The Wildlife Resources Section and the West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) conducted the annual survey of spring gobbler hunters during 2003. The survey is conducted entirely by volunteer sportsmen that donate their time and effort to gather information to help the DNR manage the wild turkey resource in the State. The West Virginia Chapter sends survey forms to its members, and the Wildlife Resources Section of the DNR compiles the data and writes a report which is sent to cooperators.

During 2003, results were compiled from 291 hunters. Cooperators took 2,453 hunting trips and heard 5,145 gobblers. The gobbling rate (56 gobblers heard per 100 hours) was 5% higher than 2002 (45), and was equal to our 20-year average.

The survey showed that the best gobbling in 2003 occurred in the western and southwestern counties. Cooperators in the survey learn about gobbling and hunting conditions each year. The survey also provides DNR biologists important data not only on wild turkeys but also ruffed grouse, coyote, overwinter losses of wild turkeys and white-tailed deer, and a host of other information. The survey continues to provide an important forum for hunters to express their opinions and ideas. Each year questions proposed by hunters are surveyed, and a report is prepared and provided to each cooperator.

Any hunter desiring to receive a copy of the annual report needs to participate in the survey. Spring gobbler hunters wanting to help with the survey are encouraged to contact Patty Fordyce, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, PO Box 67 , Elkins , WV 26241 , phone 304-637-0245, fax 304-637-0250 or email pattyfordyce@wvdnr.gov . Those wishing to participate will be sent the necessary forms and a questionnaire prior to the spring hunting season. As mentioned in the past, the survey is easy to conduct. A hunter does not have to harvest a gobbler to provide useful data. Most of the information collected deals with what a hunter hears, sees, or has an opinion on.