Turkey Requirements??

[brrdnk]

I put the tag on one leg and cut off just above the knee with a few feathers attached. When I cut the beard off o leave some plumage attached. The game warden is looking for proof of sex that that will cover it. I cut and skin out the breast and legs and thighs. Been stopped several times and all was good.

[W-O]

It looks like TPWD is taking comments on possible changes to this rule.

[Smart]

It looks like TPWD is taking comments on possible changes to this rule.

Good to hear....


Not too many folks are gonna burn a tag on a hen.... and if they do have a beard or spurs available.. I'd say beard and spurs are good for proof of sex.

[eradicator]

Used to but I’m not a fan of the legs. .... at all...

crockpot. I used to hate them until I came across a recipe suggesting this. Basically ends up being shredded meat(think barbacoa texture). All of the sinew, tendons, etc pull out with ease.

[Smart]

crockpot. I used to hate them until I came across a recipe suggesting this. Basically ends up being shredded meat(think barbacoa texture). All of the sinew, tendons, etc pull out with ease.

First thing we tried after the grill....still not a fan. I can bring you mine Emeril....

[eradicator]

First thing we tried after the grill....still not a fan. I can bring you mine Emeril....

I'll take them. Thanks!

[R Dubya]

"Turkey: in counties where the harvest is restricted to gobblers and/or bearded hens, a male turkey is required to have one leg, including the spur, attached to the bird; OR the bird, accompanied by a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard attached. In counties where the harvest of female turkeys is restricted to bearded hens, all harvested hens must be accompanied by a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard attached."

Am I the only one that just takes the beard and breast feathers in a ziplock?

[88 Bound]

Have either one of y'all ever been stopped by a Game Warden while doing it this way? I'm guessing not.

Nope. But I’ve had them come to the ranch after we had them butchered and didn’t say a word about it. The biggest thing they are usually concerned about is whether or not the bird was tagged.

[Drycreek3189]

I have brought a bunch home (just the breast filets) in an ice chest, but it doesn't follow the letter of the law. Always had the beards and feet with me, but not attatched. I was never checked by a warden though, so.......

I heard of a warden giving tickets for breasting doves so I imagine it depends on the individual warden.

[Robertt]

I have always put a tag on a leg above the spur and cut it off above the knee. Breasted the turkey, cleaned and put in ziplock. Cut the beard off with a few breast feathers. Put all in cooler and I think I have been legal by my interpretation. Never been stopped but I would not be worried if I was.

[cehorn]

Thanks for the replies. I'm still not sure what is legal by the letter of the law but it's good to know I'm not the only one doing it the way I do it. I'll keep on keeping on and as Smart said if I have to I'll turn the ranch freezer into the final destination.

[rferg84]

I believe you only have to keep the breast in regards to wanton waste. Obviously proof of sex is different, I've always just done what was mentioned above and left the foot sticking out of ziplock.

You can make the legs very edible, slow cook or braise like any other tough meat.