They are hearing us. I had one guy email me back agreeing that nest predators are the main cause and I have another guy from that list wanting to call me and discuss my points. The more concern in emails and letters the better. Let’s fight this.
I emailed and got a “thank you for your comments” response. I’ve asked others to write or call also. One called and said he was told there were at least 4 no votes and that he’s gotten more correspondence over this issue than any since he’s been on the board and that he sees more turkeys now where he deer hunts than ever. He said what was needed now more than letters is for people to show up at the meeting and take up the entire 1 hour set aside for public comment. I know everyone can’t go to the meeting, so more letters and calls can’t hurt.
I nominate PCP and gobbler to be our in person representatives. Can I get a second?
Second and add AToler to that list.....
I doubt I could convey my thoughts near as well as them. I'm hoping to make it to the meeting, but I've got an extremely pregnant wife at home.
In case I don't make it, I sent the following email:
Gentleman,
As an avid proponent of the wild turkey, I would like to share some thoughts regarding restructuring our turkey season/limits:
1. Turkey populations ebb and flow. I've seen no data supporting a statewide decline in numbers. Some portions of the state are experiencing declines in population, while others are booming. I have leases and hunt public land in barbour, jefferson, st. clair, shelby, and lamar counties. From my history with these lands, I believe the population to be stable or improving on each tract. It is possible that the populations of the 80s and 90s, were artificially high after their resurgence.
2. There is no research showing hunters affecting overall turkey populations. Dr. Chamberlain explained to me, that his ideas are assumptions and hypotheses at this point. (I have screenshots of this, if you would like to see them)
3. Dropping the limit from 5 to 3, is ineffective. Legally harvested birds 4-5, account for a minor portion of harvest. Reducing the limit to 3, saves approximately 1 gobbler per 15,000 acres of undeveloped land.
4. There is a perceived decline in population, across a multitude of states. These states have a variety of season lengths, start dates, and bag limits. If hunters impact the overall population, why are states with low limits, late start dates, and short seasons on the list?
5. In Alabama, we have been the gold standard for turkey management and turkey culture. There is no denying our system's success. Why then, do we assume our system is suddenly broken? Turkey numbers exploded in this state, with more hunters in the woods, a longer season, and 5 to 6 bird limits. Now, license sales are at an all time low. How can we support a theory, when it contradicts the last 60 years of results?
6. Reducing our opportunities to hunt, affects more than the face value. Hunters and landowners impact turkey populations through habitat management and trapping. Reducing season length or limit, removes incentives for hunters to put as much effort and money into these things. Landowners will see a demonetization of leasing land for turkeys, thus removing incentives for them to provide quality habitat. If this happens on only a small scale, it will far outweigh the handful of gobblers saved per year.
To conclude, I urge you to vote down these proposed changes. Let's see some hard evidence, before we throw 60 years worth of success and culture out the window.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you all on March 6th,
