HELP MASS WILDLIFE COUNT TURKEY FAMILIES

Sportsmen and -women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist MassWildlife by counting turkey families this summer. MassWildlife conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August. "The brood survey serves as a long term index on reproduction," explains Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. "It helps us determine overall productivity and allows us to compare rates of reproduction over a long period of time." Cardoza also points out that citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all interested people to participate. A turkey brood survey form (posted as a PDF) has been posted in the "Wildlife" area of MassWildlife's website. Information needed includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults (young turkeys) and their relative size compared to the hens. Multiple sightings of the same brood should also be noted. The survey period runs from June 1 - August 31. Completed forms should to be mailed to the MassWildlife Westborough Field Headquarters.

2nd RECORD SPRING TURKEY SEASON TALLY

Spring 08 Turkey Season Preliminary Figures--Preliminary numbers gathered by MassWildlife's five district offices total 2,612 birds taken by licensed hunters during the 2008 spring turkey season, already breaking last year’s record final total of 2,481 birds.
The breakdown by MassWildlife District is as follows: Northeast District, 221 birds; Southeast District, 337; Central District, 640; Connecticut Valley District, 688; Western District, 726.

2007 Final figures gathered by MassWildlife's five district offices total a record 2,480 birds taken by licensed hunters during the 2007 spring turkey season. 8 turkeys were taken in Barnstable County, 465 in Berkshire County, 79 in Bristol County, 1 in Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard), 88 in Essex County, 425 in Franklin County, 186 towns in Hampden County, 239 in Hampshire County, 157 in Middlesex County, 52 in Norfolk County, 140 in Plymouth County, and 640 in Worcester County. 2006 year's spring final total was 2,204. Turkey enthusiasts are reminded they can assist in estimating the fall population of turkeys by reporting turkey broods (families) in their area now through the month of August. A survey form is located in the Wild Turkey pages at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/birds/turkey/pdf/turkey_brood_survey.pdf

Fall Turkey Tally -- Final figures for the fall 2008 turkey season have been compiled. Hunters harvested 149 turkeys during the six-day season. The total included 69 toms (males) and 80 hens (females). Last year’s fall total was 107 birds. Breaking the figures down by county, 47 turkeys were taken in Berkshire, 1 in Dukes, 39 in Franklin, 7 in Hampden, 24 in Hampshire, 7 in Middlesex, 1 in Norfolk, and 23 in Worcester. MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader Jim Cardoza noted that fall turkey harvests have varied considerably over the years. “This harvest is not particularly surprising,” said Jim Cardoza, Turkey Project Leader, “Due to a successful late hatch, poult production and survival was good. Hunter effort and participation is also important, and can vary with participation in other hunting activities. Weather conditions during the fall hunt and the abundance and distribution of fall foods are also important factors in turkey hunter success.”

TURKEY HUNTERS CODE OF ETHICS:
As a responsible turkey hunter, I will

not let peer pressure or the excitement of the hunt cloud my judgment;
learn and practice safe hunting techniques;
hunt the wild turkey fairly;
know the capabilities and limitations of my gun or bow and use it safely;
obey and support all wildlife laws and report all violations
respect the land and the landowner and always obtain permission before hunting;
avoid knowingly interfering with another hunter and respect the right of others to lawfully share the out-of-doors;
value the hunting experience and appreciate the beauty of the wild turkey;
positively identify my target as a legal bird and insist on a good shot; and share responsible turkey hunting with others and work for wild turkey conservation.

KEY LINKS FOR HUNTERS IN MA

Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_toc.htm

Mass ONLINE Hunting & Fishing LICENSES http://www.sport.state.ma.us/

Mass Hunter Education Courses and information 978-632-7648
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_course_schedule.htm

MassWildlife News: Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us An electronic publication containing updates on the latest fish and wildlife topics, rare and endangered species, wildlife events and important reminders to sportsmen and women, wildlife enthusiasts and other outdoor oriented people. MWNews will appear in your email 1-2 times/month.

MassWildlife email at Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us

STATE MAPS to Public Hunting areas: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_wma.htm

HUNT SAFETY STICKERS You need them to be legal. Turkey hunters needing a new safety sticker should send in a request with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Turkey Safety Sticker, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581

BROOD SURVEY SHEET LINK http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_turkey.htm#Brood - Turkey enthusiasts are reminded they can assist in estimating the fall population of turkeys by reporting turkey broods (families) in their area now through the month of August.
Survey forms are at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/birds/turkey/pdf/turkey_brood_survey.pdf.

