Both the state forest and the wildlife management area straddle the Oswego-Jefferson county border about an hour north of Syracuse on I-81 to Lacona and then east on Smartville Road to the southern ends of both areas. Traveling east from the next three exits will also provide access.

Littlejohn WMA is better managed for turkeys, with mast-producing trees and forest openings. There are trails to make it easier to access the more remote sections. It is roughly two miles wide (west to east) and about 3 1/2 miles long.

Understand, however, that you will probably find more turkeys in these counties by seeking access to private agricultural lands to the west on lower ground, which receives somewhat less snow and has more diverse habitat.

For tourism information, contact the Oswego County Department of Promotion and Tourism, County Office Building, 46 East Bridge St., Oswego, NY 13126; or call (315) 349-8322.

ADIRONDACKS
Wild turkeys were not native to the Adirondack Mountains, at least not in large numbers, yet the modern population has somehow found a niche there. This was partly due to changes in the habitat brought about by human development. More fields and a better variety of foods, thanks to the efforts of small agricultural holdings, persist in the Adirondack region and work to the birds' advantage. Grassy fields are especially important in the development of young turkeys because of their abundant insect life, which provides more protein than vegetation.

A series of relatively mild winters could have played an important role, too. Turkeys have wandered into the lower elevations but within sight of the high peaks. An Adirondack spring gobbler hunt with some chance for success is possible, but unless you live there and watch the birds daily, your best bet for scoring is probably in the fringes of the Adirondack Park, such as on the Black River Wild Forest. Still, this region is probably not a good place to hunt following harsh winters. Even so, Herkimer County, which gets right into the heart of the Adirondacks, ranks a respectable 16th in the state for average spring gobbler harvests.

The Black River Wild Forest is at the southwestern corner of the Adirondack Park, not too far from Albany or Syracuse. Exit from I-90, the New York Thruway, at Utica and follow Route 12 north. Turn right onto Route 28, and then turn right again toward Forestport Station. Follow North Lake Road east out of Forestport Station and into the Adirondack Park and Forest Preserve.

The terrain here is low mountains and valleys with ponds and wetlands. It is covered with conifers and birches in the lowlands and mostly hardwoods along the ridges.

New York's spring gobbler season is a great time for camping. This is the perfect area for hunters who like to rough it. Plastic discs mark established but undeveloped campsites. There are some sites along the roads and along the southwest shore of North Lake. Turn left just before crossing the dam that creates North Lake Reservoir. These sites even have outhouses.

Information about local services is available from the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, P.O. Box 2149, Plattsburgh, NY 12901; call (518) 846-8016, or check the agency's Web site at wwwadk.com.