So many hens!!

[mogobbler265]

I hunt in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. The Illinois farm has been the darndest place I have ever hunted. The birds are plenty and they gobble like crazy on the roost. When they fly down they are led around by hens for most of the morning. I understand that is part of the game and is to be expected. But what is killing me is when around ten oclock the hens start to leave the toms. The toms then gobble like crazy. At that point when you should be able to call up the bird, he just freezes and gobbles. It is not much later the hens come running to him. They will gobble at calls but will not budge. I suppose deer hunting tactics is all I am left with. Any other ideas?

[Ctburdchasr]

That is very common. That happens up here all the time. When that happens to me, I move towards him as close as possible. keep moving in slowly, once they are down and after the morning chase period, that usually ends about 930-10 the closer you can get without spooking him the more likely he is to wander towards your calls. get within 100 yards and play hard to get, also it may not hurt to throw a few gobbles in yourself. keep experimenting and good luck.

[fallhnt]

My buddy and I talk about this lots. It ain't like it was in te 80's and 90's. I kee kee run alot. That seems to fire em up. Good luck