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

[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]

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

[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]

I would not sweat it. The Gobblers will come.

[Leader]

Have wandered same thing

[surehuntsalot]

if the hens are there,the gobblers will come

[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.