Bearded Hen!!

[turkeygirl]

Well I think, just possibly if it's God's will, I might be able to put my tag on a bearded hen and finish the season this week. Went out late this afternoon at 5pm after rain and found fresh tracks in the gravel pit headed towards a corn field(same field I got my jake) I sneak to the edge and about 35-40 yards out is a hen and what looked to be another hen with a beard! I am thinking of setting up in that field in the morning and seeing if she won't come in.I believe it's the same one I saw last year so she's at least 2 years old, if not older being her beard looks to be around 4-5" long. Sure would make a nice trophy and good eating. Oh well, I'll have fun trying! Thought if I actually hear a gobble, I'll move for that.

I'm wondering though, how should I call to bring them in? Should I put my decoy out also? In general I guess how would I hunt hens? I don't believe they have nests.

All the other fields around are alfalfa that is above my knees so I think they went to the corn field since it is open and they won't get all wet. We may get some rain tonight which would make that corn field a hot spot for sure.

[Hoyt03]

I would use some very soft clucks if anything. If you know where they are going possibly just set up and hope for an ambush. Goodluck. It should still be good up there, my buddy got one in Tioga County PA last week and said birds are hot. Your more north then that so they should still be doing their thing.

[turkeygirl]

That;s good to hear they are still gobbling. I might try the state land tomorrow late morning...haven't done that yet...unless I get blessed here at home!

[Bachflock]

I agree with hoyt03 - stick with the same calls. As far as decoys - my own experience this year when I called in a hen - she walked over within 10 yards of the decoys, clucked a couple of times and turned the other way. It looked like she was trying to get their interested and left a little dejected for getting a cold shoulder. She milled about for almost and hour before flying down into a valley. Point being, if you're calling it'll give them something to come inspect. Just a thought.

[turkeygirl]

Yeah, I called a hen in earlier in the season, actually twice I brought hens in right to the decoy...then there were a couple times when other hens didn't even blink at it. I just got outta bed,lol. I'm getting ready though to head over to the state land and see if I can strike up a bird. Will probably try and see where those hens roost tonight though.