Missouri Wild Turkey Handout
| turkey_handout.pdf |
Thru research of MDC History – Open Records Request of numbers the public never gets to see 36 pages of information on the Missouri Wild Turkey.
This is FREE to print off to all that care about conservation in Missouri and hand to your friends.
This is FREE to all MEDIA that wants the information to inform the public of the truth.
You won’t see this from the Missouri Department of Conservation or the Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation – You might want to ask why?
November 25, 2021
New Information - Breaking News
FY 2021
Wild Turkey Study in Missouri on the Iowa Border
Only 21% of nests successfully hatched!
Only 23% of poults surviving! - The 80s, that was closer to 46%.”
Which lower than the previous 5 year study in Northern Missouri.
Missouri Sets TWO season records in 2021.
2021 is Missouri Worst Fall Turkey Season in history.
2021 Spring Missouri Wild Turkey Season the worst season in 24-year history of the three-week season in Missouri
If you keeping track 2,360 hens have been killed this fall in Missouri - during lowest population since 1989.
Top Wild Turkey Biologist this is his response.
"Yes I saw that. 78% nest initiation and 20% nest success. Not sustainable unless adult survival is incredibly high, which we know it isn’t. Those numbers parallel nearly all of the sites I’m working on across the southeast."
Why did this happen in Missouri and information from MDC Biologist
"About 75% of nests failed due to predation of the actual nest, and 8% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch"
Per Acre Raccoon Count
1.57 per acre
2.02 per acre
3.34 per acre
Opossum Count
.65 per acre
1.11 per acre
.93 per acre
Page 1
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY
Missouri Wild Turkey Mecca Rest in Peace
THE STATE OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY
By: Missouri Conservationist, Missouri Landowner, Missouri Wild Turkey Hunter
1988 - The major objective in Missouri’s Turkey Season has been to provide maximum hunting opportunity commensurate with the population’s ability to sustain harvest.
2001 - No.1 goal for Missouri Wild Turkey is Quality Turkey Hunting. - Lots of adult gobbling birds.
2021 – Goal is Maximum hunting opportunity and hunter retention.
April 28, 2021 - 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.
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MISSOURI WILD TURKEY WORKSHOP
February 2001 – Missouri Wild Turkey Management Workshop – Given by the Missouri Department of Conservation - Dr. Michael Hubbard – MDC Wild Turkey Biologist (Currently Deputy Director)
The Missouri Department of Conservation - No.1 goal for Missouri Wild Turkey is Quality Turkey Hunting. - Lots of adult gobbling birds.
The two biologists that can be recognized for Missouri great success in eastern wild turkey restoration are John B. Lewis and Dr. Larry Vangilder.
FY 2001 Missouri wild turkey population is estimated to be between 500,000 to 600,000 birds. Which could possibly be the largest population for any state.
An extensive survey that went out to turkey hunters several years ago came up with a few numbers you might find interesting.
A. Only 4% of the hunter’s question felt that check-in stations were a bad idea.
B. 77% of the hunter’s question felt that having no check in stations was a bad idea.
C. 55% of the birds taken in 1995 had longer than 1” spurs.
D. In 1994 over 15 million dollars was the spent by turkey hunters.
E. The majority of hunter’s want quality adult birds to hunt. Instead of a liberal season.
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.
For winter survival a winter food source must be available, like hard mast - acorns. Which in the south most of the time does not have a problem with this.
It has also been found that not only the know predators take out nest like the fox, coyote, skunk, opossum, but snakes, ground squirrels, gray and red squirrels also contribute to the mortality rate.
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HISTORY OF MISSOURI SEASON
Missouri was the TURKEY HUNTING MECCA in the early 2000’s highlighted in every magazine, outdoor TV show and even in the Missouri Conservationist. Home of 500,000 to 600,000 Wild Turkeys
The biologists that can be recognized for Missouri great success in eastern wild turkey restoration are –
A. Starker Leopold, John B. Lewis, and Dr. Larry Vangilder.
1952 - 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 white tailed deer repopulation efforts as well in those early years.
1960 First spring season; 3 days, 14 counties – Why because the Wild Turkey population was still in growth to have, had a 3-week season and early youth season, fall season and an archery season with crossbows! To be able to kill 6 wild turkeys a year!!! Could be 2 gobblers and 4 hens a year!
1960-72 Spring season expanded (4 times) to 14 days – As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
1974 - Bag limit reduced to 1 bird due to poor hatch in 1973. History shows 500-year flood in 73.
1975 First fall archery season - As the wild turkey population grows the added a season, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
1978 First fall firearms season - As the wild turkey population grows the added a season, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
1985 Spring season expanded to all 114 counties - As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
1998 Spring season extended from two to three weeks - As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
2001 First spring youth season - Research dictated that if we are to guard against overharvest of mature gobblers, the spring season must begin after the peak in breeding activity in early April.
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! (Example too early: April 4 and 5 – 2020 Youth Season)
As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
2021 – 20-year decline in Wild Turkey Population and Harvest - As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change! WHY?
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MAINTAIN A BALANCE
BREAKING NEWS – Missouri will reduce bag limit of Spring Wild Turkey due to poor hatch.
Published in the Missouri Conservationist in April 1974
1974 - Bag limit reduced to 1 bird due to poor hatch in 1973 – History shows 500-year flood in 73.
1974 - The Department’s major objective is the management of the wild turkey resource is to provide maximum hunting opportunity commensurate with the turkey population’s ability to sustain harvest.
