Each year, citizen volunteers and MDC staff record the number of wild turkey hens and poults that they observe during June, July, and August. These observations are used to determine the success of the hatch, which is the driving force in determining wild turkey abundance. Based on the total number of hens (including hens that do not have poults) and poults observed, a poult/hen ratio is calculated, which is simply the average number of poults per hen. These data serve as an index of turkey production and can be examined across years to determine long-term trends in the success of the hatch.

Relatively dry conditions during June and July, coupled with an emergence of protein-rich turkey food in the form of periodical cicadas, set the stage for ideal renesting and brood-rearing conditions throughout much of Missouri this year. The 2011 statewide poult/hen ratio of 1.7 represents a substantial improvement over the relatively poor hatches of the past several years, and is 42% higher than the previous 5-year average. The 2011 ratio exceeded the previous 5-year average in all Turkey Productivity Regions, except the Mississippi Lowlands (see map below). Especially notable improvements occurred in the Northeast and Lindley Breaks regions, where this year’s poult/hen ratio was 110% and 92% higher than the previous 5-year averages, respectively.

A good turkey hatch throughout much of Missouri is certainly great news for fall turkey hunting enthusiasts. Fall hunting provides a tremendous opportunity to pursue wild turkeys in the setting of Missouri’s beautiful fall woods. Relatively few people fall turkey hunt in the Show-Me State, which means that fall turkey hunters may just have the woods to themselves. In 2010, just 13,500 hunters purchased fall firearms turkey permits, compared to the 101,000 permits purchased this past spring. Last year’s statewide fall firearms turkey harvest numbered 5,928.

Download:

2011 Brood Survey Results Map

It isn't too early to make plans for the 2012 Missouri State Chapter Awards Banquet. Come join us at the Tan Tara Resort on 1/7/12 and see fellow volunteers receive awards for their exemplary work during the 2011 banquet season!

Tickets are $25 per person and the doors open at 5:00 p.m.

For hotel reservations call 573-348-8557 and there will be a block of rooms reserved until 12/30/11.

Contact your Regional Director for more information.

See you at the Lake!

NWTF Chapter President/JAKES Coordinator, Dates are set for the 19th Annual Bud Bennett Missouri JAKES Hunter Apprentice School. The event will be held September 23-25 at Midway Farms near Fayette, Missouri. You can visit their website at www.midwayfarms.com. They are a very respectable and successful operation. They look forward to hosting the event again this year. Students must be at least 11 years old, a JAKES member, have passed their hunter education certification and not have participated in the HAS or in the Spring Youth Hunt in the past in order to attend. Due to space available and liabilities, only one parent or guardian will be allowed to attend with the student. The cost to your chapter is $100.00. The George C. Clark Missouri State Chapter pays the balance. The weekend includes a number of things to do, such as muzzleloading, sporting clays, turkey calling, survival skills & shotgunning. We will also hold a ‘just for fun’ turkey calling contest for the students, complete with prizes. The students will go on guided bird hunts over the course of the weekend. The meals will be provided. We will be camping on-site. Please pass this information along to your chapter’s president, JAKES coordinator or the person in charge of special events. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids. The first 10 students/chapters registered, will have a spot at the event. Enclosed, find a registration form to be completed and returned. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 573-426-6331 or e-mail me at ckwest@fidnet.com; or phone Rob Stover at 573-450-1577.

2011 Fall HAS Application

In the past, our seed programs have not been as popular as in other states because the Missouri Department of Conservation had a free seed program that took care of most of the demand. However, in the past couple of years, seed programs were one of the cuts made to achieve budget reduction mandates by the state. The NWTF's seed program is called Conservation Seed and the state board expressed interest in expanding this program in Missouri. Many folks took advantage of this program during the spring and the state board decided to offer it again this fall.

The seed program is a member benefit program. If you are not currently a member and would like to take advantage of the savings this program affords you in the spring and fall please contact your Regional Director using the contact information under the "people" tab on this site and they will sign you up.

If you would like to order wheat for planting this fall, send an e-mail to jburk@nwtf.net specifying your name, address, phone number, and number of 50 lb. bags you would like. Cost should be $5.00/bag.

NWTF Chapters...it is time once again to consider sponsoring one of your local youth to attend the annual JAKES spring turkey youth hunt. This event will be held at Camp SEMO in Wappapello MO over the MO youth turkey season weekend. This fun filled weekend is being made available for up to 10 kids. Youth and their guardian will arrive Friday afternoon 4/8/11 and spend the rest of the weekend receiving outdoor education instruction as well as participate in a guided spring turkey hunting experience.

For more information call event coordinators Rob Stover 573-450-1577 or Charlene West 573-426-6331 and/or refer to the attached information below.

2011 Spring Turkey Hunt

2011 Spring Registration Form

The 5 year gobble study that was initially proposed to continue through 2011 has been discontinued. A minimum number of volunteers was necessary for statistical validity and participation rates declined annually since 2007 when the project was initiated. Data voids geographically and annual holes within the survey period (during the season) presented annual challenges that were an initial concern.

Although the study did not produce statistically usable information as initially hoped, the first 3 years of data collection did provide some interesting insite into state-wide gobbling activity.

See the below document for details.

Gobble Study Document

The George Clark Missouri State Chapter is proud to announce the development of a new conservation license plate. Specialty plates help raise funds for special causes and, if approved, the NWTF Hunting Heritage Plate will help increase available dollars for habitat and outreach efforts throughout Missouri. See the attachments below for further information and plate design.

Hunting Heritage License Plate Information

If you would like to reserve yours today please email John Burk.

The current issue of our newsletter is available for download by following this link Show-Me Gobbler.