Firebreaks and Fly Downs — April 4, 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.

Ricky Lackey - NWTF District Biologist (FL, GA, SC)

• Conservation: If you are looking to plant, it's important to make sure soil temps are above 60 degrees. Also, make sure you have enough moisture in the ground.
• Hunting: Gobblers are locked down with hens right now across portions of North Florida, South Georgia, and the low country of South Carolina. Late morning hunts could be good if you can find a lonely gobbler.

Ryan Boyer - NWTF District Biologist (MI, IN, OH)

• Conservation: We are wrapping up project work under 3 agreements with the U.S. Forest Servcice in Ohio and Michigan and wrapping up work under a Michigan DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant. Most of our work includes completing mechanical and chemical treatment of undesirable woody species within our oak savanna and oak forests during the dormant season. Additional follow-up treatments will be completed by our partners including prescribed fire. The primary objectives for our ongoing project work is to promote desirable vegetation in the understory to enhance breeding season habitat for wild turkeys. Our secondary objectives for the work in our oak forests is to assist with the regeneration of oak and hickory species by treating shade-tolerant species that provide fewer benefits for wildlife.
• Hunting: We are a little under a month out until the Spring seasons open in my district. Larger flocks have begun to break up and people are reporting increased sightings. Strutting birds are being sighted and getting folks excited for the up and coming season.

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

• Conservation: Currently, we are working with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to work on planting wildlife openings using a seed drill implement in region 7/8.
• Hunting: I have seen in a few strutting toms with hens and I am hearing plenty of gobbling activity.

Patt Dorsey - NWTF Director of Conservation Operations (West)

• 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 4 edition.