To maintain a balance approximately 2.5 poults per hen must be produce.
When this ratio drops below 2.5 a population is decline indicated and when it goes above 2.5 an increase occurs.
The Adult / Juvenile ratio dropped in 1973 to 1:1.9 and that is why two bird limit was dropped in 1974.
Did you know in 1974 the Missouri Department of Conservation thru a simple regulation change to the bag limit reduction of 1 bird, due to poor hatch in 1973 to protect Missouri Wild Turkey Population.
Here is what responsible Missouri Wild Turkey Management looks like this article is full of great information on every page. Should be republished today “AS IS”
Missouri Formula for Wild Turkey – Why is hunting so good in Missouri?
Published in the Missouri Conservationist in April of 2005
“We have formulated regulations to provide ample hunting and viewing opportunities WITHOUT IMPACTING POPULATION GROWTH”
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mdcd7/magazine/2010/03/3279_digital.pdf
You will want to look at the Graphic on Page 11
What’s NOT in the article.
What happened in 1973 - 500-Year Flood - Missouri's final damage assessment was $396 million.
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In addition to figures for total damage, estimates for acreage damaged by this year's flooding were also reported. According to the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in Missouri, about 3 million acres were damaged by flooding Missouri Counties Declared Federal Disaster Areas.
Missouri's corn production in 1993 was projected to be 42 percent less than 1992's crop.
Missouri’s soybeans production 1993 was projected to be 22 percent less than 1992's crop.
Since 1974 – Missouri ALL Poor Hatch/Wild Turkey Population Decline has been ignored by simple regulation changes over Hunting Opportunity and Hunter Recruitment.
THE WILD TURKEY IN MISSOURI
Published in 1988 revised in 1993 by the Missouri Department of Conservation
It is too bad that Wild Turkey Publication has been lost to history.
Highlights:
1. During the First 3 weeks of life, young turkeys (poults) are vulnerable to cold, rainy weather and must depend on the older hen for protection and warmth. In addition, young turkeys may be preyed on by foxes, coyotes, bobcats, or great horned owls.
2. Increase in season length occurred at the turkey population grew.
3. Acorns are the most important food for wild turkeys. In Missouri acorns are eaten by turkeys in every month of the year, and more than a third of their diet consist of acorns in the fall and winter.
4. The major objective in Missouri’s Turkey Season has been to provide maximum hunting opportunity commensurate with the population’s ability to sustain harvest.
5. Missouri also made important contributions to restoration programs of other states by swapping Missouri Wild Turkeys for other wildlife species. Since the early 1960s, Missouri has traded turkeys for ruffed grouse, otters, pheasants, prairie chickens and various fishes.
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Missouri Wild Turkey Harvest Summary- 1841 thru 2021
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MISSOURI WILD TURKEY HUNTER SUCCESS - 1998 THRU 2020
SPRING TURKEY HARVEST – WAKE UP PEOPLE
May 31st, 2018
Missouri the TURKEY HUNTING MECCA in the early 2000’s highlighted in every magazine, outdoor TV show Missouri Spring Season Statewide – As of 2021 Missouri did not make it in the top 10 of Turkey Hunting States and now become a “POTHOLE” state – Some have good population, some in decline, some almost non-existence.
Dead Hen in the fall produces no eggs in the spring, those eggs never produce a hen that produces more eggs. But killing a hen in the fall makes no significant change to population as experts will tell you.
FAMED Tennessee biologist Jack Murray – “If you don’t have hens, you won’t have any gobblers and if you don’t have gobblers, you don’t have hunters.”
Deer management - Control the does, keep predators at bay, have good habitat. The past Quality Deer Management Association even gives a predator trapping class.
Duck and Pheasant management - Hen restrictions, keep predators from nesting areas, have good habitat.
Missouri Turkey management - Who cares about females and predators. Habitat is the only way.... We will prove it after 5 years from now in our Iowa Border Turkey Study. Where Elk, Black Bear, Wild Hogs, Mountain Lions, Armadillos don't exist, competing 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 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.
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.
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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. OR DOES IT?
Even the Quail Biologist in 2019 said in commission meeting further away from tree line the higher the success rate was because Raccoons did not like go beyond 100 yards into fields or from fence rows.
Right NOW - HENS in MISSOURI cannot replace itself in the short or long term. That is FACT!
More efficient hunting methods (Ammo, Shotguns, Crossbows) in Missouri for the first season that included crossbows (2016-2017), of the 2,304 turkeys harvested under archery methods, 853 were with crossbows." (2017-2018) of the 2,426 turkeys harvested under archery methods, 45% or 1,113 were with crossbows.
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 2,170 turkeys during Missouri’s 2018 fall firearms turkey season.
FALL TURKEY HARVEST – WAKE UP PEOPLE
Missouri Sets TWO season records in 2021.
2021 is Missouri Worst Fall Turkey Season in history total 1,836!
This after the 2021 Spring Missouri Wild Turkey Season which now holds the record of the worst season in 24-year history of a three-week season in Missouri.
2021 is Missouri Worst Fall Turkey Season in history total 1,836!
2020 fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,125, which was 9% greater than the 2019 harvest total.
2019 fall firearms Wild Turkey harvest 1,952 - Worse fall Turkey season in history, not anymore!
2018 fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,170, which was 25% less than the 2017 harvest total.
2018 Fall Firearm Turkey Season Summary
The 2018 fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,170, which was 25% less than the 2017 harvest total.
