Wild turkey beards are an unusual form of feather that feels more like whiskers than fluff. All male turkeys grow them their first year and make identifying a yearling bird much easier. Known as “jakes” these immature gobblers have beards of one to three inches in length. As males turn two years old, their beards grow longer making a “tom” easier to identify.
About 10 percent of female turkeys grow beards according to the Audobon Society website, although that number seems high in my experience. Would you shoot a bearded hen? It’s probably legal, but is it ethical? Download this video on your phone to help in the identification process.