WORDS OF WISDOM
Savage offered a suggestion for turkey hunters around the state for the upcoming turkey season: If you bag a banded gobbler, it's very important that you report your harvest to the state agency.

"We're into harvest management and we're trying to see how many of the banded gobblers are taken by hunters," he said. "We know we need to keep our annual harvest of gobblers between 30 and 40 percent to allow adults to move up into the older age-class. As long as we can keep our harvest rate within that range, we feel that the population will be able to sustain this harvest. This is why we've been conservative in our season length and limits.

"We would also like for private landowners to allow our department personnel to come in to trap, band and immediately release turkeys on their property. We trap prior to the season opening, and it doesn't scare them away. I trapped two limb-hanger gobblers in an area, and six days later, I trapped the same two birds again."

According to the latest information provided by the LDWF, there will be several changes in opening dates and areas for hunting in 2007. Hunters are urged to study the turkey hunting regulations pamphlet, or visit the LDWF Web site (the address for which is www.wlf.louisiana.gov) for the latest available information on hunting in particular areas.

On the basis of this examination of the five regions of the state, Louisiana's turkey hunters should feel proud of all that has taken place over the past few decades to ensure that those dedicated to the pursuit of this singularly American fowl can find the big birds virtually everywhere in the state today.

Another thing this look around the state has revealed is that Louisiana is truly a diverse state. From the rolling clay pine hills to river bottom areas to thick hardwood bottomlands to the unique bluffs and ravines, Bayou State turkey hunters should be able to choose the habitat type they like to hunt. With some serious pre-season scouting and, in many areas, a willingness to burn some shoe leather, hunters should find turkey season 2007 to be a good one.

Find more about Louisiana fishing and hunting at: LAgameandfish.comLAgameandfish.com