For example, on a visit to Pocahontas County last year during the first week of May, I was astonished to see patches of snow in several upland hollows. And in some of these frost pockets, the snow was several feet deep. If you think rain can cool off a hard-gobbling monarch, imagine what several inches of snow can do to the old boy.

As was true in 2002, Lewis County (377) led the way in District II in 2003. In fact, during both years, this county, which lies in the heart of the state, was basically unchallenged for its harvest supremacy, pacing the district by a large margin and coming in fifth overall in the state in 2003.

I must admit that I relish turkey hunting in Lewis County and try to visit this area every few years. The gentle, rolling hills, the oak/hickory wood lots and stream bottoms characterize Lewis County and provide outstanding turkey habitat.

Other counties with noteworthy turkey harvests include Braxton (289), Nicholas (199), Pocahontas (133) and Upshur (271). If you want to visit a county with a great deal of public land and relatively little hunting pressure, consider Randolph (207).

Last year, Fayette County (308) topped the district, improving on its second-place showing in 2002. That year saw Greenbrier County (288) pacing the region, but Greenbrier skidded to third in 2003, trailing Raleigh (293).

Fayette is simply a county that has a steadily increasing deer and turkey population. The New River Gorge, and the New's many tributaries, plus upland hollows, mountain hardwood stands and precious little agricultural land characterize Fayette County - one of the more mountainous domains in the state. Killing a gobbler in this type of habitat is always a challenge, but one that many local hunters are increasingly meeting.

Other District IV counties with significant harvests include Mercer (277), Summers (253) and Wyoming (236). For a dark horse candidate, consider McDowell (220). Over the past 10 years, this county has displayed a number of respectable harvests; meanwhile, the human population has decreased because of the poor economy in the coalfields. Gain permission to a mountain farm in this region, and you could be in for some sizzling action.

Mason County is characterized by the Ohio River, numerous lowland tributaries, scattered wood lots, rolling hill country and agricultural areas - making it one of the more diverse counties in the state habitat-wise. Gaining permission to a Mason County farm could mean you'd be enjoying some of the best turkey hunting in the entire Southeast.

Other counties with impressive harvests include Kanawha (259), Lincoln (220), Putnam (243) and Wayne (239). A county that is definitely on the rise is Cabell (170); its harvests have risen the past five years.

Last year, Jackson County (469) topped the district and was second in the state, trailing only Mason. Jackson also topped the harvest parade in 2002, and few hunters would be surprised if the same is true in 2004. Other sportsmen might list Ritchie County (440) as a serious contender because this domain was second in the district last year, as well as being fourth statewide.

I know of several Missouri turkey enthusiasts who journey each year from the Midwest to a Jackson County farm to pursue our state's birds. Now the import of that news is that hunters from across the country look upon Missouri as a turkey-hunting utopia, yet my friends depart the Show Me State in order to hunt the Mountain State.

The Ohio River courses through Jackson County, as do a number of its tributaries. The county is also known for its many family farms, gently sloping hills and mixed wood lots. It goes without saying that Jackson is increasingly known for its considerable turkey population.

Other District VI counties with impressive harvests include Doddridge (245), Roane (327), Tyler (244), Wirt (326) and Wood (354). Gilmer County (223) was not even in the top five in this district, but I have enjoyed several exciting hunts while being afield in Gilmer; yet it is overshadowed by the competition in this district. Indeed, in many districts, people would be coming from all over the region to hunt a county like Gilmer.

The answers to these questions, respectively, are no, no, yes and no. Poor weather most certainly can have a negative effect on any state's turkey harvest. I gave up counting the number of times last spring I could not venture afield because of rainy mornings or the number of times I went home early because of midmorning showers. The precipitation occurred in such great amounts that some mornings I could not cross small streams in order to reach prime hunting areas.

Given decent weather, look for the Mountain State's turkey-hunting brigade, which contains some of the most gifted turkey callers anywhere, to post a harvest increase. And, yes, our state does proffer some outstanding sport on both public and private land. Turkey harvests rise and fall in any given year, but it is a fact that West Virginia has a turkey hunting population that is the envy of many states.

In 2004, West Virginia's turkey season is tentatively slated to run from April 26 to May 22. As usual, the daily bag limit will be one with the season limit of two. For more information, pick up the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, from a local sporting goods store or log on to the DNR's Web site: www.dnr.state.wv.us.