Simply put, that means more hens and more production each spring.

LOOKING GOOD
The general spring turkey season begins on March 31 and runs through May 6. Bowhunters get an additional two weeks after that. The spring limit is one bearded turkey per day, and three per season.

So how what can hunters expect this coming spring? Here's what turkey guides, biologists and outdoor writers had to say about the coming season.

Ryan Mathis, California turkey biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation, said he saw plenty of turkeys in his travels throughout the state. His impression is that overall, production was good.

"I saw hens with big poults and hens with small poults, meaning that some poults hatched later than the others," he said. "The bottom line is that there are plenty of birds. I expect 2007 will be pretty darn good."

Mathis said the federation recently developed wildlife-friendly food plots on the Knoxville Wildlife Area and the El Dorado National Forest. Also, a handicapped-access route was built on the Kinsman Flat Wildlife Area in Madera County, providing disabled folks, including hunters, a way to pursue their interests.

To learn more about the federation, visit online at NWTF.com, or contact a state regional director at (707) 443-4720.

Now let's divide the state into three regions and take a closer look at them individually.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Recently, driving down a rural road, I had to stop and let a flock of turkeys cross from one pasture to another. I lost count at 50, but there were several adult hens with an assortment of half-grown poults.

That sighting and others around Shasta County recently indicate that production in the area was most likely above average. Lingering spring rainfall means late-hatch poults enjoyed high survival rates and plentiful food, including scads of protein-rich insects, which helped them grow quickly and thrive.

Meanwhile, Brian Riley, who operates an upland-game and hog-hunting operation on his ranch in western Tehama County, told California Game & Fish that the turkey population in his area is impressive.

"We started hunting turkeys seriously on the ranch a couple of years ago, and we have had great success in both spring and fall," said Riley. "Naturally, I keep an eye on the turkeys, and lately I've seen more of them around than ever. I'd say the 2007 spring season will be a winner."

Other northern counties with turkeys include Modoc and Siskiyou, where interest is growing along with the take. According to the latest figures, Trinity County was lowest on the totem pole, which is not unusual in this heavily timbered, mountainous region.

COAST RANGE TO THE SIERRA NEVADA
The area between the Coast Range and the Sierra Nevada includes such turkey-hunting hotspots as El Dorado, Amador, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Napa and Lake counties.