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Old 03-10-2009 | 01:57 AM
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Screamin Steel
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Default RE: Turkey research trapping

On the original subject...Any word of any studies being conducted in the southwest? Turkey numbers here in Greene are about 1/10 what they were in the late 90's. In the 90's the turkey pop absolutely exploded!!Flocks could be seen every few miles in fields early in am this time of year, and I wouldnt doubt we had more birds in Greene than anywhere in the state then. Last several years during highly visible period of early spring early amyou drive the entire length of the county and may see a handful. Flock seems to have stabilized last several years at the MUCH lower density. Most properties I hunt had multiple roost sites and tons of birds. Now most of them have 1 group or no birds at all roosting. Still kill a gobbler EVERY year,... Not complaining about that.. Just one helluva difference and really cant understand what happened. Pgc noticed somewhat I guess, having cut a week off the fall season. I dont see it as having made any difference though.


Cornelius, I have no clue why your turkey numbers in Greene would still be so low if no other factor such as recent development/ habitat lossis affecting it. (And turkeys are prettyadaptable anyhow.) Afriend of mine is from Greene originally and always talked about the huge flocksthey had back then. Statewide, we are looking at three to four years of great hatches and recruitment, and I believe Mary Jo Casalena stated she estimates flocks statewide at near record highs and there is a distinct possibility of a new record harvest this spring. Your situation sounds like its worth investigating, as folks in every corner of the state I've talked to other than yours are swamped with birds right now. Good luck getting any cooperation from the powers that be, though. Meanwhile if you like to travel a bit, you may want to head east and north....An houror two might make a huge difference.



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