Turkey hatch

[thundrchikin]

Seems to be a very spotty hatch in central WV. I've seen more poultless hens this year than any I can remember. The grouse population seems to be very high though. I've seen 16 birds in about 1 hr. of driving on our lease. The mast crop seems to be pretty spotty as well. Cherry seems to have done very well. There is some beech and white oak as well but more cherry than anything.

[K]

  numbers are way down in my neck of the woods...but still intend on making a stack or 2 

[savduck]

Hatch is terrible this year in my pat of GA. Everything is still flooded from almost two months of rain.

[Silverspur]

I went up state PA this past weekend and did see several different flocks.  Some were normal size for this time of year, but others were real small, and I assume a late hatch either due to preditors or the rainy late spring/early summer.

[SOONER]

silverspur: we have the same here. they are either full grow or little guys for this time of year. we had 3 or 4 weeks of dry weather end of May and first of June that let many early hatches survive then we were flooded for 3 or 4 weeks which delayed many that re-nested. last evening I saw a flock of 24 birds. most full grown but some chicken size. daddy Byrne used to tell me that a month of grasshopper eating will double a young turkeys size. that is what this flock was doing so I hope he was right.

[Silverspur]

Marlin, I am also hoping that the deer start picking at the corn for some extra food.  Will be interesting fall and see how many guys shoot the real little ones or let them walk.  I prefer to let walk and get bigger.  Normal size poults of the year are fine but some of these capons will not be ready for prime time

Bob

[Castor River Calls]

Lot's of birds here on the eastern edge of the Mo Ozarks. We had a really great hatch. Also lots of acorns, red and white, also a lot of soft mast. Can't wait as it should be a great fall.