Polecat
Well-Known Member
Got to my parking spot at 5:30 this morning, a lil' later than what I was wanting to be in the woods. Didn't even get my vest on before I heard two birds gobblin' on roost. As it became lighter I could hear two more birds further off to my left gobbling on roost. Pretty soon I could hear hens all around me tree yelping. I just fell in with them exchanging calls with one mouthy hen. Pretty soon it was light enough to shoot and the hens starting flying down. I gave a cackle and simulated a fly down with my hat. I then stayed on the mouthy one hoping to pull in the hens and ultimately the gobblers which were already on the ground. As the hens milled about around me looking and scratching in the leaves I caught sight of another bird coming up through the woods. The beard was the first thing I spotted then came the realization that it was female and not male. I already had the 835 pointed in it's direction tracking it through the woods. When it hit the 35 yd mark I gave a sharp cluck that stopped it in it's tracks just moments before I sent it floppin' in the leaves and on it's way to turkey heaven.
This is probably the third or fourth bearded hen that I've seen in 18 yrs and the first and only one that I've ever had the opportunity to bag. 11 lbs 3 ozs, 7 1/2" beard. On closer inspection you can see a small discolored bump on both legs where a spur should've been (had it been male) along with what look like under developed jake sized wattles at the base of it's neck. More than likely taxidermist bound.
This is probably the third or fourth bearded hen that I've seen in 18 yrs and the first and only one that I've ever had the opportunity to bag. 11 lbs 3 ozs, 7 1/2" beard. On closer inspection you can see a small discolored bump on both legs where a spur should've been (had it been male) along with what look like under developed jake sized wattles at the base of it's neck. More than likely taxidermist bound.
