How to count turkeys

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has released its latest surveys of the state's wild turkey population and it's looking pretty good for the big birds. As a person who tries to report pertinent wildlife sightings using the division's popular free smart phone app (HuntFishOH), I know that I reported more turkey sightings in Hancock County this year than ever before. The information has also caught the attention of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). The conservation organization has played an important part in helping restore turkeys to the Ohio landscape. They were a valuable partner in funding efforts for property purchases, trapping and relocating wild birds, and land conservation measures to improve habitat structure. In addition, Ohio's NWTF State Chapter contributed $50,000 in 2023 to support the first broad-scale study of hen survival in Ohio in nearly two decades. Conducted by the Division of Wildlife and Ohio State University, this research aims to help wildlife managers understand how turkey survival, harvest rates and reproduction have evolved over the last 17 years, providing invaluable data for future conservation efforts. As for the good news, Division of Wildlife biologists report that the wild turkey population has seen a slight increase in the 2024 wild turkey poult index. With an average of 2.9 poults per hen, this marks the fourth consecutive year of above-average or slightly above-average brood survey. The poult index is a critical measure of turkey reproductive success, based on public reports collected in July and August. These brood surveys offer insight into nest success and poult survival, essential factors in understanding current turkey populations and setting future harvest regulations. Turkey populations have seen robust nest productivity in recent years, as demonstrated by improved poult index trends averaging 2.8 poults per hen in 2023, 3.0 in 2022 and 3.1 in 2021. This has nudged Ohio's 10-year average upward from 2.7 to 2.8 poults per hen. That may not sound like much, but in wildlife production this is a big deal. Mark Wiley, Division of Wildlife biologist and NWTF National Wild Turkey Technical Committee representative explains, "These strong poult classes have boosted Ohio's spring permit success rates in recent years. It appears success rates will remain high through 2026 when the 2024 class of poults matures into 2-year-old gobblers." Ohio's wild turkey restoration is a remarkable conservation success story. After their population was extirpated around 1904, the Division of Wildlife launched reintroduction efforts in the 1950s. Ohio wildlife biologists Bob Donohoe and Charley McKibben began studying ways to bring the turkey back. Their research led to new approaches in wild turkey management and, between 1956 and 1971, 397-trapped wild turkeys were released into sixteen forested sites in southeastern Ohio. This begs one to question, "If there were no wild turkeys, where did they get them?" The original birds were live-trapped in a number of cooperating states, which included West Virginia, Alabama, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Florida, and Arkansas. In 1960, Ohio was showing increasing localized populations so turkeys were also trapped and relocated from those sites. After capture, they were promptly shipped by a variety of methods for release in areas that were determined to be "turkey friendly." This was interpreted to be wooded locations of at least 9,000 acres. In May 1966 the population had grown to the point that a hunting season was set, the first in over sixty-four years, and was limited to just a few counties in southeastern Ohio. The success rates of those early hunts are of some comparative interest. The first seven years, hunters brought home a total of 264 birds. These initiatives resulted in rapid population growth, and by 1999, wild turkeys were documented in all 88 counties. During the 2024 spring turkey season, hunters bagged 15,536 bearded birds. That's quite an improvement. Learn more about all of Ohio's wildlife conservation efforts at www.wildohio.gov. To learn how you can get involved with NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org. "The turkey's eyes are such that he can see a bumblebee turn a somersault on the verge of the horizon." — Archibald Rutledge Along the way As you may have guessed, gift giving around the Christmas holiday season is an old tradition dating back to approximately 336 AD. According to the story, the gifts we trade are a reflection of those carried by the wisemen who visited a very special secluded stable in Bethlehem. From that humble beginning, we now scurry from store to store and website to website, looking for that perfect present that will soon disappear into the recesses of our memories. What we will remember are the gatherings of our families and friends and sharing their time — the most valuable, memorable and the one truly irreplaceable gift that any of us has to offer. Trust me, it's also in limited supply. Considering how precious that commodity is, why not give at least one gift that capitalizes on it? Why not a gift of a family or friends fishing or camping trip, information about getting outside to do some