Missouri Turkey Hunters Reached the Second Lowest Numbers in 33 Years

Intro:	As Missouri approaches Thanksgiving, there's some good news for wild turkeys out there. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:39
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: A Missouri Department of Conservation scientist says the decline in turkey hunting permits is a result of more people wanting to hunt other animals.

Resource Scientist, Jason Isabelle says he thinks the fall season of turkey hunting is drastically different from the spring hunting season.

Actuality:	ISBELE1.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: "It's interesting that you know from the 1980's up into the 2000's, spring permit sales were constantly increasing and as a result the harvest was increasing as well."

Isabelle says although the spring harvest is increasing, the fall harvest is declining for many reasons one being that there are many other animals available to hunters like deer.

Reporting from the state Capitol I'm Becky May.

Intro:	Fewer turkeys are getting killed by hunters this year. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:38
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Cold and wet springs means poor breeding grounds for turkey.

The poor harvesting seasons has shown in the decline in turkey hunting permits sold this fall.

Missouri Department of Conservation scientist, Jason Isabelle says the peak of permit sales were 50,000 in the late 80s and now they are around 13,000 from this year.

Actuality:	ISBELE2.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: "I think if we can get some good weather during the spring and early summer and hunters start seeing more birds during the summer, they'll be more interested in hunting in the fall."

Isabelle's supervisor, Vicky Heidy says the cold freezes and wet weather has made it difficult for ground nesters, like turkey, to get a good hatch.

From the state Capitol I'm Becky May.

Intro:	It may be the thanksgiving season, by a decline in interest in hunting turkeys is being cited as a reason for a desire in deer archery. Becky May has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:50
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Missouri Department of Conservation scientist, Jason Isabelle says permit sales for hunting turkey have declined through the last decade at an estimated 27,000 fewer permits and will continue this way, if the weather remains poor for nesting.

Isabelle's supervisor, Vicky Heidy says she thinks the difference in seasons is the real reason for the decline in popularity.

Actuality:	HEIDY1.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "If the number of birds, if we don't have a high production in the spring people won't bother to spend their time when there are other options and opportunities out there."

Heidy and Isabelle agree deer archery has been increased in the fall season, and turkey hunting is being saved for the spring.

Actuality:	ISBELE3.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: "A lot of folks are taking it upon themselves to just not go out and pursue the birds in the fall and just waiting until spring to go out and hunt turkeys."

Reporting from the state Capitol I'm Becky May.