NEW HAMPSHIRE
Although New Hampshire's spring turkey seasons had not been set at the time of this writing, the Granite State generally follows other New England states in that May is the month to plan your hunt. The season may run the entire month depending on which wildlife management unit you choose. The season limit is one bearded turkey, and archery tackle or shotguns are legal. Birds must be registered at a designated check station within 12 hours of being harvested. Registration stations are listed on the state's Web site, or contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for a list.

New Hampshire hunters must obtain a $6 wild turkey permit. Residents also need a state hunting or archery license, while non-residents must posses either a big-game hunting license or an archery license.

In 2004, New Hampshire also held its first-ever youth turkey-hunting weekend. Roughly 200 gobblers were registered in the weekend hunt. According to Ted Walski, Turkey Project leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, this represented about 8 percent of the total season harvest. Youth hunters do not need a hunting license to participate, but are required to posses a turkey permit. Youth hunters must be under age 16 and are required to be accompanied by a properly licensed adult.

New Hampshire boasts a large number of state parks that are open to hunting. Many of these offer year-round camping facilities. To locate these parks, go to www.nhparks.state.nh.us. One favorite is Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown. It contains nearly 10,000 acres of mixed hardwoods and softwoods, as well as some wet areas.

Get there by taking Interstate Route 95 to Route 4 west, and then turn onto Route 28 south and follow the signs. The campground number is (603) 485-9869.

For licenses and other information, visit the state Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting. License information may also be obtained by calling (603) 271-3421. The Wildlife Division may be contacted at (603) 271-2461.

For travel information, visit www.visitnh.gov/.

VERMONT
Vermont is generally considered New England's premier turkey hunting state. With abundant public land, an enormous population of birds and reasonably priced licenses, it's a great destination for an out-of-state hunt. From its humble beginning in 1969 with 31 wild turkeys trapped and transferred from New York, Vermont has managed to grow a flock estimated at well over 40,000 turkeys. With that many birds available and a map of public land in hand, it should be no trick to locate a place to hunt toms.

The highest turkey densities occur in the valley regions of Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, with the borders of the Green Mountains holding pockets of birds also. The common factor making these areas good habitat is a mix of forests and farmland, giving the birds ample food, shelter, field edges and low growth to nest in.

Rutland County usually tops the field when it comes to harvest totals, with Bennington County running a close second. The state of Vermont is blessed with a large amount of public land, both state and federal, from the Green Mountain National Forest to the many wildlife management areas located throughout the state.

A few areas to begin focusing your search include Otter Creek WMA on state Route 7 near Danby-Mount Tabor, the Blueberry Hill WMA in Castleton and the Hubbardton Battlefield WMA in Hubbardton.