Color phase

[Northerner]

Last fall I had a total of 6 of these birds in an area but I had already taken my fall bird so I was anxiously waiting for this spring in hopes of getting a crack at one. Unfortunately they were gone...

Don't know if the coyotes got to them as they were easier prey or maybe they didn't make the winter? Or maybe just moved?

I am hoping their genes might come into play with this years poults and see if I get an opportunity.

I had actually seen the birds earlier and still with a tag, but while on my moose hunt I jammed a stick in my eye on my UTV. My vision was poor and I didn't have my bino's. I could see a flash of white but it never occured to me what I was looking at.

Only to realize in the early deer season there were these birds!!!

Note the bearded hen behind it.

[landtracdeerhunter]

In reading on the NWTF website, They state this recessive trait is found more common in hens, but can also be found in toms. Another member posted a nice bearded hen here, that was a good size. I have never seen one, while afield. To have that many in the same area, I would think, is not common.