So I killed a gobbler this weekend that did not have a beard...it had rotted off due to a melatonin deficiency, commonly known as "beard rot". A sign of beard rot is a "blonding" of the beard. After I got home, I noticed that the upper 4 or 5 inches of the beard on the bird I killed last year in the same area was beginning to "blonde". Luckily, I killed him before it rotted off. Anybody else have a problem with "beard rot" in your area? Is there anything you can do about it? Or is it all genetics? Here is a pic of the bird.
My buddy called in a gobbler a couple of years ago and it didnt have a beard so he didnt shoot it. We figued it to be beard rot. I dont know what causes it. It might just be old age or the beard constantly brushing up against bushes and limbs and stuff. Oh and Congrats on your bird
Well, I'm pretty sure it's caused by a melatonin deficiency, but is that deficiency caused by genetics or lack of nutrients? I know I could always Google this, but I'm lazy at the moment.
so far i have never killed one with rot. I have seen plenty that friends and relitives have killed that had rot,,, guess im lucky. nice bird!!
i shot one last year on Pa Gamelands that was probably 6" long with the last 1/2" being blonde. it looked like someone cut the bottom of the beard off with scissors.
Is it a legal bird where you hunt? Like Tribal said, it has to have a visible beard to be legal here.
Wouldn't be legal here either, though I HIGHLY doubt any officer would ticket you for that bird. I have also heard Ice wreaks havoc on these birds, that they snap off while on roost when they freeze solid or freeze to the limb overnight. Have you had any bad ice spells in your area lately? Not sure on how valid this thought is though, just one of those things I have heard.
congrats on the bird but bummer for the bird. I could be wrong nut in ohio i think it is only legal to kill a beard with a beard. Imagine calling in a tom and not being able to shoot it.
Actually, I don't think it is, but I shot him at 52 steps, and he was behind some brush, so I couldn't see his lack of a beard. Does that make me an outlaw now? I've always wanted to be known as an outlaw.
I went scouting last week, and I saw about 10 or 11 blue heads. 3 of them had "the rot". I can't get out until this saturday, but I'm sure these 3 baldies will fall right into my lap!! O'well, they will still be good for both stew'n'stories!!