hiking, hunting, boating or a book to enhance those interests or that captures those memories? The following are a few of the items available online at Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System by visiting wildlife.ohiodnr.gov or at hundreds of participating agents throughout the state. In our area, outlets include Meijers, Walmart, Village Hardware, Runnings Home and Farm, and the Division of Wildlife's district office at 952 Lima Ave., Findlay. · Hunting and Fishing Licenses ensure that your friends, children, and grandchildren have years of access to hunting and fishing in Ohio through the unique multiyear and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Choose from 3, 5, 10-year or even lifetime licenses. · Wildlife Gift Certificates can be purchased through Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System. Recipients can use them to purchase licenses, permits, Wild Ohio Magazine and wetland and legacy stamps. They can be purchased for any amount and are valid one year from the date of purchase and can only be purchased and redeemed online. · Wild Ohio Magazine provides readers an entertaining look into Ohio's wildlife and conservation activities. The magazine is delivered six times per year, one of which is a calendar edition. The cost is $5 per year for individuals who purchase at a license vendor or online through the Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System. · Wildlife Legacy Stamps offer the opportunity to directly impact the future of Ohio's wildlife. Proceeds go to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund and support: habitat restoration; land purchases and conservation easements; endangered and threatened native species; educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts; and wildlife and habitat research projects. This $15 purchase includes the annually changing collector's stamp, window cling and commemorative card. They can be purchased from Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System at wildlife.ohiodnr.gov. · 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In celebration, several keepsakes and collectables have been introduced to celebrate the event. Visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/holiday-gifts-2024. · 2024 Limited Edition ODNR 75th Anniversary Collector's Ornament. Celebrate making memories at Ohio State Parks. The ornament is crafted from multi-layered, laser-cut cherry laminate wood and highlights the 75th anniversary. · A variety of Unique T-Shirts and hats are available — from "Hellbenders are Real," "Dunkleosteus Terrelli" (a prehistoric fish — how cool is that?), to "Ohio is for the Birds" (a favorite for birders and Michigan fans). https://store.ohiodnr.gov/collections/t-shirts-1. · Colorful State Parks and Watercraft Frameable Posters, https://store.ohiodnr.gov/collections/posters. · Gift Card or Gift Certificate — buy at the ODNR online store — the perfect present for anyone who enjoys the natural wonders of Ohio. Gift cards or gift certificates can be used at Ohio State Parks for overnight stays, allowing the recipient to enjoy their favorite state park or visit a new one. They may be redeemed for camping, getaway rentals, cabin rentals, and at most Ohio State Park lodges. Gift certificates and cards may also be used at state-operated retail stores or for boat rentals at many state park marinas. Available in any denomination and with no expiration date, gift cards, and gift certificates may be purchased online at www.reserveohio.com or by calling 866-644-6727. Step outside • A limited number of copies are left of my book "A Crusade for Conservation" which covers the history and evolution of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the state's wildlife resources. Besides the 24 historical chapters, 56 stories written by a wide range of former and current employees are included. Professionally printed and soft-bound, laminated covers, 8.5x11-inch format. 388-pages with 78 in color. $49.44 includes cost, tax, and shipping. All books will be signed as requested. Orders should include delivery address, check or money order, and any special signature requests. Send to: Shadow Dog Books, P.O. Box 413, Mt. Blanchard, OH 45867. • To donate venison to those in need in Hancock, Putnam or Wood counties: www.fhfh.org. Counties — Hancock, Putnam, Wood; contact 301-739-3000. • Tomorrow: 50-Bird Trap Shoot, practice opens 11:30 a.m., program begins 12:30 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. Public welcome. Contact: Sandy Thomas, sandthm@aol.com. • Thursday: Trap and Skeet Practice, open to the public. 4 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. • Dec. 21–22: Statewide Deer Gun Season. • Jan. 9: Venison Snack Stick Making Class, Ohio Division of Wildlife, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, OH. Discover the basics of making venison snack sticks from your harvested deer. Topics include ingredients, equipment, and techniques used to make these delicious treats. The class is free, but registration is required and spaces are limited. All equipment provided. For information: Jaren Beck 419-429-8324. To register: https://apps.ohiodnr.gov/wildlife/educationregistration/. Jim Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.