I don't think they will ever admit it, but the lack of money in the fur trade is the reason. Nobody traps anymore for money, as it isn't there.
People only trap in locations where they are trying to protect their ground nesting birds.
Once again, the ODW is needing to start a program to give a buck to every raccoon tail, and possum tail. People will get involved if there is money to be made.
Otherwise, the turkey, quail, pheasant populations will never recover.
I've caught grief about my suggestion on another forum because some folks will start raising predators to get money, but I think the majority of hunters will recognize that predators are the issue.

I live in turkey country. We have hens nest all around us. I see the nests robbed every spring with the eggshells scattered by the predators.
I'm not speculating, I'm seeing real world examples.

 

I don't think they will ever admit it, but the lack of money in the fur trade is the reason. Nobody traps anymore for money, as it isn't there.
People only trap in locations where they are trying to protect their ground nesting birds.
Once again, the ODW is needing to start a program to give a buck to every raccoon tail, and possum tail. People will get involved if there is money to be made.
Otherwise, the turkey, quail, pheasant populations will never recover.
I've caught grief about my suggestion on another forum because some folks will start raising predators to get money, but I think the majority of hunters will recognize that predators are the issue.

I live in turkey country. We have hens nest all around us. I see the nests robbed every spring with the eggshells scattered by the predators.
I'm not speculating, I'm seeing real world examples.

Lake Ellsworth used to have good turkey hunting until the hogs started moving in. I talked to Guage couple days ago and he the he been hunting out there this. He that he hasn't seen or heard a turkey this season.

 

Hogs are not good for ground nesters, but in Grant County, we have no hogs. The only county in Oklahoma to not have that issue.
We used to have an amazing pheasant population. Enough that the wildlife department changed the limit from one to three in possession.
I haven't shot a pheasant in 5 years now and it's rare to see one on a trail cam when previously, they were on there daily eating from the feeders.

 

My turkey hunting has been limited this year because I’ve been busier than normal, but I’ve hunted Ellsworth three times this year. I haven’t seen or heard any birds, but I’ve seen plenty of hog signs. I know that they’re pretty thick over there now, and I’ve come across them numerous times. I got a bird last year at Ellsworth, but the hogs did screw up one of my hunts last year. Hogs and other predators are at least part of the reason for the decline in numbers, but I’m not sure that it’s the only reason. This statement might not be liked by some, but I think that herbicides are also a factor.

 

I guess I misunderstood, but I thought this data collection program included NW Oklahoma too. When I first saw it, I thought seriously about participating until the state screwed me over on license fees. 🖕

 

This is from the turkey that Casey got last year. It has taken a year to get the results back but it is interesting to see that it was 10% Eastern.

 

That’s interesting. I had no idea Easterns and Rio’s crossbred.