scouting tips anyone? What would you think?

[gcinjax]

I have a piece of property that I have permission to hunt on.  It always has birds on it so I went this morning to listen.  One bird gobbled over 30 times on the limb and I heard at least 3 other gobblers.  I also heard some hens answering one of the gobblers particularly.  Which bird do you think is the dominant bird?  The one that gobbled the most and first or the one that the hens answered.  And isn't this too early for them to be so hot.  Our season does not open for 3 more weeks!!!

[silvestris]

The dominant bird is the one who can beat the butt of any other gobbler in his area.  You can't tell which one that is without observing the behavior of gobblers in his presence.  The dominant gobbler is not necessarily the gobbler passing on his genes.  That is determined by the hens who choose their preferred suitor.