Firebreaks and Fly Downs — April 18, 2024

It's mid April already and there's a lot happening in the turkey world!

April 18, 20242 min read

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.

Southeast

Kacie Bauman - NWTF District Biologist (AR, LA, MS)

Conservation: The remaining 2023 Super Fund projects are wrapping up in AR and MS, as we gear up for 2024 projects to start.
Hunting: AR turkey season opens today. LA and MS turkey seasons are underway and seeing lots of success stories in those states.

Midwest

Annie Farrell - NWTF District Biologist (TX, OK, KS, NE)

Conservation: Two new Waterways for Wildlife Initiative projects were awarded in Oklahoma for the 2024 funding cycle on Beaver River WMA and Lexington WMA, while 2023 Waterways for Wildlife projects on Canton WMA, Heyburn WMA and Black Kettle WMA are at or near completion.
Hunting: The Oklahoma spring season opens on April 16.

Northeast

Mitchell Blake - NWTF District Biologist (PA, NY, MD, DE, NJ)

Conservation: Volunteers in Vermont completed a habitat work day yesterday at Camels Hump State Forest. This was a partner event with Vermont Fish and Wildlife and Vermont Forest Parks and Recreation. NWTF volunteers conducted forest stand improvement activities to release beneficial mast species, including hophornbeam, black cherry, northern red oak, serviceberry, etc. By cutting competing trees in the canopy, there is less competition for sunlight, water, and other resources which also this beneficial species to grow larger, faster and produce more seeds and acorns for wildlife to consume.

West

Krista Modlin - NWTF District Biologist (CA, OR, WA, NV)

Conservation: Current stewardship projects are currently on hold due to wet weather conditions
Hunting: Much of the mountains in the West have normal- to above-average snow pack. As snow on the hill sides begin to melt off, new feeding areas will open up and the turkeys will follow. Hunting seasons in the West open first in California (March 25). The remaining Western states with accessible tags begin opening mid-April.

To listen to full interviews from all NWTF conservation staffers, please check out the Firebreaks and Fly Downs April 18 edition.