Summary
of the
Game Camera 15 Year History of Wild Turkeys on 84 acres in Bollinger County, Missouri
2007 thru 2021
​
84 acres of Oak/Hickory Forest of Closed Canopy in Southeast Missouri changed over time to Quality Habitat that includes – Soil Improvements, High Forage Food Plots, Timber Cuts, Timber Stand Improvements, Edge feathering, Prescribed Fires, Addition of multiple watering sources, Shrub and Tree Plantings.

Combined photos contain 1,738 Wild Turkeys spending 556 Days in the last 15 years on the property

August 2021 Missouri Turkey Survey

Number of Days and Months Wild Turkey spent on Property

Combined photos contain Wild Turkeys
Combined photos contain Hens, Poults, Gobblers and Jakes

Number Game Cameras used each Year

Habitat Management Activites during same time period

Trapping Activites during same time period

Summary
of the
Game Camera 15 Year History of Wild Turkeys on 84 acres in Bollinger County, Missouri
2007 thru 2021

15 Year Game Camera Wild Turkey Photos Break Per Year and Day

Days on Property – Combined photos that contain Wild Turkeys totals

 Months on Property
Day of Property - The Combined Photos contain 98 Hens, Poults, Gobblers and Jakes totals

The Number of Game Cameras Used

Missouri Statewide Trapping Numbers for the Past 15 Years.

To: The Missouri Department of Conservation Commission
April 2021

Since the only Studies on Wild Turkeys in Missouri are north of the Missouri River and since MDC and its partners will not address the Issue in Southern Missouri.

Where Elk, Bear, Wild Hogs, Mountain Lions, Armadillos exist, compete for food sources and are predators of Wild Turkeys and eggs, that the flawed Research Projects have not and will not address any of these issues in Southern Missouri.

I put the above 15 year data together to prove what is happening.

Missouri Landowners - If you have interest in Wild Turkeys on your property you might find this interesting.

Combined photos contain 1,738 Wild Turkeys spending 556 Days in the last 15 years on the property.
Summary of the Game Camera 15 Year History of Wild Turkeys on 84 acres in Bollinger County, Missouri - 2007 thru 2021

84 acres of Oak/Hickory Forest of Closed Canopy in Southeast Missouri changed over time to Quality Habitat that includes – Soil Improvements, High Forage Food Plots, Timber Cuts, Timber Stand Improvements, Edge feathering, Prescribed Fires, Addition of multiple watering sources, Shrub and Tree Plantings.

You can read the response for from the MDC at the below link and all the information for the past years data that no media will touch.

Fall and Rise of the Missouri Wild Turkey Population Page

On Sept. 10, 1935, about 75 sportsmen met at a hotel in Columbia to discuss what could be done.
Hunters and anglers were disgusted, but their efforts at reform were thwarted in the political arena.  Instead of protecting wildlife, laws often served the very interests that were responsible for despoiling wildlife resources.

TODAY – MDC, NWTF and CFM are the special interest that refuse to take on the issue.

I cannot get MDC to extend trapping season, I cannot get MDC to take the restriction off of Armadillos, you are aware of the failure of the Hog Issue and just white wash the issue as wet springs.

Peck Ranch still had wild turkeys on it, despite declines elsewhere. It was initially purchased because it was one of the few areas left with an eastern turkey population.” In 1952, the final tracts of what would become Peck Ranch CA were acquired for turkey restoration. These tracts included the fenced refuge, roughly 11,000 acres. From 1954 to 1979, turkeys trapped at Peck Ranch and other areas of the state were relocated to 142 sites in 87 counties. The area served whitetailed deer repopulation efforts as well in those early years.
 

Reponse from the Missouri Department of Conservation

April 28, 2021

​Dear Mr. Morris,
 
Thank you for writing to express your concerns about the wild turkey population in your area. I would like to respond to your inquiry on behalf of Commissioner Don Bedell.
 
We recognize that turkey numbers are down in your area, as they are in much of the state. Turkey abundance appears to be driven primarily by production, and unfortunately, turkey production in Missouri has exhibited a declining trend over the past several decades and has been especially poor in recent years. Even though the turkey population in your area is lower than it once was, there are enough turkeys for the population to rebound given "SEVERAL YEARS" of good production.
 