Regional harvest totals were:
• Central (334; -17% from 2017)
• Kansas City (241; -19% from 2017)
• Northeast (251; -3% from 2017)
• Northwest (219; -13% from 2017)
• Ozark (242; -53% from 2017)
• Southeast (267; -27% from 2017)
• Southwest (394; -26% from 2017)
• St. Louis (222; -21% from 2017)
This year’s low fall firearms turkey harvest total can be attributed to three years of record or near-record low turkey production.
At the statewide scale, the turkey hatches of 2016 and 2017 were tied for the lowest on record since our turkey brood surveys was initiated in 1959.
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Production was slightly better last year but was still among the lowest recorded in Missouri.
2017 fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,899.
MDC’s turkey biologist says the low harvest total can be attributed to several years of poor hatches.
“We had really poor production in 2016 and 2017, which resulted in lower turkey numbers across the state,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Jason Isabelle.
This year’s low fall firearms turkey harvest total can be attributed to three years of record or NEAR RECORD LOW TURKEY PRODUCTION.
At the statewide scale, the turkey hatches of 2016 and 2017 were tied for the lowest on record since our turkey brood surveys was initiated in 1959.
Production was slightly better last year but was still among the lowest recorded in Missouri
FY – 2020 - MDC Turkey Biologist Reina Tyl expects spring turkey hunting to be challenging. - “We are again in a period of poor production and lower turkey abundance,” said Tyl. “We can expect to see the effects on harvest for several years until production improves and turkey numbers rebound.”
PREDATOR HISTORY
1940 – 1941 – 834,935 pelts harvested (most pelts sold) (over 70% were opossum and skunk pelts) most pelts sold
1945 – 1946 – Missouri Fur Dealer Permist 1,192
1979 – 1980 – 634,338 (2nd highest pelts sold - when average raccoon pelt values were estimated at $27.50.
1997 – 1998 – Over 200,000 Raccoons were trapped.
1980 – 1981 – 13,248 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2004 – Most Wild Turkeys ever killed 60,744
2007 – Only 5,000 Wild Hogs in the Southern part of the State of Missouri
TODAY – PREDATOR & PREY HISTORY
(That did not exist before or in the numbers.)
2014 – 2015 - The majority of Missourians (52 percent) agree that trapping is okay as long as it is regulated. – Missouri Department of Conservation Annual Report -
2017 – 2018 – Just Over 26,000 Raccoons were trapped.
2017 – 2018 – Only 7,189 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri.
2018 - 2019 – 6,956 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2018 – 35,787 – 2nd Lowest Harvest in History of the 3-week Season - Lowest Youth Harvest in History
2019 – 38,777 – 3rd Lowest Harvest in History of the 3-week Season
2017 – Estimated 20,000 - 30,000 Wild Hogs in the Southern part of the State of Missouri per MTNF 2017 Forest Report
2019 - Fall firearms Wild Turkey harvest 1,952 - Worse fall Turkey season in history.
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2021 – Over 800 Black Bears 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 harvests on record. – Missouri Department of Conservation has Published news on website, magazine, and video about a TICK GRAZING opossum.
Look at any opossums’ ears, or body in summer. His body has 100+ more. You have all seen the opossum pic with the claim that they eat 5,000 to 10,000 ticks a year. It is a bogus claim made of a gal’s master’s thesis that made a non-scientific finding. It did not pass peer review.
1. Possums carry ticks and spread them.
2. If they do dig one off during grooming, they will eat that one tick.
3. Meanwhile the other 50 on them, suck up blood and then drop off the possum and create 10,000's more.
4. Because of the habitat possums live in, they collect a lot of ticks, and spread a lot of ticks and are the most numerous furbearers in the state of Missouri.
5. Opossums may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice.
6. Opossums are notorious for egg eating. Up to 70% of the Bobwhite Quail nests are destroyed by opossums. Quail are decreasing in numbers throughout the country. Wild Turkeys also take a hit on their nests from opossums. Nothing like a WET hen smell to draw in an opossum nose.
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.
2019 – Mountain Lions 30 Confirmed sightings from photos, videos, tracks to DNA proof from deer and two elk calve carcasses. The six-county region of Shannon, Texas, Oregon, Carter, Ripley, and Reynolds counties continues to be a “hot-spot” for confirmations with one of the last two confirmations falling in Shannon County and the other in a Madison county.
2019 - 41 Fur Buyer Permits
2019 - 2020 - Trapping numbers and prices this year still falling.
2020 - Around 700 +/- Individuals belong to the Missouri Trappers Association.
2020 – Up to 100,000 Wild Hogs in State of Missouri per the USDA-Aphis Chief – February 2020
2021 – Armadillo’s common place in Southern Missouri - 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.
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 Game Warden Video in 2021 shows Armadillo harassing hen on nest.
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2021 - The number of bald eagles in the lower 48 U.S. states — a population once on the brink of extinction, has quadrupled in the last dozen years to more than 316,000, federal wildlife officials – common sense tells you that Hawks and Owls must me at an all time high. Multiple videos exist showing eagle and hawks attacking turkey decoys.
2021 - Lowest Harvest in History of 3-week Season in 24 years
RACCOON HISTORY
Missouri Furbearer Report Pelts Sold Raccoon While Wild Turkey are producing 1 poults – Raccoons are producing 4 in a boom population.
Per Wild Turkey Biologist in various states including past publication in Missouri
To maintain a balance approximately 2.5 poults per hen must be produce.
