Local hunters and organizations such as the Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters are the bread and butter of much of the region's turkey hunting.

"Turkeys survive around here because people feed them through the long, hard winters," Mastenvrook said. "The turkeys will start on private lands where they're sustained by supplemental feeding and will cross over onto public lands where hunters can get at them."

For more information, contact the Gaylord Operations Service Center Management Unit office at (989) 732-3541.

EAST-CENTRAL MICHIGAN
"Isabella County has a lot of turkeys, and they're just about everywhere, especially in the southern half of the county," said DNR wildlife biologist Adam Bump. "Unfortunately, most of the county is private land." However, the Edmore State Game Area in the southern part of the county is on Bump's list of top public spots to try.

The Mackinaw State Forest north of Mancelona -- also known as the Jordan River Valley -- is another good spot with steep hills.

"The state land in southwestern Midland County south of U.S. 10 may be a good place to check out, too," Bump said. "We have more oak in that portion of our state ownership, and turkey numbers seem to be strong in those areas. Based on our spring turkey hunting surveys, hunting pressure on public lands in Midland County is fairly low, so hunters should have plenty of room to themselves."

You can hunt on the Crow Island State Game Area in Bay and Saginaw counties, but this is a good area to scout before the season.

"Bay and Saginaw counties offer other opportunities as well, though most often on private lands," Bump said. "Turkey numbers in all four counties are excellent, and hunters can anticipate having opportunities just about anywhere in my area."

Al Stewart, the DNR's upland game specialist, put things in proper perspective.

"Turkey hunting isn't just about killing a tom," said Stewart, who spends his share of time in the woods when he's off duty. "It's about being in the woods and enjoying it. It's about calling birds in, working them around and having a good time."