Bearded Hen

inhuntr · 02-13-2007, 02:12 PM

I saw a bearded hen during deer season this year. She was fifteen yards from where I was sitting last spring When I shotmy turkey. How would I go about in hunting a bearded hen. Sure I would take another big tom this year but if I could get a shot at that bearded hen that would be the best turkey season I have had yet.

superstrutter · 02-13-2007, 02:16 PM

You better make sure it is legal first. Most states do not allow hens, bearded or not, to be shot.

superstrutter · 02-13-2007, 02:17 PM

During the spring turkey season that is.

r33h · 02-13-2007, 02:27 PM

Agreed...I can't think of a state where you can shoot hens during the Spring...

TEmbry · 02-13-2007, 02:33 PM

i know most states require gobblers, but some states simply require BEARDED TURKY which the hen falls into this category. read into your states regs and find out the ruling. i know kentucky used to be just a bearded turkey with 6" or longer.

eric_g · 02-13-2007, 02:52 PM

i know in nebraska in the spring you can shoot a tom or a bearded hen

trophy time · 02-13-2007, 02:57 PM

Minnesota, you can shoot any turkey that has a beard. Spring or fall doesn't matter if it is a hen or not as long as she as that beard.

zubba · 02-13-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Agreed...I can't think of a state where you can shoot hens during the Spring...

Wisconsin allows you to shoot a bearded turkey..including a hen.

As far as going about hunting a bearded hen, there isn't a special way other than finding out where they roost, where they fly down, where the feed, and possibly nest.

If you have some hens around you, do a lot of purring.

maytom · 02-13-2007, 07:00 PM

A "bearded bird" is legal in NY as well. Personally, I'd pass on a bearded hen during the spring season for three reasons. (1) they can still lay a clutch of eggs, so your loosing that hatch if you bang her (2) Hens that have beards, have short, thin, scraggly beards, again, another reason to pass and take a Gobbler, (3) Hens don't have spurs, another reason to hold out for a Mature longbeard!!
Here in NY, we have a fall turkey season, at that time, I may take one, but not during the spring season!!

4patches · 02-13-2007, 07:52 PM

yes i would agree, leave the hen alone . you would only be hurting your futre hunts in that area. she might be a unique trophy but not worth the consequences.