When this ratio drops below 2.5 a population is decline indicated and when it goes above 2.5 an increase occurs.
NEST PREDATION IS A LIMITING FACTOR IN WILD TURKEY POPULATIONS – Every Study done Raccoons are the primary nest predator.
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Missouri – Just one Example of the primary egg eater of Wild Turkeys
Poult: Hen Ratio - Year -Raccoon Pelts Sold/Registered
2.6 1998 200,000
2.3 1999 107,267
2.3 2000 55,254
2.1 2001 50,254
1.7 2002 110,603
1.6 2003 103,550
1.6 2004 102,448
1.2 2005 116,396
1.6 2006 84,654
1.0 2007 122,155
1.1 2008 118,166
1.2 2009 122,155
1.1 2010 49,290
1.7 2011 109,586
1.7 2012 158,356
1.3 2013 138,865
1.7 2014 134,715
1.5 2015 85,497
0.8 2016 34,758
0.8 2017 32,106
0.9 2018 26,340
0.9 2019 22,562
1.0 2020 24,652
Several other factors are the cause of decline in Missouri, this is just one. Comparison of average Missouri Trappers Association Fur Auction prices over the last five trapping seasons with a five-year average.
Just one example of one Predator - Raccoon
2016-17 $2.77
2015-16 $5.84
2014-15 $7.75
2013-14 $13.04
2012-13 $20.79
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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
WINTER FOOD SOURCE COMPETITORS
HOME RANGES, MOVEMENTS, AND HABITAT USE OF WILD TURKEY HENS IN NORTHERN MISSOURI
ERIC W. KURZEJESKI, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center, JOHN B. LEWIS, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center
The first release of wild trapped eastern wild turkeys in agricultural portions of the midwestern United States occurred in Adair County, Missouri, in winter 1961.
In this paper we document habitat use, home ranges, and movements of wild turkey hens in northern Missouri during 1981-82.
STUDY AREA
The study area is on private lands about west of Kirksville in Adair County, Missouri.
45% of the study area is in woodland,
16% in row-crop agriculture, primarily soybeans and corn.
24% Pasture and hayland cover.
14% Open lands not used for pasture or hayland and dominated by herbaceous plants were classified as old fields.
The topography is rolling. Bottomlands adjacent to the Chariton River, which bisects the study area, are primarily used for row cropping.
Upland portions of the area are a mosaic of pasture and woodland Most woodland is dominated by trees classified as large poles and small sawlogs. About 25% of the woodland is moderately grazed.
Mean distance of all brood locations to pasture during the summer was (130 yards) compared with (300 yards) for broodless hens.
A 50:50 mix of mast producing woodlands and open land appears to provide ideal turkey habitat. No less than 15% of the open land should be in row crops, and IT IS IMPORATANT THAT STANDS OF MAST PRODUCING TREES border some of the cropland.
WILD HOG, ELK AND BLACK BEAR HISTORY
2002 - Wild Hog Reports 21 counties in Missouri per MDC.
2007 – Only 10,000 Wild Hogs in the Southern part of the State of Missouri
2017 – Estimated 30,000 Wild Hogs in the Southern part of the State of Missouri per Mark Twain National Forest Report.
2020 – USDA Aphis experts testified in Jefferson City that 100,000 wild hogs in the state of Missouri.
70% of the population of feral hogs must be killed yearly to keep feral hog population from growing.
2019 – USDA Aphis maps show hogs in over 48 Southern Missouri Counties.
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USDA Research - Experimental plots associated with high masting oak trees indicated that wild pigs significantly reduced acorn survival and, therefore, reduced the availability of acorns for germination and consumption by native wildlife.
2020 – Over 200 elk now in region in Southern Missouri – Shannon, Reynolds, and Carter Counties
Missouri Elk will eat acorns in the fall.
2021 – Black Bear Population at over 800 animals and growing 9% per year.
Acorns are a particular favorite for Black Bears, not counting the Black Bear can smell food from 1 mile away – Wet Hen may not be eaten by black bears, but a Nest of Eggs would.
Common Sense Example: POULTS do not eat acorns. Brood locations to pasture during the summer was (130 yards) compared with (300 yards) for broodless hens. –
But now just ONE wild hog destroys the ground or eats the acorns, bugs, etc. in 130 yards, 300 yards, 600 yards or 1000 yards.
Now the hen must travel further by herself or with poults over greater distances to find the food sources – With an historical increase in predators within that distance.
The Wild Turkey in Missouri - Published in 1988 revised in 1993 by the Missouri Department of Conservation - Acorns are the most important food for wild turkeys. In Missouri acorns are eaten by turkeys in every month of the year, and more than a third of their diet consist of acorns in the fall and winter.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
a. Weather, has been blamed for years and years.
b. Increase of Habitat Loss from the urban expansion the older age of forest, etc. etc.
c. Regional differences
MDC treating the entire state as one and not as different regions. Missouri Citizens and Landowners should be able that to adapt quickly to each region changes, including successfully tackling the increasing natural-resource challenges that only exist in that region.
Northwest, Northeast, Kansas City, Central, Saint Louis, Southwest, Ozark, Southeast
NOT ONE STUDY OF WILD TURKEY IN MISSOURI – Has or will exist in 5 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.
8 Regions are good enough to create 8 more jobs but not good enough reason for regional wildlife management?
2021 - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) administers hundreds of parcels of land in all counties of the state. ... The department has divided the counties of the state into eight administrative regions for the purpose of managing these lands and providing conservation services to the citizens of the state.
