You may consider running to tn on the weekends or heading to some wmas to the south. I've hunted quite a few wmas, don't have much experience on skyline or Bankhead, but I can definitely tell you, they aren't all created equal. Some wmas the birds consistently gobble a lot and some they consistently are quiet.

I've been limited in days I can get in the woods but it has been about the same. No gobbling birds but seeing groups of 10-15 birds as late as a week ago. Had another that came in silent and busted me. Where I hunt they are still there but tight lipped as can be. I hope to get in several more hunts before the 30th.....time will tell.

I have seen no shortage of coyote shit though.

Alright - so here we are again. Another thread and more discussion about chicken litter. I understand all the parameters about why people keep trying to ignore the problem. Money and politics - simple.

But.......now that we have so much common sense evidence, from small examples to landscape issues like exists in Cullman and Morgan Counties - why is it ignored and even refuted by a good many individuals in the professional realm? Is the poultry industry that strong? Does it have that much political pull? Or do we simply care more about that industry than the "industry" of turkey hunting? I believe I know the answers to all of those questions.

What say you?

Well I still haven't pulled the trigger. I've heard a few. My boys killed 4 spring break week. My wife had a total knee replacement on Tuesday. May be the first year since 87 that I haven't killed one.

One word..... ALFA

I haven't hit Bankhead yet this year. I want to get out there I have a couple of birds last year singing on the last day I hope there still around. They might not be but those areas usually get new one that fills the spot.

I've asked around some and have had biologist tell me they think the same thing. Now whether there are any on going studies or any official positions on it is a different story.

We've got about the same number of birds as every year, and no chicken litter around. More birds than we had during deer season.
I've got 17 different jakes on camera and seen most of them live. I don't know if it's coyotes or hunting pressure, but in 26 years I've never heard such a small amount of gobbles. I've killed 2 yotes stalking birds I had inside 50 yards. I have not heard a single bird gobble after 8:30 in 8 days of hunting. When they gobble on the roost , it's 1,2, maybe 3 gobbles, then it's over.
It is very strange this year. They're thinning the ____ out of 2000 acres, and our place is as open as a golf course, so maybe they can see and just don't feel the need to vocalize? All I know is it sucks not getting to hear them.

All these woes sound like just another regular season around here in central Alabama. It's been the norm the last 4-5 yrs around here.

Sounds like we should skip the 3 bird limit and go on down to 2

I imagine 17 jakes can learn a gobbler to keep his mouth shut.

On our place I've run across a group of 4 jakes and another group of 3. Have no doubt that's one reason birds are quiter.

One hunting trip last year me and a buddy set up on the only gobbling bird we heard that day. Let out a few yelps but before he could even think of coming to us a gang of 6 jakes jumped him. He took a pretty good whooping and was gone. Didnt hear him again.

Worst year for gobbling that ive ever seen in Shelby co, been several spots where there's always been birds but haven't heard a single bird. I have heard birds in Dallas co. everytime that ive been down.

My 41st year and by far the worst ever for me.

Plenty of turkeys where i'm hunting, but there just not acting right. A lot less gobbling. We've killed a couple, should have killed two more. Strange year, no doubt.

I heard the turkey committee is going to recommend that we shut the season down for 2 years to let the population recover - all based on an AU computer model of course

Add me to the list too. BUT....

Things are about to change. I actually had birds answer and GOBBLE the last two mornings. But, how can you call a turkey across a significant size creek, have him land 60 yards away right behind an oak tree and the next time you see him he is walking away at 80 yards. That sums up my season. Had the safety off three times the last two days and the only turkey breast I am eating is Land-O-Lakes.

My season hasn't been the best, I also haven't been able to hunt very much. However, I will say I am very pleased with bird populations in my area. There's been a couple birds I should've killed but for lack of better judgement I made the wrong decision. That's why they call it hunting not killing. I've enjoyed every minute in the turkey woods and will continue to do so. Best of luck to everyone, and God bless.

I will say most of the gobbling I have heard has been on the roost or shock gobbling. I've worked 3 bird so far this year, 1 of which died. Another of which should've died but I'm impatient.