The 2007 figures seem to indicate that the farther south the region was, the better it fared in turkey production. The Mississippi Lowlands reinforced this theory, finishing tied for third place statewide with a 1.1:1 poult-to-hen ratio. If you're serious about killing a spring gobbler, you might want to consider other options than the Mississippi Lowlands Region.

SUMMARY
The cold, hard truth is that the next few springs are going to be tougher than usual for Missouri spring turkey hunters. Although the turkey hunting may prove challenging, the Show-Me State still offers some of the best turkey hunting in the nation.

You can expect to hear less gobbling in 2008 and 2009, because there simply are far fewer jakes to grow into two-year-old gobblers. These two-year-olds are the toms that do the most gobbling and are much more apt to come running to the sound of a hunter scratching on a call. The woods will be populated primarily with three-year-old toms and older. These birds are much less apt to gobble and a little more difficult to lure within gun range. Hunters will have to do their homework this season and beyond if they want to fill both of their spring turkey tags.

"We'll bounce back," Beringer said. "It may or may not happen next spring. We'll just have to wait and see if we have lots of rain and cold weather."

STATEWIDE GOBBLE STUDY
The MDC is currently conducting a statewide gobble study that is focused on determining when the most gobbling activity occurs in Missouri.

"We're looking at the timing of turkey gobbling as it relates to the spring hunting season," Beringer said. "We want to know what factors influence gobbling, including weather. The information we gather should help hunters decide which days are best to hunt."

Beringer said the MDC currently has enlisted about 800 volunteers and is looking to sign up more. If you're interested in participating in the gobbling study, contact Jeff Beringer at (573) 882-9880 or visit the MDC's Web site: www.mdc.mo.gov