In recent years, the Blue Spring, Black Warrior, Covington and Scotch WMAs have attracted the most hunters and given up the most birds. Choccolocco and Oakmulgee seem always to be in the mix as well.

The 23,370-acre Blue Spring WMA near Andalusia tops the list. Season permits can be obtained by writing to area biologist Thagard Colvin, 1100 S. 3-Notch St., Andalusia, AL 36420. Requests must include current hunting (state and WMA) license numbers and a large stamped, self-addressed envelope. Permits are also available at the check station inside the Conecuh National Forest.

Also in Covington County and spanning 22,490 acres near Florala, the Covington WMA is among the top destinations and producers of turkeys as well. Season permits can usually be found at the check station close to the Lawrence Fire Tower on Covington County Road (CR) 89. In addition, you can find them at Clem's Tackle Shop in Opp, at Lockhart Grocery in Florala, and at Revel's Grocery in the Samson community. To request one by mail, send a note, your license numbers and your SASE to area biologist John Powers, 1100 South 3-Notch Street, Andalusia, AL 36420.

The 97,953-acre Black Warrior WMA lies within the sprawling Bankhead National Forest, which could well be the largest and prettiest oak forest in this state. To further whet turkey hunters' appetites, a vast network of well-kept roads allows easy access, while there are plenty of food plots that can only be reached by foot. Simply park at the cables blocking the access roads, which shows others where you're likely hunting, and walk the 200 to 400 yards to the field.

Season-long permits are available at the check station or by writing to area biologist Ron Eakes, P.O. Box 775, Moulton, AL 35650 (enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and current hunting license numbers).

Season permits are also available at numerous outlets in Moulton, Russellville, Mt. Hope, Haleyville and Double Springs.

It should come as no surprise that the 18,207-acre Scotch WMA, in Clarke County, is a leading producer of turkeys. The beauty of this mostly mature pine forest and its many hardwood drainages is stunning.

Turkey permits may be picked up at the WMA headquarters between Thomasville and Grove Hill, or through the mail by writing area manager John W. Reid, 790 Firetower Road, Coffeeville, AL 36524.

The youth hunts are gaining in popularity, but getting a jump on the birds is not a sure bet for bringing one to the gun. A dozen WMAs hosted the events last year, attracting 258 young hunters and their unarmed adult supervisors. Only seven gobblers were tagged.

Other public tracts that have traditionally hosted youth hunts are Autauga, Barbour, Escambia Creek, Boykin, Hollins, Kinterbish and Wolf Creek WMAs. Five of the seven birds shot during all the hunts came off Boykin.

The 18,185-acre Boykin WMA spans portions of Washington and Mobile counties in southwest Alabama. The birds on the tract are piney woods turkeys, and there are a bunch of them. Though you don't have to check your gobblers out at most other WMAs, you must do it here.

Season permits may be obtained from a self-service box at the check station or by writing the District V Office, P.O. Box 247, Daphne, AL 36526.

Though the terrain is difficult on Mulberry Fork property, which was formerly strip-mined for coal, the number of mature birds will keep you going back. I have taken at least three gobbles off Mulberry Fork that sported 1 1/2-inch spurs and 11-inch-or-longer toe-tickling beards.

The 2004 season at these two WMAs runs March 15 through April 30.