Jim Sciascia wouldn't hesitate to recommend Weldon Brook WMA, also in Sussex County (THA 7). But he said hunters also have a tendency to overlook some great hunting opportunities to the south.

Additionally, for the last few years, the poult count in and around the region of Indian Springs WMA has been good to excellent. This is one WMA that offers plenty of elbowroom in addition to an excellent population of birds.

By the way, hunters unfamiliar with the Maryland WMAs suggested here need only visit the state's Web site at www.dnr.state.md.us, and type in "Wildlife Management Areas" in the search engine. Once there, you'll find these WMAs, plus specific directions to get to each one.

If you're heading to the autumn turkey woods for the first time, be certain to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of the state within which you'll be hunting.

Remember, there are a few significant changes to the fall regulations compared to the spring season. For instance, in the Garden State, spring turkey hunters are required to be out of the woods by noon.

Conversely, during the fall season, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. That's the entire day, folks.

Also, in New Jersey, just as during the spring season, any bird harvested must be reported. But once you take that bird, you're done. One bird per hunter, per season is the limit. The same applies in Maryland.

New Jersey's fall 2007 season will open on Monday, Oct. 29, and conclude on Nov. 3. And even though New Jersey has no requirements concerning wearing blaze or fluorescent orange, it is a good, safe idea to wear blaze orange when entering or leaving the woods. In fact, hunters should have something like a hat or vest tucked away in their pocket that they can put on when leaving the woods, especially if they're toting a bird.

Maryland's definition of a "week" is a bit different than New Jersey's. Beyer told me the fall season for the Old Line State will kick off on Saturday, Oct. 27, and conclude on Nov. 3.

Beyer stressed the recent implementation of the state's electronic reporting system, and fall turkey gunners should keep this in mind: "We no longer have those check stations where hunters can bring and register their birds. Now reporting the taking of a bird is done entirely by computer (electronically), but hunters are required to do this."

Again, like New Jersey, Maryland has no strict requirements pertaining to the wearing of blaze orange. But wearing at least a blaze orange hat or vest when entering or leaving the turkey woods is not only a good idea, but one that just might save your life.

As a closing thought, especially for those who may be taking to the fall woods for the first time this year: Expect to put a lot more miles on those old hunting boots than you would during the spring season.

Fall turkey hunting is tough and challenging, but turkey hunters are an innovative and creative lot. If there's a lawful and ethical way to call-in or take a last-minute bird, a turkey hunter will find it. Good luck, and above all, hunt safely.