By Mike Roche

MassWildlife annually involves the public in gathering data on the turkey population in Massachusetts. Each year, from June 1-Aug. 31, wild turkey reports from members of the public help MassWildlife biologists determine productivity, compare long-term reproductive success, and estimate fall harvest potential. Reports are encouraged from all regions of Massachusetts, both rural communities and more densely populated areas. The summer wild turkey survey provides a vehicle for people to connect with nature while contributing valuable data to MassWildlife biologists.

Reports from the Mount Grace Region would be valuable to the management of turkeys. Interested persons can go to the MassWildlife web site to get information and download the forms. Observations include the number of hens, poults (young of this spring), toms (mature males, and jakes (immature males).

If you go to the MassWildlife web page and follow the prompts related to turkey survey you will find information that will enable you to participate. My travels this week brought me to a hay field with a fully displayed tom courting a hen. The breeding season often continues into July, and it is common to see poults of markedly different sizes in the groups that form in late summer.

This ongoing turkey study is of interest when you consider that several states in the south and mid-west are looking at significant turkey population declines. That does not seem to be happening in Massachusetts or the northeast in general, but is already creating some changes in Kansas—where this writer hunts each spring—and more are being considered.

Kansas Wildlife officials are opening the floor to public comment on changes that could impact hunters statewide. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) said in a press release that the KDWP Commission is examining recommendations from staff regarding challenges posed to Kansas’ natural resources. Chiefly, these topics include increased hunting pressure on wildlife during the state’s waterfowl seasons and declining numbers of turkeys.

A KDWP spokesperson said in the press release that one of two items up for discussion at an upcoming meeting this week would be whether or not Kansas should initiate a lottery draw system for non-resident turkey hunters. This comes after significant discussions earlier this year on turkey hunting cuts. KDWP Commissioners later approved to axe the fall Kansas turkey hunting season and reduce spring bag limits in certain units.

Ward said the KDWP is looking to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest by recommending to the commission that an application period be implemented. This would take place between January and February for non-resident turkey hunters, allowing them to apply for specific hunt units. If successful, they would receive a turkey permit valid for that hunt. That could certainly change this turkey hunter’s plans!

My bass fishing got a late start but this week we are moving to the pond for the summer. If it is any indication, my first cast resulted in a take on the soft bait and produced a nice largemouth in the three-pound category. Word has it from a reliable source that good trout are being taken trolling at Lake Mattawa. The Deerfield and Millers River both are providing excellent fly fishing, and the stripers are in all along the New England coast. Time to get out there and do some fishing!

My dog training is well underway, and it is different working to train a dog to be steady to “wing and shot.” That involved starting with traditional whoa training on the board and barrel and introducing distractions like live birds. That advanced to using a blank pistol to develop steadiness to shot and finally flushing pointed birds. As has been noted, my previous dogs were not required steady to shot and would break on the flush. My rationale was that the dogs could do a better job retrieving in the thick woodcock and grouse covers if they were off at the flush.

Working with Pat Perry at Hedgerow Hunt Club, the goal with Tessie is to train her to retrieve on command. That is a benefit when the dog does not see the flush and is useful for “blind retrieves.” I need to remind myself that Tessie is young, just over a year old, and still has a lot of puppy in her. All dogs are different, and it will take time to get her to her potential, but we are having fun and she does seem to be very smart. As always, the big challenge with be “operator error.”

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the MaharFish’N Game Club, Counselor and Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.

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