As McBride noted, Cumberland County boasts most of the public acreage in this area. Ones significant in terms of size -- as in 2,000 acres and up -- include Buckshutem (3,651), Dix (2,630), Egg Island (nearly 9,000), New Sweden (2,351), Millville (14,000) and Union Lake (5,000). All or portions of these WMAs lie in Cumberland County.

Recently, the DFW offered an option to apply electronically for turkey hunting permits. The program was so successful that paper applications were eliminated, starting last year.

Hunters can apply directly via their home computer, or can visit a participating license agent to do so. Logging on to www.njfishandwildlife.com, the DFW's Web site, and clicking on that link will bring up the application.

Also starting last year, the DFW established separate application periods for the spring and fall hunts, thus eliminating the need for hunters to apply for the fall hunt several months in advance.

DELAWARE
Despite its modest size and areas of suburban expansion, Delaware hosts a significant wild turkey population. Wherever habitat is available, the state's wild turkeys do very well, providing a valuable hunting opportunity. Last season's spring hunt is a good measure of the success of Delaware's Wild Turkey Program.

Wildlife biologists feel that this year's spring hunt should provide good opportunities for hunters, similar to what they have experienced during recent years.

Ken Reynolds, Delaware's wild turkey biologist, said that wild turkey populations remain relatively stable. Harvest numbers run from 120 to 150 birds each year. Population trends, in regard to age-class, run pretty consistent with those found in New Jersey and Maryland. In 2007, Delaware experienced a good hatch that will provide plenty of juvenile birds for the upcoming season.

Reynolds said that breeding conditions were favorable in 2006, which should mean fair numbers of 2-year-old birds. His agency received some "pretty good reports from hunters," he said. At present, Delaware's wild turkey population is estimated at 3,500 birds, well distributed throughout the suitable habitat found in the state.

In regards to the best turkey habitat available, Reynolds noted that the turkey zone is fairly well defined.

"We only have three counties in Delaware," said Reynolds. "But Sussex, our largest and southernmost county, has the most forest habitat. It produces most of our birds. Usually, the best areas are from the central to the southern portion of the county."

As with most states -- particularly ones like Delaware, which has limited public hunting lands boasting suitable wild turkey habitat -- the odds would have to favor the private land hunter. During last season's hunt, 89 percent of the birds harvested were taken from private land. Still, the hunter lacking access to private land should not be deterred. There remains a respectable amount of public land, though it does require a permit.