I sincerely appreciate your interest in the well-being of your local turkey population. If I can be of further assistance, please let me know.
 
Best regards,
 
Reina M. Tyl
Wild Turkey and Ruffed Grouse Biologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Central Regional Office and Conservation Research Center
3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201

My Response on May 3, 2021

To: Tyl Reina – Please pass along to the Regulations Committee and ALL the Conservation Commission Members

​Right now, YOU, the MDC, its leadership, NWTF Missouri and CFM is the reason I do not invite anyone to Missouri to turkey hunt, a stopped having kids come hunt the property, its not even in the top 10 anymore of turkey hunting states. If I had to buy a tag, I would stop myself.

In the month of April and 120 days in 2021 -  Wild Turkeys have spent on my property a total of 2 days.

The NWTF Missouri Biologist Dares to say I need to improve my habitat

But let’s look at the habitat improvement in 15 years.
2007 Close Canopy Oak/Hickory Forest one water source
Soil Improvments - 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021
Food Plots added - 2008 and maintain, 2012 one added all with different plantings thru 2021
Water Sources added - 2008 and one added 2012 giving a total of 3
Tree Plantings - 2009,2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018
Shrub Plantings – 2010
15 Acre Timber Harvest - 2010 and 2019
Timber Stand Improvment - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019
Edge Feathings - 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Rotating Areas of Prescribed Fires - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Habitat both for Turkey and Deer have only gotten better over 15 years, Brood Habitat has increased, Nesting Habitat has increased, Fawning cover has increased.
I forget the MDC Prescribed Fires and TSI on different parts of the 10,000 acres next to me.

“SEVERAL YEARS OF GOOD PRODUCTION” that is your solution – WAIT and SEE – REALLY!!!!!

Missouri NWTF Biologist Quote – “Regulatory Changes to Season not the Solution” – So to be perfectly clear this is the YOUR, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Commission POLICY?

Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oklahoma Game and Fish Department understand the decline and are using Regulatory Changes and studying the entire state not one northern Missouri County.
 
Well, you ask if their anything else you can do.

1. STOP KILLING HEN IN MISSOURI – If you say the number of hens killed do not matter to the population, then just don’t respond to this letter – DEAD HENS DON’T LAY EGGS - 

Deer management - Control the does, keep predators at bay, have good habitat. QDMA even gives a predator trapping class.

Duck management - Hen restrictions, keep predators from nesting areas, have good habitat.

Missouri Turkey management - Who gives a flying F about females and predators. Habitat is the only way.... We will prove it after 10 years from now in our Iowa Border Turkey Study.  Where Elk, Bear, Wild Hogs, Mountain Lions, Armadillos don't exist, compete for food sources and are predators of Wild Turkeys and eggs, that the flawed Research Projects have not and will not address any of these issues in Southern Missouri.

The question you did not answer! Why you did not do Turkey Research in Southern Missouri on Pecks Ranch the home of the Modern Wild Turkey Restoration in Missouri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That all the above exist.

The North American Wildlife Conservation Model - In cases where population REDUCTION is the management goal, managers must implement *FEMALE***** harvest beyond the level at which the population can replace itself in the short-term.

Right NOW - HENS in MISSOURI cannot replace itself in the short or long term. That is FACT!

In the Meantime - Raccoons in 8 Years have gone from 158,000 sold to 22,000 sold - That means just in ONE year 136,000 Raccoons are left alive to REPLACE itself short term by the means of not being killed.

Having litters of 3 to 8 replacing its self-multiple times. NOW times that by 8 years, now add in Bobcats, Coyotes, Opossum, Skunks, Foxes, Crows, Hawks, Owls, etc. etc. who population has only increased since any research was done that FALL SEASON DOES NOT MATTER TO POPULATION.

Even the Quail Biologist in 2019 said in commission meeting further away from tree line the higher the success rate was because Racoons did not like go beyond 100 yards into fields or from fence rows.

