Leadin' The Boss

Loud and aggressive cutting seemed non-stop, broken only by lengthy runs of angry, raspy yelps - this wasn't love talk between hen and gobbler. It was a territorial challenge between hunter and hen; and had been going on for better than 20 minutes. The hunter was close to running out of breath, from pushing air through the snake-tongue cut diaphragm call with constantly increasing pressure and frequency. But the hen was taking the bait, answering back with escalating intensity - doing what comes natural when her position in the pecking order is challenged. She was getting closer...so were the gobbles of the Tom following her lead.

Each turkey hunt is a distinct challenge requiring specific tactics. Calling the boss can become a difficult task, when the hens start hanging close to him. Invariably, a boss hen will emerge and declare herself, director of the program. The theme of the 2008 MIDWEST catalog is, "Leadin' the Boss" - how gobbler hunting success can be found by calling to his hens.

The hen in the above mid-morning encounter, brought the boss, 2 jakes and 3 other hens across a disced corn field, to the wood's edge and the waiting hunter. Hens are definitely worth talking to. When a hen answers your calls to a gobbler, concentrate on calling back to her personally, call for call. As the determination in her voice increases, so too should the hunter's. If the confrontation occurs during a time of the day when turkeys are feeding and on the move, she may bring the entire flock to the showdown.

On a different early morning hunt, a similar calling confrontation occurs at fly-down. It plays out differently, but still ends with good results. The flock had pitched off from the roost and flown down into a deep hollow. While the Boss gobbler was content on strutting back and forth in the bottom, the dominate hen could not tolerate the challenging calls of the 'new' hen on top of the ridge. She charged the source of the raspy calling and the hunter drove her away.

The gobbler knew she left and he must have missed her, because when the hunter resumed his yelping, the Boss gobbler led the rest of the flock up the ridge into the hunter's set-up. In this example, the hen didn't exactly lead the gobbler to the gun, but calling to her enabled the hunter to force her away from the flock, and to call in the gobbler, who was left vulnerable by the absence of his ready-hen.

Challenging a spring hen does not always work. Some hens with gobblers will ignore a hunter's calling. Others will not respond, but begin to lead their gobbler away from the 'new' hen. Learn to recognize the calling intensity of a territorially challenged hen. She will respond to the hunter directly. Her tone is impatient and aggressive. Challenge her by responding with the same emotion, increasing tempo as she does.

Most types of calls; box, slate, glass, aluminum can be used effectively in this type of exchange. But diaphragm calls and tube calls seem to be most effective. From person to person, we are effective in expressing emotions through voice. Vocal control also allows us to mimic feelings - in this case, anger and aggression. The diaphragm and tube call operate through the same types of voice/air exchange. These calls enable the hunter to more easily and accurately match the hen in tempo, pitch and intensity.

To gain the volume and edge necessary, use the diaphragm that is your favorite for aggressive cutting and yelping. Three to four latex reed calls, with split V or snake tongue cuts work well, as do half moon cutter type calls.

Try it out this spring. When a sassy hen gets between you and the gobbler, start a conversation with her. She might just head your way... Leadin' the Boss.

The preceding text is the sole thoughts and opinion of George Lozzi, Turkey hunting enthusiast and owner of MIDWEST Turkey Call Supply. For reprint or copy permission, please contact George at or call 800-541-1638. © 2008