If hunters are shooting gobblers only, within the framework of a “normal spring season” - then more hunting pressure sucks for us hunters that have been hunting forever - but they aren’t affecting a hen’s ability to do what she does, and raise poults.
There’s something else - so figure out that something else.
I'll never understand why hunters don't seem to get this.
Agreed. Pressure really sucks from an “enjoyment” standpoint. And maybe even from a standpoint of how many birds are alive to hear gobbling. But it has no affect on the future population.
I really think it’s a few things:
1. Crappy habitat
2. Normal population swings after restocking.
3. Weather trends related to nest/poult success
4. An abundance of nest predators
5. Possibly some disease, maybe related to feeding, herbicides, or natural causes.
