Years of restoration work by wildlife commission biologists and groups such as the Uwharrie Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation are beginning to pay off. Mike Seamster, the state's restoration leader, estimates there are 35,000 wild turkeys in North Carolina. The turkey season is open April 9-May 7 in 51 counties this year, including parts of Uwharrie National Forest. Donnie Mullinix checked in 24 turkeys at his store during the 1993 season. The largest bird weighed 22 pounds.
Suitable habitat is identified.
Turkey-attracting food plots are planted. In previous years, birds were live-trapped in other states or from other parts of the state and released in areas where they were once abundant. Gobblers will sometimes walk right up on turkey hunters without being seen or heard. Turkeys have been known to approach a hunter from behind. If all goes well, the hunter might get a shot.