There was a thread here during the fall about this trend. The question as to whether the decreasing harvest is due to population downturns or less hunter interest was posed. I don't recall a definitive answer.

I hunted them this fall for the first time . . . Wow! What a blast! I saw & heard at least as many birds as in the spring. They're just behaving differently. Was it less enjoyable? NO!! Plus, I got to go with dogs. Awesome! Now, I'm looking for my own turkey dog . . . Maybe I'm being selfish, but I sure didn't mind being the only guy in the woods chasing turkeys.

My brother and friends do a lot of fall turkey hunting with dogs. They had a tuff time finding birds, they would go some days and not even find scratching. Thought last spring was ideal for a good hatch. Maybe not.

barry

I know some guys sat out last fall not do to lack of interest but to give the turekys a break because of the recent reports of bad hatches.