The 2005 Illinois spring turkey season harvest fell just short of the record-setting kill recorded in 2004, but the difference was only 100 birds. The bottom line is that the outlook is bright for Illinois' upcoming spring turkey season.

"Statewide populations continue to look very good, though growth has been slowing somewhat," explained Paul Shelton of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "This is not unexpected, as more established turkey populations tend to show less growth than is observed in more newly-established flocks."

Shelton also noted that reproduction has been below average for a few years in a row. The good news is that help from Mother Nature can only improve things.

"I do believe," Shelton said, "that one good year of reproduction would result in a fantastic hunting season for the next year."

Keep your fingers crossed for decent weather -- the birds seem to be doing the rest!

The following represents our annual county-by-county rating system for potential hunter success this spring. We used five categories to weigh three factors impacting your area's hunting potential, including population strength, historical hunter success and accessibility to public land. One point was awarded to each county that has: 1) experienced three consecutive years of increasing harvest totals; 2) a total harvest last season greater than its five-year kill average; 3) a turkey population strong enough to support a fall hunt; 4) public ground available where turkeys can be hunted; and 5) issued permits specifically for a hunting unit within that county -- independent of, and in addition to, the county's general permits. The highest possible score is five points.

Additionally, to help put these ratings in perspective, we've added a rating in parenthesis representing the county's average score based on our system over the last five years.

This is how they add up for the upcoming 2006 spring turkey season.

ADAMS -- 3 (4.6)
Adams County ranked third in Illinois for total harvest, but last season's take (483) was the third year of decline since the high of 543 in 2002. The five-year average is 504.2. Public ground is available.

ALEXANDER -- 5 (3.6)
Last season was the best ever, with 130 birds in the bag. The five-year average is 113.6 turkeys.

BOND -- 1 (2.2)
Last season saw 127 toms taken, their best season yet. Five-year average is 106.4, but there is no public access.

BOONE -- 1 (1.6)
Forty birds last year, coming in slightly below their previous best of 44 the year before. Five-year average is 34.6 turkeys.

BROWN -- 3 (3.8)
A fairly consistent producer, with a five-year average of 284.6 birds, but last season saw a decline to 276 from the previous year's high of 313.

BUREAU -- 2 (2)
The upward trend continues, with last year's take of 132 birds being their best ever. But no public access hurts the score.

CALHOUN -- 1 (2.6)
The totals are large, but the downward trend continues. Last season's kill, at 325 toms, was the worst in eight years. The best year was 2000 (458), and the five-year average slipped to 385.4 turkeys.