(https://i.ibb.co/4ZY1Qt3Y/4-E3471-AF-3268-44-AB-8-F18-C6185-BB50-F89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TBbWC2db)
I hunted this morning over a hen and a Jake decoy with a friend of mine this morning. I called in a hen that displayed character just like a strutting Tom. This hen strutted, Spit and Drummed for 10 minutes 20 yards away from me. I could not believe my eyes, she passed right by the Jake, and strutted around the hen decoy for 10 minutes in an effort to intimidate her. I've never seen anything like this. My buddy and I reminisced over a cup of coffee realizing how rare this behavior might be. We will never forget her, she even tilted her tail in strut like a 4 year old Tom! Great memory, I have this 10 minute video on my phone. Be safe my friends.
Quote from: Tom007 on May 13, 2025, 12:39:32 PM(https://i.ibb.co/4ZY1Qt3Y/4-E3471-AF-3268-44-AB-8-F18-C6185-BB50-F89.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TBbWC2db)
I hunted this morning over a hen and a Jake decoy with a friend of mine this morning. I called in a hen that displayed character just like a strutting Tom. This hen strutted, Spit and Drummed for 10 minutes 20 yards away from me. I could not believe my eyes, she passed right by the Jake, and strutted around the hen decoy for 10 minutes in an effort to intimidate her. I've never seen anything like this. My buddy and I reminisced over a cup of coffee realizing how rare this behavior might be. We will never forget her, she even tilted her tail in strut like a 4 year old Tom! Great memory, I have this 10 minute video on my phone. Be safe my friends.
Had the same thing happen to us during youth season!.
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Awesome, this spring was the first of several unusual encounters with these birds ...
For myself also.
Amen, Scott had the same encounter. You also had some interesting hunts too my friend. Be safe...
That's a hen from the wrong side of the tracks. I would steer clear if I were you.
Had it happen to me also....
Took a buddy turkey hunting 1st time some years back and had a hen do the same thing in the decoys, had him all tore up lol. I finally scared her away I was afraid he was gonna shoot her. He thought it might be a jake lol.
Great now turkeys are transitioning.
I have seen a hen break into strut for a short time. But never spitting or drumming from a hen. That was a cool sight, no doubt.
8 seasons ago, I had a hen display this behavior. She strutted, spit and drummed, dragged wings, and even once let go of a shrill, high-pitched half gobble ! That was the very first time the wife had gone with me, and she got to witness this unusual deal. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you all..
Very cool stuff there Tom. I have seen a bunch of bearded hens and I even heard one squeak out a "gobble". But this was the coolest hen behavior that I have heard of. Thats a cool hunt. Z
Nice picture.
I have not seen a hen strut and drum. I have seen them puff up to show dominance, but that is different than your picture. The hen in your picture is puffed up like a gobbler. When showing dominance hens don't get quite like that.
Interesting to say the least.
I saw it one time about 15 years ago. It's very neat to see.
Seen the same thing a couple of times. Bearded Hen even beat up on a couple of Hen decoys I had out.