In the southern foothills, top choices include Hubbardston Battlefield WMA, Whipple Hollow WMA in Pittsfield, West Rutland State Forest, Birdseye Mountain WMA in Poultney, Tinmouth Channel WMA and Rupert State Forest.

In the eastern foothill region, hunters should check out Pine Mountain WMA, Clover Hill WMA, Densmore WMA, the Knapp Brook WMA, Little Ascutney WMA and Ascutney State Park, Hawk Mountain WMA, Skitchewaug WMA and Roaring Brook WMA.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Vermont Fish and Game Department at (802) 241-3700, or by visiting the agency's Web site at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
According to Ted Walski, New Hampshire's Turkey Project leader, bird populations are doing well in the Granite State. The biologist estimated that there are about 25,000 birds statewide, and while hunters find success just about everywhere, some of the highest annual harvests come from the western counties along the Connecticut River, including Grafton County, parts of Hillsborough County and areas south of the lakes region.

Two good areas to start from include the Kearsarge WMA and Kearsarge State Forest in Andover, which offer about 6,000 acres of prime territory for turkeys.

The Enfield WMA and Lower Shaker WMA in Enfield are also good spots. The same is true of the Jones Brook WMA in Brookfield and Middleton.

A more extensive list and description of the state's WMAs may be obtained by contacting the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3421, or on the agency's Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

MAINE
According to Phil Bozenhard, Maine's top turkey biologist, birds are now found in most areas of the state and the population is estimated at 20,000 to 25,000 birds.

Two of the state's best public hunting grounds are in York County, the southernmost county in the state. One is the Mt. Agamenticus WMA in York and South Berwick. Officially, the WMA covers just 1,117 acres, but about three years ago, 10 conservation and water district groups merged and created an 11,500-acre protection zone around Mt. Agamenticus creating a public recreation area roughly covering 12,600 acres. Hunting is allowed on much of the area.

Access is from Route 1 in York via the Mountain Road.

Also, try Vernon S. Walker WMA in Newfield and Shapleigh. It covers nearly 4,000 acres and does not receive heavy hunting pressure.

There is a parking area on Route 11 just north of Shapleigh Village.

For a list of wildlife management areas in Maine and additional information on turkey hunting, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000 or visit the agency's Web site at www.mefishandwildlife.com.