MDC eight regions across the state and each region will be led by a regional administrator. All eight regional administrators directly report the assistant deputy of resource management in Jefferson City to ensure regional operations also remain coordinated at the statewide level.
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These regional changes are part of the Department’s larger organizational roadmap for the future to build on the success we’ve had over the last 80 years in delivering on our conservation priorities and serving the citizens of Missouri,” says MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “We also need to be able to adapt as quickly as the world is changing around us, including successfully tackling increasing natural-resource challenges and a decreasing connection to nature by people of all ages.”
WORST SEASON IN 24 YEARS
2021 Spring Missouri Wild Turkey Season now holds the record of the worst season in 24-year history of a three-week season in Missouri.
Missouri Wild Turkey Hunters in three weeks are now barely killing more Turkeys than the two-week season in 1997.
1998 Spring season extended from two to three weeks - As the wild turkey population grows the season expanded, but as population decline nothing allowed to change!
Missouri Spring Season – History of totals
2021 – Turkeys 34,593 – Lowest Harvest in History of 3-week Season
2020 – Turkeys 41,458 – Covid – 9,000 more permits – Other States Closed hunting to Non-Residents.
2019 – Turkeys 38,776 – 3rd Lowest Harvest in History of the 3-week Season
2018 – Turkeys 35,787 – 2nd Lowest Harvest in History of the 3-week Season
2017 – Turkeys 43,356
2016 – Turkeys 48,374
2015 – Turkeys 48,432
2014 – Turkeys 47,601
2013 – Turkeys 46,141
2012 – Turkeys 44,766
2011 – Turkeys 42,220
2010 – Turkeys 46,194
2009 – Turkeys 44,713
2008 – Turkeys 46,134
2007 – Turkeys 48,472
2006 – Turkeys 54,712
2005 – Turkeys 57,743
2004 – Turkeys 60,744 - Most Turkeys ever killed
2003 – Turkeys 58,421
2002 - Turkeys 53,932
2001 - Turkeys 55,302
2000 - Turkeys 56,841
1999 - Turkeys 50,299
1998 - Turkeys 48,462
1997 - Turkeys 33,216 - Two Week Season
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY HARVEST BREAKDOWNS - 2016 THRU 2021
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MISSOURI WILD TURKEY PERCENTAGE OF TAGS 1 & 2 TAGS FILLED - 2015 THRU 2020
April 28, 2021
Dear Mr. Conservationist, Landowner and Turkey Hunter
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
13 DAYS LATER
Missouri Department of Conservation – News Release - 05/10/2021
“Spring turkey harvest was down this year, which can partially be explained by a decline in hunting participation,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Reina Tyl. “Last year we saw a big increase in the number of permits sold and there was a subsequent increase in turkey harvest. This year, the permit sales total was closer
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to what was observed before the 2020 season. When turkey hunting participation declines, we expect to see a subsequent decline in turkey harvest.”
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH – 2013 THRU 2019 – Not mentioned in above news release!
Missouri Researchers are trying to solve a mystery, to determine why turkey populations have been in decline statewide since 2016.
THE ENTIRE SOURTHERN PART OF MISSOURI WILD TURKEY MANAGEMENT IS BEING DECIDE OFF OF THIS!! "Science-based approach"
In 2013, the MDC began a five-year wild turkey research project in north Missouri in partnership with the University of Missouri, University of Washington, and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
The study is being conducted in Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties.
Funding for the project is provided by the MDC and grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program and the George Clark Missouri State Chapter of the NWTF.
The research project will provide information that will be used by the Conservation Department’s Wild Turkey Management Program to monitor the turkey population and assist with making decisions about hunting regulations.
The Conservation Department uses a science-based approach to manage the state’s wild turkey population and this research project is just one of the many ways that the Conservation Department obtains the information used in its program.
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Missouri Wild Turkey Research – June 3, 2020 – Continued
Today a Noon is Missouri Wild Turkey Management video presentation - Missouri - Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties
FLAWED MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH
Few Questions no one will answer.
How many Feral Hogs have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
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How many Armadillos have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many Black Bears have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many Elk have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many of the 7,000 trappers in Missouri trap those counties? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many of the (200 trap sites and 491 bait sites in 2021) corn piles do the MDC and USDA Aphis put out that supplement feeds raccoons while trying to trap hogs in Southern Missouri just before Hen Nesting Season?
The research is on your typical Missouri Landowner - 2,800 acre Working ranch with frontage on Lake Thunderhead, in Putnam County, Missouri. It is currently used for recreational hunting and agriculture farmland. This ranch includes a 4,300 square foot lodge and multiple equipment barns. The property contains over 500 acres of CRP and 150 acres of year-round food plots. The rolling hills, timber and grassland intersected by a large network of gravel roads and is heavily trapped for predators, Raccoons, etc.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - September 24, 2020 - Continued
4 years putting GPS back packs after they spent 5 years studying Turkeys in areas that do not have all the causes.
Quote from the experts “My speculation is that it’s multiple things causing it not just one and that’s about it. That’s all we can say.”
Over a 20-year period, turkey populations in the state have declined at a worrisome rate, and researchers want to know why.
https://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/in-search-of-answers
Read the entire Article at link above: But none of this was part of the 2021 News Release on Spring Turkey Harvest or has ever been published by the MDC.
