What is the early forecast for the 2009 spring turkey season?
 

The majority of Texas has received less than 1" of rain over the last 7 months. While Texas has a high population of 2 year old gobblers, "mother nature" could "trump" the start of what would have otherwise been a "slam dunk" season for hunters! With range conditions so incredibly dry (statewide burn ban is in effect), the majority of birds may not even try to mate until nesting conditions improve. Why? Because "mother nature" knows 1)mating could be futile if there is not enough ground cover to hide nests from predators, 2) that hens are doing their very best simply trying to stay alive during this time of drought conditions. When will the majority of birds breed this spring? That's the 10 million dollar question. The answer is "about 3 weeks after Texas gets some substantial rains!" Birds "could" mate as late as May or early June depending upon when spring "green up" occurs......?

Early season hunters will experience above average success around feeders due to the birds almost total dependence upon them, while hunters who choose "not" to hunt near feeders will experience below average success due to the birds lack of interest in mating calls. This is shaping up to be a season of "turkey hunting" rather than "turkey calling" that we "all" hoped for. I just hope the birds will transition from their fall roosting areas to traditional spring roosting sites.