This paper is one of the MAIN arguments regarding the season changes across the southeast. I would encourage everyone to read this, especially the discussion portion where it is discussed that there is very little statistically sound data that concludes reproduction is declining. Only that the indices show it. A little confusing but bottom line is this information is NOT conclusive. http://www.rnr.lsu.edu/bret/BretWebSiteDocs/43_Byrne_329-351.pdf In ANY correspondence with the CAB or others, ask if there is any solid or valid data, especially NOT from public land, that concludes reproduction or populations are down..... or is it only folks with an agenda that are promoting the doom and gloom. Do we really think we are looking at a species in peril?? We have a turkey committee under the department - ever hear anything from them? What is their opinion? We also had an expensive and HUGELY touted Alabama Turkey Project - anyone ever hear any results from it?? We need a turkey committee composed of representative user groups, biologists, land managers, conservation groups, university, etc to look into this AND the data that is available and make recommendations to the CAB - exactly like we did with antler restrictions/buck limits. MHO
