Tail Length

[hettmoe]

I just happened to shoot one today that measured 26 or so. A second year bird, with just normal spurs.

 

[remy3424]

Nice bird, you grow them looong up nortth!!

 

[NDPheasant]

I shot a 24" yesterday with a nice set of spurs. The tails are definitely starting to get longer.

 

[Goosemaster]

This is my 40th season chasing roosters: SD public land, with a 6-year hiatus to central IA.
Tails 23"-24": A couple handfuls.
Tails 24"-25": 3.
Tails over 25": 0.
Yes, genetics obviously come into play, but so does age.
For a rooster to see a 3rd hunting season is pretty rare.
I'd think that 28" tail came from a bird in his 2nd season. Possibly 3rd. He just had uncommonly good tail genes.

Yeah over 25 are rare.