RESOURCES – STATE DFW CONTACT INFO

Mass. TURKEY SEASONS http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm#Turkey

Or for PDF of hunting seasons http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfwpdf/dfw_hunting_dates.pdf

Mass ONLINE Turkey Permits
If you bought your hunting license online via MassOutdoors, the "Add Permits & Stamps" link is where you can apply for your permit. Go back into the MassOutdoors website as an Existing Customer, follow the prompts to verify your personal information, and click on "Buy New License, Permit, or Stamp" followed by "Add Permits & Stamps". Follow the instructions from that point through Shopping Cart and Payment. Your permit should be mailed within about 5 business days.

Tips for Turkey Hunting from MassWildlife and the National Wild Turkey Federation

Turkey Checking Stations - Check this information before you go on your hunt! Some stations change their hours, others may no longer exist! Successful turkey hunters must bring their birds to an official check station within 48 hours of the hunt.

Visit MassWildlife's Wild Turkey web page! On this site, you can find information on the biology, habitat requirements, and natural history of this striking Massachusetts native, as well as information on the bird's history, restoration, and status. Turkey hunters will find useful information on safety and ethics, turkey check stations, and past year's harvests.

Massachusetts has already instituted a special YOUTH HUNT for Pheasants - We are working with the state to review the feasibility of hosting a special youth turkey hunt.

TURKEY HUNTING & CALLING HOW TO: Link below takes you to the N WTF -
Turkey Calling How To: http://www.nwtf.org/calling_tips.html also covers how to make a wing bone, turtle shell, or tube call; and how to care for your mouth, box, or slate calls.
TURKEY CALLS & SOUNDS (LINK TO NWTF National web site)
Learn what sounds turkeys really make and what you should be using in the woods to bag a big old tom. Listen then practice - so you feel confident entering a calling competition.

Click on the NWTF Turkey Sounds link to hear realistic: Clucks, Cutting, A Fly Down Cackle, Putts, Purrs, An Assembly Call, Yelps, Gobbles, Tree Calls, & Kee Kee Run Calls … or cut and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.nwtf.org/all_about_turkeys/sounds_of_turkeys.html

Win Bets at the Bar with these turkey hunting FACTS:
1 - The wild turkey is the only bird with a beard.
2 - Ben Franklin wanted the turkey to be the symbol for the new republic.
3 - There are no wild turkeys in Turkey!

Mass. Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Anglers, hunters, hikers, boaters and wildlife watchers find outdoor adventure on wildlife lands and waters. Maps and events on our website. http://www.mass.gov/masswildlife

Mass. Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough, MA 01581
New Ph # 508/389-6300

Mass. Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Western District office
(413) 447-9789 Fax (413) 442-0047
400 Hubbard Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201
email: mass.wildlife@state.ma.us

MassWildlife serves you from the following District Offices:
Western, Pittsfield 413/447-9789
Conn.Valley, Belchertown 413/323-7632
Central, W. Boylston 508/835-3607
Northeast, Acton 978/263-4347
Southeast, Buzzards Bay 508/759-3406

Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation

Massachusetts State Forests and Parks for listings of public parks, campgrounds, trails, beaches and other recreation/education activities.

(413) 442-8928 Fax (413) 442-5860
Western Regional Headquarters, 740 South Street, PO Box 1433, Pittsfield, MA 01202
http://www.state.ma.us/dem/region5.htm

SIGN UP FOR HUNTER EDUCATION

New and novice hunters of all ages are encouraged to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course. Students who successfully pass the course will receive a Certificate of Completion which is acceptable for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. It also allows students 15 years or older to apply for a firearms license at their local police departments. These Certificates of Completion are also recognized in all the United States, Canada and Mexico for the purchase of a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are posted on MassWildlife’s website www.mass.gov/masswildlife in the “Education” section The 15-16 hour course, which is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings, is taught by volunteer instructors. Occasionally, courses are conducted on weekends. Students must attend all scheduled sessions as part of the requirement for passing the course. All classes are provided at no charge to the student. The sportsmen and women of the state have already assumed the expenses for the courses. Information on course locations and schedules will be posted at www.mass.gov/masswildlife under "Education" programs. Course information may also be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program at 978/632-7648.

Topics covered during the Basic Hunter Education course include: safe handling of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. It is the mission of the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program to protect the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and ethical use of our wildlife resources, and encourage a greater appreciation of the environment through education. Funding is derived from the sale of hunting and sporting licenses, and from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 160,000 students. Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a duplicate by contacting the Hunter Education office directly or through the MassWildlife website. For more information on courses and duplicate Certificates, contact the Hunter Education Program office in Westminster at 978/632-7648.

Joke: a Sportsman went to a hunting lodge and bagged a record number of birds, aided by a dog named Salesman. The following year, he returned and asked for Salesman again….”that hound ain’t no durn good now,” the handler said. “What happened?” cried the sportsman. “Was he injured?” “No. Some fool came down here and called him ‘Sales Manager’ all week instead of Salesman. Now all he does is sit on his tail and bark.”