Highlight you should note:
NO. 1 - In just under two decades, however, the population has plummeted by more than a third of its former glory based upon harvest data. In north Missouri, the turkey harvest has declined by almost 50 percent compared to 2004, and harvest rates are closely correlated to population numbers.
NO. 2 - A five-year study that wrapped up in 2019 concluded that poult survival was far less than normal rates.
NO. 3 - John Burk, NWTF biologist for Missouri - But there is not a simple regulatory fix to the problem.
NO. 4 - Putnam County – Iowa Border
NO. 4 - While population trends have been dire for nearly 20 years.
Wild Turkey Hens in Missouri are no longer replacing itself short term or possibly in itself lifetime.
https://sportsmensnation.com/podcasters/missouri-woods-water
This is a great podcast and expose more of the truth.
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Why did the MDC and Missouri NWTF ignore Southern Missouri in the Turkey Research on Pecks Ranch the home of the Modern Wild Turkey Restoration in Missouri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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.
Update. This the second study. 2014 to 2019 was first study. Found hens are not replacing itself in short term or long term.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research – Jan 7, 2021 – Continued
https://www.monwtf.org/research
Landowners in Putnam County—where field work will be taking place
Moved into field house east of Unionville in Putnam County
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - JAN 3, 2021 - Continued
https://www.voxmagazine.com/magazine/tracking-turkeys-missouri-conservation-hunting-research-mu-wild-poult-birds/article_4d285abc-3a33-11eb-bd7b-6b86ee68d771.html
Wild turkey populations are declining. MU researchers have a plan to find out why GPS backpacks and rocket nets are two tools’ researchers plan to use to track turkey movements across the state.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research – March 5, 2021 - Continued - Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Job Board - Two openings $2,000 a month in Putnam County, Missouri Studying the decline of the Missouri Wild Turkey - Shared housing will be provided in Unionville, Missouri. Work vehicles will also be provided.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research March 29, 2021 - Continued
https://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/in-search-of-answers
Over a 20-year period, turkey populations in the state have declined at a worrisome rate, and researchers want to know why.
In just under two decades, however, the population has plummeted by more than a third of its former glory based upon harvest data. In north Missouri, the turkey harvest has declined by almost 50 percent compared to 2004, and harvest rates are closely correlated to population numbers.
While population trends have been dire for nearly 20 years
A five-year study (2014 to 2019) that wrapped up in 2019 concluded that poult survival was far less than normal rates - Missouri - Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties
The official field work is expected to begin in January 2021 on mostly private lands in Putnam County 150 turkey hens with GPS transmitters over the next four years. Research to spread over the course of 5 1/2 years.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - APRIL 19, 2021 - Continued
www.stlmag.com/news/missouri-wild-turkey-population-decline-researchers-sensors-backpacks/
The mystery of Missouri's missing wild turkeys Researchers are attaching sensors to turkey chicks to find out what's killing them.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - May 28, 2021 - Continued
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The field research crew for the northeast Missouri turkey research project collecting data from the 50 hens that went on the air in March.
In addition to the turkeys, researchers are also doing mark recapture work with predators to assess densities in various habitat types and how they are arranged on the landscape.
Tagging skunks and raccoons, install an ear tag then release them back private ground in Putnam County, Missouri near Unionville, Mo.
When the research moves to the four-year field phase, it will allow them to answer those questions that could affect poult survival, such as how do changing weather patterns, habitat conditions, large-scale landscape changes, predator distribution and densities and declining insect abundance affect nesting success and poult mortality. They are also looking at habitat preferences for different behaviors such as nesting and brooding. Is there a nexus where these habitats and time periods overlap with higher predator use, making a predator/turkey interaction more likely?
That means the research will require tracking of a variety of predators to assess locations and densities.
“We’ll capture and tag nest predators, such as skunks and raccoons, install an ear tag then release them,” Tyl said. “By trapping over a period of time, we’ll be able estimate their densities based on captures and recaptures. For larger predators, such as bobcats and coyotes, we’ll use camera arrays and scent stations to estimate their population distribution and density.
“Once these questions are answered, we’ll be able to mitigate the challenges by manipulating habitat to improve nest success and poult survival. This information would inform habitat management efforts on public and private lands in Missouri to increase turkey recruitment and ultimately abundance.”
THE SOLUTION IN 2026 & BEYOND
Well sounds like they already know the solution and in 2026 – They will be telling MISSOURI LANDOWNER how to manipulating habitat to improve nest success and poult survival. This information would inform habitat management efforts on public and private lands in Missouri to increase turkey recruitment and ultimately abundance.”
The Solution in 2026 after 9 years of research is the same solution that has been given since the restoration of the wild turkey started in 1960’s. Habitat, Habitat and Habitat.
The Missouri Wild Turkey Publication in 1988 - Increase in season length occurred as the turkey population grew but as the turkey population declines –
Regulatory Changes to Turkey and Trappings Season to help the Wild Turkey Declining Population is out of the question.!!!
Missouri Department of Conservation Reply letter - May 20, 2021, letter to Missouri Citizens - Because turkey abundance is driven by production, the best way to increase turkey numbers in your area is by providing the habitat turkeys need to nest successfully and raise their young. There have been broad-scale changes in the landscape that have less to losses in quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Planting native warm-season grasses and wildflowers, prescribed burning edge feathering, timber stand improvement, creating forest openings, and woodland restoration are some of the best ways to improve nesting and brood-rearing habitat.
