If anyone hasn't noticed the USDA Forest Service is actively burning again as they did last year in the months of April and May..

I understand the importance of control burns for timber management and wildlife but come on guys.. There were a ton of perfect burn days in January and Febuary in this area.

Having stumbled on 2 more burnt nests this year and 3 last year I stopped in yesterday and spoke with the Forest Service Burn Director, Paul Churchhill, and he told me without concern and to point that yes the USDA Forest Service is aware that they are burning Turkey Eggs, but that their biologist Danny Carlson says its not a big concern.

After this awakening I contacted Tom Huges at the NWTF in Edgefield, he is aware and also concerned not only with the timing of these burns but also the tract size..

Now maybe its just common sense to me not to reverse the good direction that proper management has insured for the Eastern Wild Turkey population but also that it is moronic to toss out the window the millions of dollars spent surrounding Wild Turkey management by burning their nests but as usual the Gubment ain't quite sure..

But rest assured the fines and penalties for poaching a Eastern Wild Turkey are the most severe in the books however the USDA Forest Service may burn them at will... Hmmmm...

If you are concerned contact Paul Churchhill email : [email protected]