Missouri turkey population rebounding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State scientists say Missouri's wild turkey population appears to be on the rebound.

The Department of Conservation says it has observed a higher ratio of young turkeys to hens than compared to the average over the past five or 10 years. Some of the strongest numbers have been reported in northern Missouri, which had been most affected by a downturn in turkey production that began in the early 2000s.

The department says Missouri has now had strong turkey reproduction in three of the past four years. That means hunters should start seeing more turkeys in the woods.