If these two items are looking good I pull the trigger!!! Spur length is usually a surprise after you walk up to him!! If you have a heavy bird (weight wise), a very long beard and a set of super spurs, you have yourself a record book turkey on your hands that's for sure!!!

[Possum]

I'm a spur man. ###I love long hooks. ###Our beards here are often long but not thick. ###
I know what you intended with this post, but on a personal level the birds that mean the most to me are the ones that I tricked the most.

[prohunter]

thanks