Hunters will find a mixture of forestlands, open fields, second-growth areas and spring runoff streams. The turkeys use all of these features in their spring breeding rituals.

The northwest and southeast portions of the forest are level. Turkey hunters will want to work the areas where the lowlands meet the steep slopes of the mountain.

This area is easily accessed thanks to several roadside parking areas. Take Exit 41 off I-95 onto Route 7 south toward Belfast. After driving about 24 miles, turn right onto Route 131 for about three miles to Route 137. Turn north on Route 137 toward Knox. Turn left onto Getchell Road, which is about two miles from the Route 137-Route 131 junction. Access points are available along Getchell Road.

For more information on Maine’s turkey-hunting seasons and licensing, call the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000, or visit the department’s Website at State.ME.US.

For tourist information, call 1-888-624-6345.

MASSACHUSETTS
Since the Bay State began its first turkey-hunting season in 1980, the sport has gained in popularity. Today, biologists estimate the turkey population in the state is around 15,000 birds.

Tully Mountain WMA
The north-central portion of Massachusetts offers some of the best turkey habitat in the state, with 1,187-acre Tully Mountain WMA being one of its showcases. The terrain here varies from steep slopes and mountains to flat open fields and wetlands.

Most hunters tend to overlook this area because it is located between the more popular Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area and Warwick State Forest. Unlike those areas, however, Tully Mountain has large tracts of open fields and abandoned brushy areas. Turkey hunting on the fringes of these fields could pay big dividends.

Access is via roadside parking areas. Take Exit 17 off Route 2 toward Athol. Travel north on Route 32 for about four miles. At Tully Lake, turn left onto Royalston Road into North Orange. Finally, turn left onto Athol Road for the access points.

Palmer WMA
Turkey hunters should have good luck on this WMA thanks to its on-going forest management practices. The terrain in this 1,017-acre tract is mostly hilly, with some relatively flat land in the central and northeastern sections of the forest.

The property is primarily wooded, but the MassWildlife maintains about 30 acres of open habitat in the WMA’s center. Two manmade ponds located near the center of the property provide turkeys with water and easy access to the surrounding open lands, water and forests.

Palmer WMA is accessible by taking Exit 8 off I-90 onto Route 32 north. About two miles from the I-90/Route 32 junction, turn right onto Rondeau Street, which runs along the western boundary of the forest.

For more information on turkey hunting seasons and licensing, call the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at (508) 792-7270, or visit the division’s Web site at MassWildlife.Org.

For tourist information, call 1-800- 227-MASS.

CONNECTICUT
Turkey biologists with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection have worked diligently on enhancing the turkey population. Last year, hunters harvested about 2,000 turkeys, and the upcoming season is expected to be even better.