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Saw lots of hens, but no gobblers- is this a problem?

Started by Dixie Whistler, January 13, 2012, 12:53:18 PM

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Dixie Whistler

While deer hunting this year I saw lots of hens, small groups and very large groups in fields.  However I did not see a single longbeard.  I have been hunting turkeys for only a few years, and I am not sure if this is cause for concern.  I am sure the males will come around wherever some of the hens are in the spring, but I was surprised to see huge flocks of birds with no toms.  Is this cause for concern?  Will the gobblers show up in sufficient numbers?

chatterbox

I wouldn't worry about it to much. Gobblers and jakes are hanging together in bachelor groups. Sometimes you will see jakes in the female groups on the fringes, but come later in winter, they will congregate together more.

maustypsu

Turkeys can hang out in quite different locations in the spring than they do in the fall, even if on the same property.  In winter they flock up by gender primarily.

So just because you didn't see the toms doesn't mean that they aren't there, just not traveling with the hens.  And even if they weren't there in fall, they will be in spring if you have large numbers of hens and some fields.

I can always come help you verify that - just let me know when your season opens up and I'll be there!!!

natman

Check again in the spring. If the hens are still there, the gobblers will be there too.

n2deer

Quote from: natman on January 16, 2012, 09:51:56 AM
Check again in the spring. If the hens are still there, the gobblers will be there too.

pseshooter300

I would say if the hens are there the gobblers will come in the spring
Tater
Thunder Chicken Mafia
This Ain't Hollywood

lohaus

Always wondered the same thing.  That is until this year bow hunting in new spots and I was covered in groups of Jakes and Toms cruising the woods.

rebelman



surehuntsalot

it's not the harvest,it's the chase

HoggleGobble

No worries! If you have hens, and you have nesting and a good food source to keep them, the gobblers will come! I promise!!  ;)

njdevilsb

It's the same way around here usually in the fall.  I saw a big group of hens a few times and not 1 male in sight.  They are always around come spring time, though.