Bearded Hens

[fishunt247]

Now I know it is legal... but the question is is it ethical...or maybe not ethical, but should we do it? Being as the WDFW sets the season after the time they believe most or a lot of the hens have been bred, and as the season progresses most or all become bred (presumably), should we shoot the hens that are probably carrying one or two gobblers that we could be chasing in a couple of years? These hens could have a nest already, just out for a drink or whatever. Now I know turkey population has to be taken into account, like up north where they are almost like a pest. For me, I'm never going to shoot one for a couple reasons. The reason stated above is a big one. Another is they don't gobble (though I did hear a hen gobble once before), and the whole reason I hunt turkeys is to hear them gobble. I won't even shoot a gobbler I walk up on. I figure I didn't call it in, so I didn't win. So for me, I'm not going to shoot a bearded hen. What about you? We all have our strange little ethical quirks.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Depends ... I've let a few walk, and killed one.

[Turkeyman]

I've let them walk wont shoot one.

[strutnrut1984]

ive killed 2 in fall seasons one had a 9 in beard

[Elkstuffer]

I understand the reason for the rule (To positively identify your target) and agree with it 100%. But, I would like to see it changed in certain areas to read "any male turkey with a visible beard". In areas such as NE WA a couple doz. hens killed isn't going to harm the population. They are considered a nuisance by some. You kill that many in the Klickitat and you could wipe them out.

[fishunt247]

Elkstuffer, thats what I was getting at. And the Yakima and Kittitas county birds too. I've called plenty of hens in (none with beards) and it just really didn't get me like a tom that comes in strutting or gobbling.