If these 4 things don’t happen in the short term – You can kiss your SEVERAL SEASONS goodbye and Guess add decades to your sentence.

1. ALL hens are in every Season protected - No Archery, No Fall Hens, No Bearded Hens.
2. Furbearer Season Extend to February 29 - Stop letting 40 fur buyers, decide the season.
3. Landowner’s furbearers are open year-round. WE own 93% of the land and are treated like 7%.
4. Youth Season move to weekend before regular season opens

You cannot kill 72,264 Gobblers and call it Biological Sound!!
MISSOURI YOUTH SEASON GOES AGAINST THE VERY BIOLOGICAL REASON FOR THE DAY THE SEASON OPENS - The season opens Monday closest to April 21st. This corresponds to the historical records of the second peak Missouri Ozark Gobbling. This is the biological reason for the opening day.
Which may lead to the great successes in turkey population because the hens get to breed with the dominate birds with the first peak gobbling.

So Biological Reason no longer exist - Why not open the season the SATURDAY AND SUNDAY before the Monday closets to April 21st for Biological Reason!

Do you even read your own Missouri Conservationist Magazine - BY the way TWO – MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST in May of 2021 issue – Forgot to mention that Armadillos are destroying Turkey Nest. – Be glad to provide photo and evidence of them destroying a nest – Armadillo are now considered NATIVE and no hunting or trapping season – Bureaucrat Missouri Biologist are the most invasive and destructive species in Missouri – What happen to all the Wildlife Biologist?

No, they are not looking for the eggs, but he bugs under the nest and they bulldoze the eggs and if they bust them, they will lick up the yokes. Sheer numbers make then an INVASIVE SPECIES to all ground nesting birds in Missouri. Even the Tennessee Video show Armadillo harassing hen on nest.
 
NOT ONE STUDY OF WILD TURKEY IN MISSOURI – Has or will exist in 10 years of 100,000 Wild Hogs consuming food sources, 275 Elk Consuming food sources, 1,000 Black Bears Consuming Food Sources and predation of eggs, GOD only know the sheer number of Armadillos destroying turkey nest, the sheer number of predators on the modern landscape because of prices. PROVE ME WRONG!!!!
 
I not the only one – use to be a few, then dozen, then several dozen now hundreds reach out with the same problem.

ARMADILLOS DESTORY WILD TURKEY NEST IN MISSOURI

NO ONE IS LISTEN TO MISSOURI LANDOWNERS

I have written the Missouri Department of Conservation since 2012.  By adding the month of February to the Season

I would like the freeing up more availability of land.
(less season occurring)
(people don’t want trappers on property during firearms, 2nd youth, archery and alternative season)
More days (by adding) to trap and possible more trappers and even getting others into trapping by adding time. (less season occurring.)

The Goal is to protect the wildlife and give it value and to get the maximum veteran, and new trappers to participate.

Two different groups of trappers have appeared in the modern time. I believe now is the time to act: By adding the month of February to the Season. Individual Responsibility decides on what works best for his or her situation.

No. 1 - Fur Trappers that are chasing furbearers for money, they are the core group selling to the fur buyers to start with, that will not change, but could get better if prices ever move up. They know when to stop and start and only make sense for guys trapping for fur to stop trapping.

No. 2 - Predator Trappers that are chasing furbearers for management only for landowners or landowners doing it themselves or even new trappers now that all season have ended. They are trapping for predator control would keep going. But if fur prices ever go up they might end up chasing for fur in the future, keeping the heritage alive.

The Missouri Trappers Association board is just a Several individuals and a membership of around 700 - A longer season has been proposed at every MTA meeting every year. The MTA has several fur buyers in the membership and on the board. They have always resisted longer seasons because the fur is not prime.

There are so few buyers, and the market is so poor that I think primness of fur is no longer a valid argument for season dates and length.

The permitted trappers are around Less than 7,000. Landowners may put it over 7,000.

