Here comes the limit reduction. This survey is just the beginning for making the argument that turkey populations are down and the limit is too high

Yup... I got it an email this morning...

No matter what they put the limit at people will still break the law. Still jus boils down to honor and ethics, I use to think turkey hunters were a group that had the most of these two traits that has seemed to change.

What I see in the statistics is showing 10% of the birds reported are in our turkey contest...

Me too.

I have been filling it out all year, but can't put in any harvest. My computer will not show the last couple of categories on the screen.

I have been filling it out all year, but can't put in any harvest. My computer will not show the last couple of categories on the screen.

These statistic are from the turkey's reported on the game check system... Granted, this is not a requirement so I know the number is skewed, but I guarantee it will have a direct reflection to determining bag limits.

I just completed the survey. I'm interested in hearing everyone's responses. I haven't been turkey hunting for 10 years so I don't know if things are better or worse.

I know on our property there are more turkeys than when we bought it five years ago. I've really tried hard to improve the holding capacity for turkeys. I really don't know if there are more than there were five years ago or if we've just drawn them in.

This is south Cullman co. where there aren't a lot of turkeys to start with.

Kyle, Send some of your across the river, I need some.

I got mine as well. Filled it out with some additional comments at the end. The state needs to address a lot more issues before adjusting a unenforceable bag limit. It's the least of the issues in my opinion.

You may will be right; our generous limit is not politically correct with the women that run the nwtf, and I think they are putting pressure on our state people.

But of course, the voluntary game check system is less than worthless from a scientific view of measuring the harvest. The hunter survey, which is science-based, has shown no decline in harvest numbers. I'm doubting that science wins on this one, but maybe I'm wrong.

One good sign was that they set this past season to start on the 14th because the 15th was a Sunday. In past years, they have started the season on Monday in this situation. That extra weekend probably killed at least 5000 turkeys. Doesn't seem they would have done that if an immediate cut in the limit was about to happen.

Got the e-mail today and filled it out. Not sure what good it will do, cause just like with deer hunting, sitings are a poor indicator of populations. They didn't even ask how many turkeys i had harvested, but i told them anyway in the comments section.

I filled out the survey as well. I'm also participating in the avid turkey hunter survey. I honestly believe the survey they sent out today is just something to assuage hunter's concern and give them a way to voice any concerns they've had about this season. I go to church with one of the senior biologists at the Dept of Conservation and he tells me they have received numerous calls and emails about this season. I think they understand the weather has been the primary factor this season, but they want to give hunters an outlet. I do not believe and have not heard any indication that this may lead to a change in season dates or limits.

Filled mine out i let them know something has got to be done about coyotes they are reaking havoc on turkeys and especially whitetails .

Predators are the main issue.

Put a little money towards that.

I can tell you folks with very much certainty, since I'm on the turkey committee, that one or two seasons worth of hunter data collection is NOT going to result in a reduced bag limit. There are multiple scenarios being looked at including different bag limits and season structures that are all possibilities. It's not very likely any major changes to anything are expected in the very near future. We are conducting large scale radio telemetry and gps studies statewide to help us understand the role hunter mortality plays on a population level. This study will last a decade. So don't get your panties in a wad and start the government conspiracy stuff prematurely.

Keep in mind. Every one on the turkey committee is deeply passionate about what is best for the resource, because we like to smoke turkeys in the face just as much as y'all do. Balancing hunter expectations, satisfaction, and sound biology is not as easy as y'all try to make it.

Also, this years data is not representative of a normal or average year. Turkeys are nuts this season. Gobbling is way down. Observations are way down. Harvest is way down. It is not due to predators. Something that I'm not going to even try to explain has caused a tremendous change in turkey habits and behavior, and we know the data we collect is not going to be what we would see on average.

Thanks for getting us up to speed matt. Please continue to keep us informed. In your opinion why have many hunters experienced a "down" year this year?

Corn