They are gobbling now!

[trkyhntr1]

I've been scouting now for about three weeks and this morning I heard my first gobble for the spring. I was scouting in St. Joe county. The Jakes were the only ones doing the talking though. I called up 9 Jakes and 7 long beards and the kicker was a bearded hen. I just have to wonder what the hen, by the way, it was the only one I saw or heard, was doing with the jakes? Was she lost or confused about who she was suppose to be "hanging" with?Any way, it was a pretty excellent morning. By the way, I only called to see if I would get a responce. I just got permission to hunt this land and wanted to check it out on a visual basis. Just to see what it had to offer. I wouldn't recommend calling on property you intend to hunt on.

[RealDcoy]

Trky,

I also have a bearded hen in my area and it also is with some jakes. It was with jakes all last fall. I understand that bearded females are able to lay fertile eggs, but the toms won't mate with them.
(unless they eat too many fermented berries)

[msiebers]

Your right, pre-season calling is a good way to screw up your hunt. I would rather just stay back from where I suspect the birds may be and use a crow or owl call, just to see if their in the area. Going out at dusk and listening for them to fly up to the roost works well too.
As far as hen's being with jakes goes, I see this quite often (not the bearded type of course). I wonder though, how long a hen [will] stay with her young?



------------------
Mike

[rooster]

3/5/00 Sunday had them gobbling on my place in the morning. Had a group of about 20 hens that were escorted by 4 long beards just a gobbling and struting their stuff.Shortly after they disappeared 8 jakes followed in their foot tracks. I also have a bearded hen that I have been watching since last bow season, difference is she is hanging around with the other hens.

[The Nailer]

Trkyhntr1- I was up last weekend coyote hunting and heard birds gobbling from either side of me. And this was before I tried calling any coyotes. Can't wait till the opener, assuming I get a permit. Good Luck

[The Nailer]

Trout - Thanks for the info. In Presque Isle county I think there were like 2500 permits for the second week so hopefully it shouldn't be a problem, but I'll keep that in mind just in case. Good Luck to all, The Nailer

[rooster]

Trout, you couldn't of said it better - heaven it is. Occasionally I have these birds coming up to my house pecking at their reflection in my basement windows. If I am lucky enough to pull a permit this year I will be leaving the Rem. 11-87 in the gun case and attempt the ultimate challenge with my bow.
The hens are still in the winter flocks and the toms are starting breakdown into smaller groups.
I'll keep you posted on their activities.