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY HEN TO POULT RATIO DECLINE - 1998 THRU 2021
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I shared the Missouri Department of Conservation Press Release on 2021 Poult Survey with the top Wild Turkey Biologist in the county. Quote “Seeing numbers like this is simply depressing to me. Hovering around 1 poult per hen isn't where any state needs to be, yet many are there or slightly above that. Very frustrating and concerning.”
Maybe the 2022 MOTTO for Wild Turkey Management in Missouri can be BUILD BACK BETTER! Never mind I forget we are waiting on the 5-year study on Iowa Border. A county that has no bears, millions of acres of public land, no tracts of timber larger than 15,000 acres, no armadillos, no feral hogs, and no elk. Should be the model wild turkey study for every county south of the Missouri River.
All it takes is habitat - No matter that's all we spent money on and talked about for the past 20 years and you have entire staff of Private Land Conservationist for over 15 years.
I have ONE question - Why is nesting and brood habitat so important? Exactly what are you trying to prevent. Oh, that's right a predator might eat them. In the same breath predators have nothing to do with it.
You are keeping hearing 5% to 1% of the fall season, two turkeys, out state hunters. Bla, Bla, Bla
But in the same **** breath the Quail Biologist 6% Adult Survival during breeding season. – Just 6% does not sound like a lot!!!!
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But if 6% of the quail are making thru the breeding season it just COMPOUNDS THE NUMBER OF NEST AND NEST SUCCESS.
Only Wild Turkeys this does not apply in Missouri.
Guess shooting all hens in waterfowl season or pheasant hens in Missouri wouldn't matter either, then.
Guess that doesn’t apply to Sow Bears or let’s just get rid of the Antlerless Season killing doe has no effect on the population.
Killing Wild Turkey hens the only WILDLIFE that the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation does not apply on controlling the population by killing the female population -
1976 – April – Published in the Missouri Conservationist
The Department’s major objective is the management of the wild turkey resource is to provide maximum hunting opportunity commensurate with the turkey population’s ability to sustain harvest.
To maintain a balance approximately 2.5 poults per hen must be produce.
When this ratio drops below 2.5 a population is decline indicated and when it goes above 2.5 an increase occurs.
The Adult / Juvenile ratio dropped in 1973 to 1:1.9 and that is why two bird limit was dropped in 1974.
By the way 1973 was the 500-year flood in Missouri
1977 Production Rate of Turkey hens – 3.88 ratio of adults to juveniles – Highest on record - Broods increased 88.6 over 1976. – Published in the Missouri Conservationist April of 1978.
OUTSIDE OF MISSOURI
Biologists, researchers and land managers discuss turkey conservation in Little Rock.
2019 - LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission hosted biologists and land managers from Arkansas and neighboring states to collaborate on an apparent decline in eastern wild turkey numbers seen across the Southeast. The meeting was held at the AGFC’s Little Rock headquarters and included presentations by biologists, researchers and conservation experts from Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana. Missouri was not listed.
2018 thru 2021 – Just the states I am aware of South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma have all made.
Regulatory Changes to Turkey and Trappings Season to help the Wild Turkey Population!!!
Arkansas Biologist and Arkansas Commission "To boost their quail and turkey numbers.”
A new free Predator-Control Permit also will be available to private landowners, which will let permit holders shoot or trap bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, opossum, raccoon and striped skunk day or night.
This permit will be available by late August to enable more opportunity to control these species on private land.
Commission Chair Ken Reeves of Harrison and Commissioner Stan Jones of Walnut Ridge explained that the goal of the regulations was not to eliminate any of these species on a statewide basis.
“I think everyone knows that the reason we’re doing this is we simply don’t have people trapping and hunting raccoons and opossums like we did many years ago because the pelts aren’t worth much,”
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Reeves said. “We’re trying to fill that gap by letting private landowners reduce these predators on their property to try to boost their quail and turkey numbers.”
South Dakota - Nest Predator Bounty Program Approved for 2021 and 2022 “This program enhances pheasant and duck nest success at localized levels and encourages families to get involved in wildlife management,” said interim GFP department secretary Kevin Robling. “We have rich trapping traditions here in South Dakota and this program is designed to encourage youth and families to step outside and enjoy our incredible outdoor resources.”
Pheasant and Duck Management includes predator management, but Wild Turkey Management does not.
WHY?
FALL SEASON
History from Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium
Here some history from Proceedings from The Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium - February 26 thru March 1, 1990
The first National Wild Turkey Symposium was held in Memphis, Tennessee in 1959, and the second was held in Columbia, Missouri in 1970.
Since then, Symposia have been held at 5-year intervals. Proceedings have been published for all of the Symposia, and except for the second, they are cited as a series. The second Symposium was published by the University of Missouri Press in 1973 and titled "Wild Turkey Management, Current Problems and Programs." Copies of all National Wild Turkey Symposia, including the second, can be obtained from the National Wild Turkey
Federation, Edgefield, South Carolina
EFFECTS OF FALL EITHER-SEX HUNTING ON SURVIVAL
Survival rates and patterns we observed before the initiation of fall hunting were not unusual.
Annual survival rates were >50% for adult turkeys. Spring hunting caused the greatest mortality in males, and a combination of illegal spring hunting and PREDATION DURNING NESTING/BROOD-REARING ACTIVITES CAUSED THE MOST HENS DEATHS.
Juveniles of both sexes were exposed to heavier predation during the fall than adults were, and to legal and illegal hunting-related mortality during the spring-hunting season, but annual survival rates were not greatly different for juveniles and adults of either sex.
