It really isn't rocket science....
The old timer biologists had it right... spring gobbler harvest won't affect turkey populations if the males are removed AFTER the hens are bred.
It's just common sense... if season opens before hens are bred, and you kill half of the entire seasons gobblers before hens are bred... well ... that might lead to some lonely hens when it comes time to breed and lay eggs.
Sure, the real decline is more complicated than that... but who of you is going to improve habitat and improve nesting cover so the poults have better brood habitat? Who of you are going to remove predators so the hens, their eggs, and their poults are going to have a better chance of survival?
For the 90% of 'turkey hunters' lazy SOBs that just want to post their FB kills or their Instagram likes, delaying season opening is the best 'sacrifice' (although just a minor sacrifice) they can make.
For those that really care about the wild turkey, they are going to keep putting more back than they take... improving habitat, trapping predators, self limiting harvest in areas with few birds.
The assumption that turkeys will now always be available in huntable populations throughout the US is just plain wrong. WE as hunters have to do whatever is necessary to ensure we hear their gobbles every spring. If you arent putting back more than you take
.. well, YOU are the problem, and no season structure, harvest limit, or any other govt regulation can undo the damage you are doing. QUIT taking the experience of wild turkey hunting for granted.
(Sorry for the soap box rant...)