mossberghunter93

I never have seen turkeys on my land up until about 2 yrs. ago since then I have maybe seen a grand total of about 12 (about 8 of those this year)but they very likely could have been some of the same birds. My question is, is there a time frame as to when I will start to see a noticably more substantial flock of birds. I believe that I have a pretty good area for them to multiply so if you guys could shed some light on that I would appreciate it.

mohunter82

well if you are already seeing an increase in numbers that is a good sign. do you have an approximate ratio of hens to toms. if a hen has a good hatch the numbers could double or possibly triple in less than 2 years. i would try not to put to much pressure on them either.

mouthcaller

We got the state to stock some birds on a 2,200 acre lease several years ago. THey put out a couple of gobblers, a jake or too, and about 12 hens. It took 5 years before we had enough birds to allow a gobbler or two to be taken. Soon after that the population really took off and we were able to take 5+gobblers a year

Once the flock reachs a certain critical mass the population explodes. I am not sure what the number is, but with good hatches in back to back to back years you can go from few birds to an abundance of turkeys.

mossberghunter93

Would you guys suggest that I avoid hunting them on my property this year?

doall hunter

Well, you probably don't have many turkeys but I can almost promise you that you have more birds than you have seen. But anyway No, you shouldn't hunt your land yet because you dont't want to kill of a valuble turkey at this point and early in the population start-up you don't want to make them more aware and keen to hunters than they already are.

mossberghunter93

Ok thanks guys.

bang flop

If you don't hunt,they may use it as safe grounds.

bowmanaj

You could always create brush piles to give the hens more nesting opportunities...If they're there, hunt them! Good luck man