NE Turkey Numbers

[bearpaw]

For the last 4 years every year I have noticed a decline in turkey numbers, in my opinion mostly due to poor hatching conditions, severe predation of eggs and chicks, and excessive fall seasons.

I am happy to report that in the areas I hunt we are seeing more birds in the fall flocks this year. Numbers are still lower than some previous years, but there are definitely bigger fall flocks than the last couple years.

[Gobble Doc]

I agree with the larger flocks.  I didn't hunt fall this but took each of my kids to get a bird and it looked like more than last year. 

[BLKBEARKLR]

holy crap Dale, don't be alarmed if you have me banging on your door at 0430 Apr 15th 2012


Joe

[bearpaw]

Quite a bunch of birds, we have about 300 on one place.... 

[yelp]

Merriam Turkeys are the best!  I love it.   

[CedarPants]

That's great to hear!

I'm intentionally eating the turkey tag I have in my pocket this late season.  I've got plenty of meat in the freezer and I'd like to see the numbers jump up a bit where I'm at (mainly between Springdale and Chewelah).

Isn't it funny how cattle draw turkeys like a magnet this time of year?  Who would of thought there are such yummy things to eat beneath and In cow pies 

[bigpaw 77]

There are at least 150 of them on the land I hunt. They can ruin a stalk on a whitetail quickly.

[baldopepper]

I'm seeing the same thing in the lower part of GM 121-numbers arent where they were 4-5 years ago, but definitely up from last winter.  Like Cedarpants, I too ate my extra tag this fall-could have shot several nice toms around my cabin last weekend, but could'nt get my heart into it. I saw a real spread in the broods this year - some nearly full grown poults in August to some still just near fuzz balls. I think there was a lot of secondary nesting after the wet spring. Hope the winter stays semi mild- I do know the coyotes could sure use some more thinning down that way, can't hardly sleep at night for all the noise they're making. Guess I"m gonna have to take up coyote shooting this winter.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Thats good news Dale .....I am already pumped 

[benhuntin]

We saw a ton this mornin in 124

[Camp David]

Just left after spending almost 2 weeks in 124. Saw more turkeys than last year. Lots of hens

[turkeydancer]

Thanks for the update Dale ... I too am eating my late fall tag this year ... looking forward to another great spring season ... is it here yet?