In the 1990s, state highway officials shut down the main bridge to the island due to structural deficiencies. As a result, automotive vehicles are not allowed on the island. It’s still permissible to walk across the decaying bridge off Howland Island Road, but parking room along the road is limited. Hunting pressure is also minimal on the opposite side of the island, off Carncross Road east of Savannah. At that location, a small parking area and a pedestrian bridge afford access to the island. The island flock is healthy and not unduly pressured.

The key to connecting with a nice tom -- like the 20-pounder Keith DePauw of Jordan downed in 2006 -- is pinpointing roosting areas that overlook interior roads.

To get to the island from the Thruway exit at Weedsport, go west on Route 31 to Port Byron and then north on Route 38 to North Main Street, which leads directly to the closed east-side bridge. A brochure on the island, available from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 8 office at (585) 226-2466, will prove helpful in finding your way around.

For lodging information, contact the Wayne County tourism office at 1-800-527-6510. SUMMERHILL
STATE FOREST
Many state forests are lightly hunted after the first day or two of the spring turkey season. The Summerhill Reforestation area in Cayuga County is a prime example, even though it is roomy enough, at 4,355 acres, to accommodate more than a couple of hunters at once.

Located in the town of Summerhill, the irregularly-shaped tract is bordered at its extreme south end by state Route 90 about four miles east of Locke, and sliced by four local byways (Tollgate Road, Lick Street, Salt Road and Dresser Road) that head north, off Route 90. Most of the acreage is covered with stately conifers, but you’ll also find some thick ground foliage and a few grassy fields along the perimeter of the property.

Following an ideal 2007 breeding and poult-rearing season in Cayuga County, there should be plenty of birds at Summerhill this year.

To get there from the Rochester or Syracuse metro areas, take U.S. Route 20 to Auburn and then head south on Route 38 along the west shore of Owasco Lake to Moravia. From there, continue south on Route 38 to Locke. At the blinking light, turn left onto Route 90.

Some of New York’s most promising turkey-hunting spots are owned by the taxpayers and are available to licensed hunters.

Travelers may choose from a wide range of lodging alternatives in or near the city of Auburn. For guidance, contact the Cayuga County Tourism office at 1-800-499-9615.

UPPER AND LOWER
LAKES WMA
St. Lawrence County deserves its reputation as one of the state’s up-and-coming turkey-hunting destinations.

Upper and Lower Lakes WMA is on county Route 14, about five miles west of Canton. As its name hints, Upper and Lower Lakes is dominated by wetlands, yet it is also dotted with small woodlots and grassy fields that, between them, afford made-to-order roosting, nesting and strutting areas for turkeys.