This is example from what really happening in the trapping world. Let us look at the history and current world we live in. Unfortunately, and Sad, it has created “NO VALUE WILDLIFE”

These are just a few Example of what the reality with boots on the ground I have collected.

a. Big wholesale fur buyers are going thru pallets full on Raccoons and picking out the best and throwing the rest away.
b. Skinned 1 out of 10 Coyotes.
c. Skinned 5 out of 100 Raccoons.
d. Skinned 7 out of 24 Raccoons.
e. Skinned 3 out of 5 Beavers
f. Do not even count the Opossum anymore.
g. Having to throw away what I have skinned because no one will buy.
h. Guys are having to throw away pick up loads of Raccoons and Opossum they have caught.
i. Vast majority of fur caught today is going getting thrown away.
j. Raccoons, Opossum and Skunk numbers sold are down because they are just being thrown away to expensive to flesh and no value.

Now let us look at land trapping November 15 thru January 31.
Raccoons are prime first. But no one is buying unless XXL or XXXL. Thanksgiving is the best. By Christmas Raccoons furs are done and rubbing has started.
Coyotes and Foxes are just about right around December 7th they are the same as Raccoons about Christmas they are done and rubbing has started.
Bobcats on the other hand the first of the year, Bobcats have finally primed up.


Now if breeding cannot be an issue, we now have Night Vision for Coyotes and Foxes in February during breeding season.
Beavers have already started breeding before season ends.
Even Whitetail Deer are breed and multiple season are still have not happened yet including a antlerless season.
 
Let us look at the history again unfortunately, and Sad, it has created “NO VALUE WILDLIFE”


1945 – 1946 – MDC issued 1,192 Fur Dealer Permits.
1980 – 1981 – 13,248 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri (Highest Number)
1940 – 1941 – 834,935 pelts harvested (most pelts sold) (over 70% were opossum and skunk pelts) most pelts sold
1979 – 1980 – 634,338 (2nd highest pelts sold - when average raccoon pelt values were estimated at $27.50.
1997 – 1998 – Over 200,000 Raccoons trapped.



2019 - MDC issued 41 Fur Dealer Permits
2018 - 2019 – 6,956 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2018 - 2019 – Raccoon totaled 22,562 trapped.
2018-19 season resulted in the lowest raccoon harvest since 1942 and the longest duration of decline in harvest numbers over the last 25 years with seven consecutive years of decline.
2018- 2019 – Opossum harvest totaled 593 lowest opossum harvest on record.
2018- 2019 – Skunk also resulted in the lowest Skunk harvest since 2000-01 only 156.
2018 – 2019 - Coyote population appears to be on a slight increase since the 1970s
2018 -2019 Bobcat season was down 28.40% from 2017-18 The decline in harvest and in the number of bobcat pelts purchased by fur dealers also is likely attributed to a poor global fur market.
 
Nothing is a silver bullet! I am the poster child for habitat work in the 10,000's of dollars and 1,000's of hours of work for 13 years. Greater habitat, makes greater prey species across the board, in turn more predators come in. Mad little circle. Habitat can only get you so far.

Prices:
Raccoon XXL - 3.00
Coyote – 15.00
Fox – 6.00
Beavers – 8.00
Bobcat – 20.00
Opossum – ZERO

Someone ask me if I make a profit in trapping? My answer is NO - Closet Fur Dealer I am aware of is over 50 miles away now. I drive 70 miles round trip to check trap daily for 31 days, 2,170 miles at 350 miles to a tank of gas that is 6 tanks at 40 dollars a tank. That is 240 dollars just in gas.

Not counting my Time, Traps, Equipment, Bait, Lure, Skinning, Fleshing, etc., etc.

Two Additional items:
No. 1 - Why while trapping Beaver at the end of February and March why would does MDC have a trapper waste a Otter and have agent or trapper throw it away. That is an insult to the animal and just as wasteful as shooting a deer and letting it rot.

No. 2 - "No person shall accept payment for furbearers taken by another." Unless they have a furbearers license.
​
My question is furbearers license have dwindled significantly in Missouri last count 41 in the entire state. People are constantly asking for hides and want to tan them or have them tanned. Why not in this environment give the trapper and the wildlife a chance not to end up in the trash? What's the down fall to regulations changes to sell to others?