All wild turkeys should be considered trophies, but some are more impressive than others. Because of this, hunters annually contact the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (DWFP) to find out how their bird compares to those harvested by others. Due to the interest from turkey hunters, the DWFP has started a database for gobblers harvested in Mississippi. The purpose for maintaining turkey records is to allow sportsmen to recognize and fully appreciate the quality of individual turkeys.

Turkey records are presented for the following categories: Top Scoring Typical, Top Scoring Non-typical, Heaviest, Longest Spurs and Longest Beard. Non-typical turkeys have multiple beards. Total score is obtained by adding weight plus 10 times the combined length of both spurs plus 2 times beard length. Weight should be measured to the nearest ounce on certified scales. Beards are measured in 1/16 inch increments from the center point of the beard's base where it attaches to the skin to the end of the longest bristle. Spurs are measured in 1/16 inch increments along the outside center of the spur from the point at which the spur protrudes from the scaled leg skin to the tip of the spur. All weights and measurements should be converted to decimals. A registration form is provided for those who wish to have their harvested gobbler included in the Mississippi Wild Turkey Records.

Top Scoring Typical Top scoring Non-Typical Longest Beard Longest Spur Heaviest Search: