What is Jake turkey?

Jake turkey is a term used to refer to a young male wild turkey. Jake turkeys are typically one to two years old and are smaller than adult males, known as toms. They have shorter tail feathers and less impressive beards than toms and often have mottled or spotted feathers. Jake turkeys are usually the first to gobble during the spring breeding season and are often more vocal than adult males. They may also engage in courtship displays, such as spreading their tail feathers and strutting. Jake turkeys are important to the population as they serve as potential breeding partners for mature hens and ensure the continuation of the wild turkey population.