inhuntr

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

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

superstrutter

During the spring turkey season that is.

r33h

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

TEmbry

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

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

trophy time

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

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

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

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.