Reported similar annual or seasonal mortality rates, patterns, or causes of death for radio-tagged eastern turkeys Missouri.
The fall-to-spring survival rates we observed for AM suggest that fall hunting may reduce the number of gobblers available to spring hunters, i.e., most AM shot in the fall would otherwise be alive the following spring.
Fall hunting would not affect turkey populations IF FALL HUNTING MORTALITY IS COMPENSATORY that is, if there is a compensating increase in survival during other periods of the year to offset fall hunting, or if birds shot by fall hunters would have died anyway to some other agent. NEITHER OF
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THESE SITUATION EXISTED DURING THIS STUDY. AVERAGE ANNUAL SURVIVAL RATES OF ALL AGE-SEX CLASSES DECLINED AFTER FALL HUNTERS WAS INTRODUCED.
This implies that fall hunting may affect future turkey populations. SHOOTHING ADULT TURKEYS IN POOR PRODUCTION YEARS MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HENS AVAILABLE TO NEST as well as reduce gobbler numbers available to hunters. A REDUCTION IN HENS COULD REDUCE RECRUITMENT AND TOTAL TURKEY NUMBERS FURTHER AND PROLONG THE RECOVER FROM POOR PRODUCTION THAN WOULD HAVE OCCURRED WITHOUT FALL HUNTING.
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY BOW HUNTER OBSERVATION DECLINE - 1998 THRU 2019
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WEATHER
Information can be found thru the Missouri Climate Center - http://climate.missouri.edu/news/arc/
Nesting in Missouri May - Total Precipitation - 2010 thru 2020
The survival rate of poults, or baby turkeys, is dangerously low, he says. On average, only 23% of poults survive the first month of their lives, according to preliminary data the Missouri Department of Conservation collected from 2014 to 2019.
“This past "2020" spring was the fifth year in a row of a poult to hen ratio of one or less,” per Missouri Biologist. -
Wild Turkey Hens in Missouri are no longer replacing itself short term or possibly in itself lifetime per Missouri Biologist.
Article - March 29, 2021 - Good news has come for this year’s poult production. “Northern Missouri just experienced some of the best production that we’ve seen in the past five years,” Missouri Biologist.
“People have reported seeing large flocks of young birds.”
So, production would have been good in 2015 and in 2020 per statement.
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Missouri Statewide Trapping Numbers for the Past 15 Years.
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FORM LETTERS
Just in case you do not get it.
2021 Letter from MDC to multiple Missouri Turkey Hunters, Landowners and Conservationist only thing different is change of name.
This is tip of the iceberg, response FORM letters from the Missouri Department of Conservation Leadership being shared by different Missouri Turkey Hunters across the state.
All have the common response.
1. MDC will change zero regulations for fall or spring and HUNTING OPPORTUNITY is now the No. 1 Goal.
2. Furbearers have little to no impact will make zero changes.
3. Missouri Landowners are to blame for the loss of Turkey Habitat. YOU need to learn how to provide nesting and brood Habitat.
Atten: Missouri Turkey Hunters and Missouri Landowners
The solution to the 20-year decline of Wild Turkeys on your property is spelled out in detail.
Really do not know why you Missouri Landowners let your Wild Turkey Habitat go to hell.
Missouri Department of Conservation response about the 2021 Missouri Wild Turkey Season - the 24-year historical low harvest record since the 3-week season was put into place, and the lowest population of Wild Turkeys in Missouri for the past 24 years.
This is a Missouri Citizens letter sent to me to share with Missouri Turkey Hunter and Landowners
Good Luck and Happy Turkey Hunting
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HABITAT - HABITAT - HABITAT
Because turkey abundance is driven by production, the best way to increase turkey numbers in your area is by providing the habitat turkeys need to nest successfully and raise their young. There have been broad-scale changes in the landscape that have les to losses in quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Planting native warm-season grasses and wildflowers, prescribed burning edge feathering, timber stand improvement, creating forest openings, and woodland restoration are some of the best ways to improve nesting and brood-rearing habitat.
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Habitat as reason for turkey decline in Missouri!
How many people today practice habitat management for wildlife compared to 20 years ago? I knew no one, today a majority of landowner that hunt practice habitat management.
The Missouri Department of Conservation in May 2021 Commission Meeting stated they sell 10 to 12 million board feet of lumber from conservation lands yearly.
How can Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky etc. etc. all these States have Habitat loss at the same time over entire states.
Is the Missouri Department of Conservation Private Land Conservation for the last 15 to 20 years a failure or it is a success?
The NWTF Missouri motto Save the Habitat - Save the Hunt and collect millions of Missouri Citizens dollars.
They even have food plot seed they sell to landowners.
Even had volunteers at one time providing Habitat information to landowner and Missouri had two of the top 5 in the nation. Missouri has its own NWTF Biologist.
Prescribed Fires are pushed by every Conservation Group and MDC provides classes.
Quail Conservation groups which push the same Habitat in Missouri
All these federal government programs for landowners.
A record year of restoration for Mark Twain National Forest and the Eastern Region - MTNF completed the eighth year.
Either all that is a failure, or it a success and they all exist in every state.
Why do the so-called experts and Biologist never mention the above list of items when they say it is landowner fault for habitat loss?
Missouri Wild Turkey Harvest Detail History. - 1960 thru 2021
Harvest rates are closely correlated to population numbers per Missouri Biologist
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MISSOURI WILD TURKEY PERMIT SALES - 2016 THRU 2021
