Is November a good month for hunting hens and poults?

Habitat and Timing

In November, as the season progresses, hens and poults tend to become more active, especially in areas with abundant food sources like cornfields, soybean fields, and hardwood bottoms. It’s essential to identify areas with high concentrations of these food sources and focus your hunting efforts there. For example, a 10-acre cornfield with a water source and surrounding hardwoods can be an ideal location to hunt hens and poults.

Hunting Strategies

When hunting hens and poults in November, it’s crucial to employ effective calling and decoy strategies. Using a mouth call or a box call to mimic the sounds of a hen can be an effective way to attract birds, especially if you’re targeting hens with a gobbler or a group of poults. For decoys, use a combination of hen and poult decoys to create a realistic setup. Typically, setting up 3-5 decoys in a small area can create a convincing presentation that will draw in curious birds.

Weather and Habitat Conditions

During November, it’s common to experience cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 15°C) and average lows ranging from 25°F to 45°F (-4°C to 7°C). When hunting during this time, it’s essential to dress warmly and stay quiet to avoid spooking birds. Additionally, pay attention to habitat conditions, such as leaf litter and frost, as these can impact bird movement and behavior. For example, if the ground is frozen, poults may be more likely to stay close to their hens, making them more vulnerable to hunters.