Sharon Goetz, the lead biologist on the research project, said that the expanding turkey population goes beyond weather and releases.

"A lot of it depends on the habitat we have and can preserve while at the same time generating better habitat," Goetz said. "Forestry practices and private land management can have a big impact on the wild turkey if not done in a way conducive to quality habitat."

LAND OF 10,000 TURKEYS?
Our population of turkeys continues to increase as their range expands and critical habitat is preserved. Efforts by the DNR and organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation are making sure that happens. Still, a lot of hunters have wondered out loud about the possibility of Minnesota eclipsing the 10,000-bird mark in the future.

"That number has been discussed, but so have a few others," said Neu. "It's really just a number, and while future goals might be lower than that, there's a pretty good chance that it will be higher."

Though a spring kill of over 8,000 birds has happened only once -- in 2004 -- the odds are pretty good that 2006's turkey harvest will run somewhere in the range of 7,500 birds. In 2003, a total of 7,666 birds were killed, and last spring's harvest was 7,789.

"We've been trying to get permit levels increased and move turkeys into areas they are currently not located," Neu said of the management efforts.

Eclipsing the 10,000-bird mark would be a milestone, though Neu said a lot of factors can change that number as a goal.

"We are currently working on setting a turkey management plan that is two-pronged, meaning it's going to be both long-term and short-term in nature," Neu said.

This plan will be released soon, and it addresses habitat needs, population goals, harvest numbers and season parameters. The ultimate goal, Neu said, is to improve turkey hunting in Minnesota now and into the future. When asked how regular hunters can help manage turkeys in this state, Neu's response was, "Join NWTF and put your full support behind the organization."

SAFETY FIRST
Turkey hunters may want to consider attending at least one turkey clinic in the spring. The DNR hosts clinics, as do numerous sporting goods stores. Among the most important lessons taught at these clinics are ways of staying safe in the turkey woods.

There were no turkey hunting accidents reported in 2005, and since 1978, only 12 spring hunting accidents have been reported. None of these resulted in a fatality, and there's no sense in ruining that streak in 2006.