MWTHA

In a written statement the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) correctly describes habitat necessary for Wild Turkeys to be present. Their statement reads as follows: Trees, shrubs and grass in close proximity to each other are key ingredients of good turkey habitat. Trees supply fruits, nuts, catkins and buds for food and nighttime roosting sites where turkeys can escape from ground dwelling predators. Mast-producing trees such as oaks and beeches are especially important. Fruit-producing shrubs offer spring nesting cover and important fall and winter food. Grassy openings supply an abundance of insects, seeds and other foods for adults and especially for poults.

Unfortunately these critical habitat conditions are not found on any compartment within the 3.9 million acres of state forests within our state. For years we have addressed this shortfall with top DNR management only to fall on deaf ears.

A brief article appeared in the early October issue of The North Woods Call that saluted the Huron National Forest for the pending creation of 800 acres of fire breaks. In the process openings would be created that are beneficial to wildlife. The following article was sent to the editor of the Call and appeared in the November 18, 2009 issue under the Mail Pouch column:

A common mistake that new turkey hunters make is calling too much and too loud. A loud yelp call is great for getting a bird to gobble, but it is not all that common in the woods, and more often than not will make a bird hang up. Real hens usually call softly, with clucks and purrs, and yelp most often when they fly down. You should think of a yelp as an assembly call that the boss hen uses when she flies down, to get the other birds, including the toms, to fly down and gather around.