Flourishing turkey population
February 10th, 2006 by Administrator
Flourishing turkey population makes for good hunting - As local hunters prepare to head into the field next month for the opening of turkey season, many may not realize that there were few birds and no open season here 13 years ago.
In the spring of 1993, a group of dedicated sportsmen and a California Department of Fish and Game biologist released 234 birds at three locations in San Diego County. Those birds have thrived and multiplied to an estimated population today of 30,000. Their range has expanded from the desert fringe to Camp Pendleton and north into Riverside and Orange counties.
Retired DFG biologist John Massie of Ramona still spends his time in the field “hunting, fishing and writing about it,” he said.
He said bird numbers in the county continually increase, and the fires of three years ago contributed to expanding the range of the wild turkey.
“The fires did kill some birds, but not that many. What the fired did was move the birds to new areas where they could find food and cover,” Massie said.
He urged hunters who want to increase their chances of success to begin scouting now and look for areas of plentiful acorns and tall trees where the birds can roost.
Massie said the recent dry and hot weather will probably mean hens will begin their spring dispersal early, which could be a plus for hunters.
Some of the public land areas with good potential include the Engineers Road area south of Julian, the Indian Flats area north of Warner Springs, and Love Valley on Palomar Mountain.
“Remember, opening day pressure will cause many birds to seek deep cover, and they won’t come out,” he said.
Hunters looking for the latest scouting reports and inside information on local turkey hunting can attend the Turkey Tune-Up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 25 at Lake Sutherland, east of Ramona. Massie will offer insight into locating birds, and there will be turkey calling demonstrations, equipment exhibits and both archery and shotgun range practice.
Call (760) 789-4088 for additional information.
Turkey season begins a half-hour before sunrise March 25 and continues until 4 p.m. each day through April 30. Bag limit is one bearded turkey per day and no more than three birds per season. A valid California Hunting License and Upland Game Bird Stamp are required.
By: ERNIE COWAN - For the North County Times