Does the presence of hens affect the success of aggressive calling?

Understanding the Role of Hens in Aggressive Calling

When using aggressive calling for toms, it’s essential to consider the presence of hens in the area. Hens often respond to toms’ calls, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon, when they are more vocal. A study on wild turkey behavior found that hens responded to toms’ calls 60% of the time during these periods.

Aggressive Calling Techniques for Toms

To increase the effectiveness of aggressive calling, hunters should use loud, raspy, and repetitive calls that mimic the sounds made by dominant toms. The “yelp” or “shaker” call is particularly effective for this purpose, as it can be made louder and more intense to simulate a dominant tom’s vocalizations. Hunters should aim to make 5-7 calls per minute, with a 3-5 second pause between each call, to simulate a tom’s aggressive behavior.

Using Hens to Lure Toms to the Caller

If hens are present in the area, hunters can use their calls to lure toms to the location. By making aggressive calls and then responding with a softer, more hesitant call, hunters can mimic the sounds made by a hen trying to attract a tom. This can be particularly effective during the pre-dawn hours, when toms are most active and responsive to calls. By using this technique, hunters can increase their chances of attracting a tom to their location and increasing the success of their hunt.