Bearded hen turkeys

[baldopepper]

I'm seeing a lot more this year than usual. Had one in the backyard with a good 10" beard, very thin though. Just had another one walk into the back yard with about an 8" beard
  Overall I've seen at least a dozen the last few weeks. Anyone else seeing more than usual?

[mboyle0828]

I saw two bearded hens this year. Almost pulled the trigger on one, but decided to hold out. Glad I did because a nice tom was lagging behind

[Tree Killer]

I photographed this bearded hen several years ago.  She'd put quite a few tom's to shame.

[str8meat]

Saw 3 in 1 flock in Spokane area this spring and another in central Washington. Neat to see

[jrebel]

Very clear Washington state is allowing for turkeys to transition.  Transgender turkeys are a thing. 

[762Gunner]

I saw one in the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge a few weeks while hiking with the family. I don't think they realize how uncommon/rare it was. Only the second one I have ever seen.

[Dan-o]

Quite a few bearded hens where I hunt north of Spokane.

We usually see about 1-3 a year.

Some of those gals grow a pretty good beard.

[bearpaw]

We see numerous bearded hens every year, we run a really high success rate so I advise hunters they don't need to shoot bearded hens or jakes, we normally fill tags with mature toms, unless someone wants to mount a bearded hen then go ahead. I don't tell anyone they can't shoot them but I advise against it unless they want to mount one.

Googled this:

Approximately 10% to 20% of wild turkey hens grow beards. However, this trait varies by subspecies. For Merriam's wild turkeys specifically, about 19% of hens will sport a beard.These female beards tend to be thinner, wispier, and generally shorter (usually 6 to 8 inches) than those found on males. Despite growing beards, these hens still breed, lay eggs, and raise offspring normally.