Any one else "covered up" with turkeys?  I just got back Tuesday from Texas with my shotgun team, turkey season is open and I have already seen 5 good long beards.  These were just spotting for a hunt.  Heck one, with what had to be an 11"+ beard was in the horse pasture within 40 yards of the house.

I dont think I have ever seen this many big birds this soon.  I knew we had a good population but man ......

Great thanks to State Game Managements around the country. Texas now has many also. Get some pix! Good luck.

My inept skill level dictates the need to be covered up with birds in order to coax at least one gob 15 yards and under or start hunting private land.

That is great news.  The people I have spoken with in Texas say the numbers are horribly down and the expectations for a good hatch this year are low.  I am told Texas is drought stricken with temperatures already in the upper 90's and no rain in the forecast.  Good luck and take someone turkey hunting.

Illinois had their first seasons about 1965-68 or so and then it was limited to only several countys.  Now, well, they did a great job of reintroduction....

I'm happy for ya man, go get em!      

Go get em Semo....

Texas pops are generally down, If I remember right, they actually closed the season in a couple eastern counties. The area I hunt (hill country) is still in a low cycle and has been for several years, but we had a good hatch about 3 years ago before this drought started, so of the turkeys you do see, quite a few are mature toms.