To participate, you can log on to www.maine.gov/ifw/ hunttrap/turkey_spring_survey_2008.htm .

Allen said that provided the winter isn’t unduly harsh, a good number of larger, mature toms should be in the fields and woods this spring.

“We had really good production this year, with a dry spring and good poult survival,” reported Allen Starr, a wildlife biologist in Region F.

While some of the best turkey hunting anywhere may be had near farm fields in Maine, doing so often requires seeking landowner permission.

For public lands in Region F, Starr said that Bud Leavitt WMA is absolutely the best.

Bud Leavitt (Bull Hill) WMA spans 6,430 acres in the towns of Atkinson, Charleston, Dover-Foxcroft and Garland. This WMA has undergone intense management for both forestry and wildlife since the 1980s.

Plenty of mast and active field maintenance makes this an excellent turkey-hunting destination. Access to the Bud Leavitt WMA may be had off Route 15 in Charleston.

“If you’re looking for a large area that is easy to hunt, Frye Mountain WMA is certainly that area,” advised Jim Connolly, a wildlife biologist in Region B. “The department also has properties around Merrymeeting Bay, by the Kennebec River, and at the St. Albans Wildlife Management Area.”

Frye Mountain WMA spans 5,240 acres in the towns of Montville, Knox and Morris about 12 miles west of Belfast. Frye, an accumulation of over 30 old farms, is considered to be premier turkey habitat.

St. Albans WMA’s 540 acres lie in the town of St. Albans adjacent to Mulligan Stream. There are twenty other WMAs in Region B, and countless others statewide worth exploring.

Because Maine does have so much privately owned land open to hunting, WMAs are often underutilized. Visit www.maine.gov/ifw/wma for WMA maps and information.

For more Pine Tree State hunting information, call (207) 287-8000, or visit www.maine.gov/ifw/index.html .

MASSACHUSETTS
Bay State turkey hunters took a record number of birds last spring, when 2,481 turkeys were harvested.

“This is probably due to a combination of factors, including a record number of turkey hunters and excellent weather during the hunting season -- especially the first week,” said James E. Cardoza of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

The 2008 spring season begins on the last Monday in April and runs through May 24 in zones 1 through 10 and in Zone 13. The season ends on May 10 in zones 11 and 12.

“The 2008 season will probably be pretty good,” Cardoza said. “The weather during the season, especially the first week, is an important factor.

“The number of hunters is a lesser factor, as is the previous breeding season. The 2007 hatch was probably average or a little above.

“The word ‘best’ is subjective, since a skillful hunter can do well anywhere in the state,” Cardoza continued. “The most turkeys are taken in Berkshire and Worcester counties. However, that is a factor of tradition. More hunters go there -- hence, more turkeys are taken.”

The most important factor to hunting success is scouting,” Cardoza said, adding as a reminder to hunt safely and respect other hunters and landowners.

Birch Hill WMA in the Worcester County towns of Royalston, Templeton and Winchendon is a multi-parcel area totaling 7,431 acres.

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife owns 3,210 acres, and the remaining 4,221 are leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the Department of Environmental Protection.