Smokey hen with a beard
 

Has anyone ever heard of or seen a smokey hen with a beard? I have been hunting turkey all over the US since 1999. I'm an avid turkey hunter with a bow. I got a Grand Slam in 2005.

Has anyone ever shot a smokey hen with a 9" beard or longer. I'm from Illinois, but I shot a Smokey Merrian in Nebraska. I was told this is one of the rarest birds in the US. Does anyone know if this is true?

I contacted the National Wild Turkey Federation and they have never heard of one.

Another person to ask would be Lovett Williams as I don't know.

First of all a bearded hen is in itw own category but in the smoke phase. I would guess that would be a rarity.

JW

Yes lovett would be the person to ask

How do I get in touch with Lovett Williams?

Any hen with a 9" beard would be a rarity, but make it a smokey, gotta go on the wall.
I hope to have my mounted bearded hen back soon. She had a 7 1/4" beard which I thought was worth mounting.

Yes, my Smokey hen is mounted with 7 other mounts in my house, which includes my Grand Slam I shot in 1 month in 2005 with a bow. In Illinois, I see a lot of bearded hens.

Hey! I talked to Lovett Williams on the telephone today. He said it is the rarest bird. He has never seen one or heard of one.

Thanks alot for the information.