Trapping and Habitat

[owlhoot]

Had a conversation with a friend today about how SC is basically still doing nothing to help their population, despite hosting the headquarters of the NWTF I might add. They just keep saying they need to do something, but have done nothing that has shown a positive effect.  Their own data shows the decline everyone has mentioned, since the 80's, yet the DNR guys keep their jobs, despite their continued failure.  Trapping can't hurt and quality habitat loss is probably the biggest issue of all, but doing nothing is not an answer.
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/turkey/2019BroodSurvey.html

All kinds of information from there in 2018.
123k birds estimate in state , 52k+ hunters with 3 tags.
Long season, March 11 days = 40 percent of kill. Season runs to May 5. Why after record low hatches in 2015???
21 percent of turkeys shot at were not killed or recovered so 4870 wounded turkey?
You now have to pay for tags, 5 bucks.
23 percent killed in afternoon.
But don't worry " N" WTF is on it.  Goal is to recruit 1.5 million new hunters.

[Cowboy]

I love to trap. It undoubtedly does help. Unfortunately the last few years the fur market has been terrible. Which means fewer trappers and more predators. I still trap, I feel it's an obligation of mine to help protect the wild turkey, and will do so, no matter what the market does

x2 !! I bought a trapping license for this new season when I renewed my fishing and hunting.  We hunters have got to help out, can't rely on our government to problem solve for dang sure.