I think I have mentioned this in past posts, but its worth talking about.
I have been a turkey hunter for several years now, 15-20 years. For the last several years, I have had the privilege to hunt some really great land, to the point that we, my boys and I, can talk about where we set up just by naming the tree we would sit on. Some years where slim some years where great. By slim I mean only a couple of hundred in the winter flock. Several years we would watch at least 500 to 600 birds fly down. These birds would always break up into the normal mating groups (15-30 hens) with various aged toms chasing.
This deer season, I noticed the lack of birds in the section, to the point that saw zero turkeys. didn't really worry to much, since they have been known to winter in different parts of the section.
Well, about a month or so ago, we got serious about locating birds, and did our normal scouting ritual, Driving out before daybreak listening for gobbles, walking timber edges looking for sign.
Nothing. I mean as if they had fell into a hole in the ground and where swallowed up. as you can image, this concerned me. Started talking to the local farmers/ranchers and no one had been seeing any birds.
A couple weeks ago, I ran into a local GW, and told him my tale of sorrow, the first thing out of his mouth,"was there a turkey farm close by" and sure as hell is, 1/2 mile as the crow fly. Apparently, NW Arkansas and SW Missouri are experiencing the same thing. Seems that the turkey farms manure is not being sterilized properly, and that allowing the black head disease to get into the wild flocks. according to the GW, if black head gets into a wild flock, it will wipe them out.
Then, last week a couple of farms had tested positive for avian bird flu, while not sure what that would do to thw wild turkey, surely can't be good.
Went out this am, great morning to scout, even heard a bird or two, not where anyone can hunt, but at least heard a gobble. also saw a nice group of birds with several male birds in full strut, but also where no one can hunt.
JUst wondering if anyone else in SEK, is experiencing the same as I am.
Also, do you think if I contact KDWP, they would have a clue.( no offense PD)
Really at a lost on which direction to go. Not ready to give up on this season yet. But sure doesn't look good.
Look for ward to any replys.
:cheers:
I have been a turkey hunter for several years now, 15-20 years. For the last several years, I have had the privilege to hunt some really great land, to the point that we, my boys and I, can talk about where we set up just by naming the tree we would sit on. Some years where slim some years where great. By slim I mean only a couple of hundred in the winter flock. Several years we would watch at least 500 to 600 birds fly down. These birds would always break up into the normal mating groups (15-30 hens) with various aged toms chasing.
This deer season, I noticed the lack of birds in the section, to the point that saw zero turkeys. didn't really worry to much, since they have been known to winter in different parts of the section.
Well, about a month or so ago, we got serious about locating birds, and did our normal scouting ritual, Driving out before daybreak listening for gobbles, walking timber edges looking for sign.
Nothing. I mean as if they had fell into a hole in the ground and where swallowed up. as you can image, this concerned me. Started talking to the local farmers/ranchers and no one had been seeing any birds.
A couple weeks ago, I ran into a local GW, and told him my tale of sorrow, the first thing out of his mouth,"was there a turkey farm close by" and sure as hell is, 1/2 mile as the crow fly. Apparently, NW Arkansas and SW Missouri are experiencing the same thing. Seems that the turkey farms manure is not being sterilized properly, and that allowing the black head disease to get into the wild flocks. according to the GW, if black head gets into a wild flock, it will wipe them out.
Then, last week a couple of farms had tested positive for avian bird flu, while not sure what that would do to thw wild turkey, surely can't be good.
Went out this am, great morning to scout, even heard a bird or two, not where anyone can hunt, but at least heard a gobble. also saw a nice group of birds with several male birds in full strut, but also where no one can hunt.
JUst wondering if anyone else in SEK, is experiencing the same as I am.
Also, do you think if I contact KDWP, they would have a clue.( no offense PD)
Really at a lost on which direction to go. Not ready to give up on this season yet. But sure doesn't look good.
Look for ward to any replys.
:cheers: