Southeast Kansas???

[RussM311]

Looks like I may be able to get up to Kansas for a late season hunt....  or at least some quality naps in the morning sun.   Anyone have thoughts on the status of the turkey numbers in that general area??   Are there enough birds to provide a fair opportunity to harvest a bird?   I hunted Melvern a couple years back and had a great hunt....   birds were still talking and would at least act interested.  We just suffered through the worst season in modern times here in Louisiana, and I need my faith in turkeys bolstered a bit...   

Thanks for any input you might have....     Best wishes to everyone for safe and enjoyable hunting

Russ

[Kansan]

Numbers are down significantly, but there are still birds around. Some places have almost no turkeys, some have a decent amount. 5 or so years ago, we had arguably the best turkey hunting on Earth. That sadly isn't the case, anymore. Fortunately they can rebound just as quickly as numbers can go down.

[RussM311]

Thanks Kansan

Yes, I think numbers are down everywhere...  some more so than others.   Down here, the predators are killing the birds off in a big way..... raccoons and hogs primarily.   Places I had hunted for years with enough birds that the area was used for relocation trapping, now have almost no birds.   

But....  a day out in the wild, is better than a day in the city...

Thanks again for the reply and best wishes for your season

Russ

[obro]

I hunted SE the first 2 1/2  days . There were a few birds around but not a lot . I hunted north central in 2017 and it was quite a difference .  The ones I was around didnt act like they were ready . My biggest take away was the number of coyotes . Man was there a bunch . My first evening a coyote came in and scattered a group of birds where they roosted the night before . That didnt help .  But in the morning and evening there were multiple packs howling .  I saw a total of 5 in daylight hours in 2 1/2 days hunting . 

[nativeks]

I live about 10 miles from Melvern Lake. Ive yet to see a turkey qhile hunting this year. Very few birds. 2019 had zero production. 2020 was slightly better recruitment wise. I said in another thread there was a youth hunt in that area and 25 kids usually kill 18 to 20 turkeys. There were 4 taken this year.

[Iaguntrader]

My son is in Topeka for college, he had been out several times with no luck. He finally got one yesterday afternoon after a college final. He was in your area nativeks.

[Hooksfan]

At one time, Melvern was one of the premier public hunting spots in the entire US . No longer the case. Incredible out of state pressure. Last time i was in the area late season, i had never seen  turkeys respond to vehicles going down the gravel road like those birds did....and i am talking 4 and 500 yards away.

[nativeks]

I actually saw a longbeard today while hunting. Checked my trail cameras and no turkey pics. Sitting on the back porch right now listening.

[RussM311]

I figure the worst I can do is strike out....   even so, a day in the field is much better than a day in the city.    Bought the spouse a case of wine... loading up the rv and preparing to head that way....      as always, I'm excited and looking forward to hunting new land.

Best wishes to all... hope you have a fruitful and safe season

Russ