So, I am trying to narrow down scouting locations for some boots on the ground work, in east central MA (Zones 9 and 10). I know a lot the public areas that have the optimum pines, oaks, and field combo are typically packed with other hunters and getting too crowded for my comfort. So I am hoping to find birds in more heavily wooded areas. Looking at areas with a good mix of pines and oaks still, with a plan to hit those areas where's there a change over from one to the other like an island of pines surrounded by oaks or vice versa. Ideally relatively near water sources like small ponds and bogs. I was also looking at electric utility corridors, but over my first couple seasons of looking hunting turkeys so far, I really haven't seen much turkey activity along the power lines. What else am I missing? Are more heavily wooded areas away from fields a waste of time? Are there other general habitat features you'd recommend looking for when you're scanning aerials?
Any recommendations welcome!
Any recommendations welcome!