Firebreaks and Fly Downs — April 11, 2024

Firebreaks and Fly Downs is a new weekly update where NWTF biologists cover the duality of the NWTF mission — conservation and hunting. We will discuss current conservation efforts on a regional basis and what the birds are doing to help keep you informed this spring. New "episodes" of Firebreaks and Fly Downs will be available every Thursday at 7 p.m. EDT on the NWTF's YouTube channel.

Derek Alkire - NWTF District Biologist (AL, KY, TN)

• Conservation: You might be tempted to get on your mower. I would encourage you to hold off to give the turkeys a chance to get off the nest.
• Hunting: Youth season got underway this past weekend in VA and NC. VA's two-day youth season was April 6 & 7, while NC youth have seven days to fill their tag with the season running from April 6 - 12. Reports from the field indicate the unseasonably cool temperatures and wet weather last week moved out just in time in the region to make for a more accommodating experience for those youth participating in the season. WV youth get their opportunity this weekend, April 13 & 14, to participate in the early opportunity to fill a tag. Kudo's to all the mentors who took time to accompany a youth afield and share their knowledge passion for the sport.

Clayton Lenk - NWTF District Biologist (MN, WI, SD, ND)

• Conservation: We got some much needed moisture from snow recently. So, you can resume burning.
• Hunting: ND and parts of SD are opening soon. You will still see winter flocks breaking up, but we are seeing toms grouping up and breeding efforts are on their way.

Matt DiBona - NWTF District Biologist (New England)

• Conservation: April is the month in New England to get ready for turkey season. Our NWTF chapters are working with state agency partners to offer in person and virtual learn to hunt clinics throughout April in MA, NH and VT.
• Hunting: This past week saw another Nor'easter hit the region and bring 2-4" of rain to southern New England and 1-2' of snow to parts of northern New England, making scout efforts more difficult. Monday April 8 is the Great American solar eclipse and part of Northern New England will be in the path of totality. Big question is -- what will the birds do?

Patt Dorsey - NWTF Director of Conservation Operations (West)

• Hunting: The big news for us is that on April 13, the season in Colorado opens. The opening of other Western states is April 15. The weather is beginning to look good, and we are starting to see movement and hear gobbling.

To listen to full interviews from all NWTF conservation staffers, please check out the Firebreaks and Fly Downs April 11 edition.