Turkey #s in the NE ??

[jrebel]

For the folks that live in the NE corner……how are the turkey populations looking this year.   I can say that we are seeing far less turkey than we have over the pst 4-5 years.  That being said…..the weather is significantly different this year.  We usually have snow around our areas and this year there is none.  Makes no wonder if the birds are already spread out, where they would otherwise still be grouped up in large numbers.

What day you all??

[Russ McDonald]

From what I have heard is the population is booming but.  Looks like 3 different hatches last year from last fall observations.  I think the public land birds are being pushed more towards private land though. 

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[hughjorgan]

I think your observation of them being spread out because a lack of a winter is correct. Drove around up there a few weeks back when there was still some snow on the ground and didn’t see hardly any birds on the farms I usually see them on. And did another drive on Saturday, no snow in any of the spots I like to hunt but did hear some gobbling and seen a turkeys.

[bearpaw]

Several of the properties we hunt have as many birds as they've ever had, but a couple seem to have less. Overall I'm think the population is very strong and stable, and as usual some local flocks may have increased and some might have decreased.

[jrebel]

I feel like our local flock has really taken a downturn the last couple years.  I’m sure it will recover as I know the numbers fluctuate year to year….just seams weird after such a mild winter it would be as low as it appears to be now.  Cougars, bobcats and yotes are likely the cause. 

[Russ McDonald]

I feel like our local flock has really taken a downturn the last couple of years.  I’m sure it will recover as I know the numbers fluctuate year to year….just seams weird after such a mild winter it would be as low as it appears to be now.  Cougars, bobcats and yotes are likely the cause.

I found out that those aren't the number one predators of turkeys.  It is hawks, eagles, and owls. Weather of course is another big one.  In the first couple week aftwr hatching if a poult gets wet and doesn't dry off within an hour they will moat likely die of hyperthermia.  Don't get me wrong, the others get their fair share, but turkeys have an advantage with being able to fly and run fast from yotes, bobcats, and cougars.

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[bearpaw]

I feel like our local flock has really taken a downturn the last couple years.  I’m sure it will recover as I know the numbers fluctuate year to year….just seams weird after such a mild winter it would be as low as it appears to be now.  Cougars, bobcats and yotes are likely the cause.

If a neighbor is experiencing problems with wintering turkeys they may be getting depredation permits or they may be simply removing birds without saying anything to anyone. 

I know of one person who had 20 depredation permits this winter.

[bearpaw]

I feel like our local flock has really taken a downturn the last couple of years.  I’m sure it will recover as I know the numbers fluctuate year to year….just seams weird after such a mild winter it would be as low as it appears to be now.  Cougars, bobcats and yotes are likely the cause.

I found out that those aren't the number one predators of turkeys.  It is hawks, eagles, and owls. Weather of course is another big one.  In the first couple week aftwr hatching if a poult gets wet and doesn't dry off within an hour they will moat likely die of hyperthermia.  Don't get me wrong, the others get their fair share, but turkeys have an advantage with being able to fly and run fast from yotes, bobcats, and cougars.

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In our area I think Ravens are the number one predator, they chase the hens off nests and raid all the eggs before the chicks are even born. Skunks and raccoons also get a lot of nests. When you are hunting if you see an empty broken egg shell randomly laying, it was probably dropped there by a raven. I see them flying with turkey eggs every year.

Also every year we see ravens dive bombing trying to chase hens off nests!

[baldopepper]

Ravens are the number1 predator on several types of gamebirds. Years ago my older brother was hired to do a survival surrvey on Cuckars, pheasants and ducks in Utah. He spent days in the field locating nests
 and then watching the survival rate after hatch and while still eggs

 Ravens were by far the biggest problem on chukars and pheasants and were a close second.behind seagulls on ducks. Not only grabbing eggs but also grabbing the newly hatched little ones. 

[HillHound]

Someone needs to start a petition to remove their protected status as birds of prey. They should be no different than crows. The murder of ravens that congregates near ryegrass at the dot roadkill dump site seems to get bigger every year. I could see how they could lay waste to anything in their way. And no natural predators to cull their populations

[bearpaw]

More skunks with avian influenza were found in Stevens County, even dairy cattle somewhere, I wonder if some of the turkeys have been impacted? I was scouting another property yesterday and the flock there seems to be way down. WDFW was on local radio this morning talking about the bird flu and warning hunters to wear masks and gloves when cleaning turkeys and to cook birds thoroughly before eating.

[jrebel]

More skunks with avian influenza were found in Stevens County, even dairy cattle somewhere, I wonder if some of the turkeys have been impacted? I was scouting another property yesterday and the flock there seems to be way down. WDFW was on local radio this morning talking about the bird flu and warning hunters to wear masks and gloves when cleaning turkeys and to cook birds thoroughly before eating.

This is very interesting.....We did a lot of scouting around our place this last weekend and I can confidently say our numbers are low.  If I had to guess, I would say we are 30-40% of what we were 5 years ago.  Last year was not that great....this year is worse.  I will see what the next couple weeks produces (in case I just had a off weekend), but if the numbers of birds are truly that low.....I might give them a year off from hunting.  Our drive to and from the property also produced far less birds than we normally see.....not that is a good metric to go off.   

[Ridgeratt]

Standing in the yard I'm hearing birds gobbling in 4 different directions. Went for a drive yesterday and saw a small flock of birds just down the road that had a pair of long beards. Didn't come across any youth hunters or folks driving road hunting them.
Headed towards elbow lake we ran into snow about 3300 feet that was about a foot deep.
We flamed out and had to turn around.

[Ghost Hunter]

That road report sounds like what I'm waiting for.  Loaded and ready to roll.

[Dinkbears49]

I have spent the last 2 springs in the NE, I have heard 1 gobble. it's been really tough hunting. Last year I took my 6-year-old with me, no gobbles. Does anyone wanna share some tips or a general idea of where to look? thanks all.