September 2007 – Issue 25
September 2007 Update
For most of us this past spring, it was a pretty good season, thanks to slightly higher numbers of birds in many areas of the north. We work hard every day to see that.
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But although conditions have been excellent for the hatch, we’re hearing reports of hens running with toms into mid-July, hens with one poult, and groups of hens with no poults at all. Predation is an obvious problem all over the state.
Paradise Lost: Fall 2007 Update
In the March, 2006 issue of Michigan Turkey Tracks we wrote of the demise of Pigeon River Country State Forest.In the article were listed specific problems that endangered the “Big Wild”, one of the most unique forests on this planet.
Tale of a short turkey hunt
Turkeys had been gobbling off the roost most mornings, as well as strolling through the yard. Then the season opened and “poof” they were gone. The first two seasons there hadn’t been any evidence of hunters, no shots fired, and not even any owl hooting.
Awards
During the 26th Wild Turkey Hunters Rendezvous, which was held on March 31 at Baldwin we presented three awards to three well deserving people.
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A certificate of Professional Excellence was presented to Ruthann French, a DNR wildlife technician who has worked
2024 Turkey Hunting Patch Available
Wellll, my lovely wife says she maaaayyy be ready for archery season 🙄. Good luck to all going out Tuesday and stay safe. FYI , her place to hunt is along our apple orchard. You should practice where you hunt if you can so there’s no surprises, so plant fruit trees! We picked a lot of apples this year and they’re still falling, lol.
One of the best things in the fall is an early morning walk in the cool brisk air (now that it’s here). Saw three smaller bucks (bachelor group) along a corn field, then a flock of turkeys (two hens and about twelve poults) along the side of the road. The spiders, with the help of the morning dew, were not to be out done and we had a gossamer web art show going all over on in the weed filled fields. Get out there, take the kids, it’s that terrific time of year.
We were posting No Hunting signs and noticed this little White Pine growing out of the crotch of an Oak. Epitome of perserverance I’d say. Nature will find a way.
My grandsons, Hudson and Brody, doubled yesterday in Clare Co. with two great Toms. Hudson’s bird (first picture), was his first ever (check out that ear-to-ear grin) and had an 8” beard with 3/4” spurs. Brody’s bird had a double beard, 6” and 4”, with 1” spurs. Of course I’m really proud of these two great kids.
Denny took a nice bird yesterday in Clare Co. 4” beard and 16 lbs. Good job Denny.